Water pump a little too powerful. Can I put in a resistor in series?

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ChasB

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My pump, a Jabsco that was put in recently. It puts out a torrent, and since my plumbing's a bit old I keep getting leaks. Re-plumbing this boat would be such a pain. I'm wondering if knocking down the voltage a little by putting a resistor in series might be a simple solution. The pump's manual says it draws 5 amps.

Would this work? Or am I nuts? And any suggestions on what to buy?

Thanks! ;)
 
ChasB said:
My pump, a Jabsco that was put in recently. It puts out a torrent, and since my plumbing's a bit old I keep getting leaks. Re-plumbing this boat would be such a pain. I'm wondering if knocking down the voltage a little by putting a resistor in series might be a simple solution. The pump's manual says it draws 5 amps.

Would this work? Or am I nuts? And any suggestions on what to buy?

Thanks! ;)
Click to expand...

No, it will not work. Ypu need to adjust the pump pressure or fit a lower pressure switch.
 
This link may be useful (depends on your pump model of course, but most have similar pressure switches). The dire warning not to adjust the pressure setting screw is exactly what you have to ignore! Many of us have adjusted the pressure up or down according to need.
 
ChasB said:
OK. Got the pump out. Any ideas on how i change the pressure?




It's a Jabsco 30620-0292. Manual here: https://www.pumpagents.com/pdf/JabscoPumps/30620-0292.pdf

It says 'Low Pressure Switch used on -0212 and -0224 models"

Oh well. That's that then... :(
Click to expand...

You cannot adjust that and it's the lowest pressure Par Max 4 pump. With respect, if your water system won't withstand 20 psi, you need to sort it out.
 
Agree to sorting it out if defective.

Had the same need to control a separate deck wash pump as it pushes out a lot more than the domestic.

Fitted this type (not the actual image) in-line near the pump, works perfectly - also with 12 volt:

Whitagram-Image-8.jpg
 
It seems to me your only sensible option is to fit a separate adjustable pressure switch to control the pump. I had something like that at one time before the old pump was replaced.
 
Oh Right Rainbow.
His system has an accumulator.
I thought it was just a flow activated system.
Looks like an adjustable pressure switch is the way

Gary
 
Yup you're right - an adjustable pressure switch. I hadn't thought about what triggers the on/off in the pump. I've even got a few rheostats that would likely have done the job, only... they wouldn't.

So there you go - always worth consulting the folks in the know on YBW. ;)

And here's stroke of good luck! The pump itself was leaking. A slow drip. Turns out to be the washer in the inlet assembly. Someone had for some reason substituted rolled up plumbers tape for a ring washer! :mad: Gawdknows why. I didn't have a washer of the right size. Tried others. Very specific. I rummaged through a bag of plumbing bits a neighbor had thrown out ("Bound to be something useful in there" I thought, maybe two years ago) and lo - a whole intact Jabsco inlet assembly! What are the chances? :)
 
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