Water pump 'splurting' what's wrong...

[PetiteFleur]

The domestic water pump is not running correctly - the water comes out in 'splurts' and not regular flow as normal, and the pump does not stop running. Sounds like air in the system but how to sort? From memory it's a Shurflo pump, about 7/8 years old, never had this problem before, even after draining and then filling tank, it 'splurts' for a few seconds, the pump stops and everything is fine. I'm going down tomorrow and would be good to know what to look for as I have to dismantle half the boat to get at it and I'm not so flexible as I used to be!

 

[RichardS]

The symptoms do fit an airlock somewhere. All you can do is open all the taps fully at the same time and ensure that the water tank is brim full.

If that doesn't clear it after a minute or so then it must be something wrong with the pump or its ancillaries.

Richard

 

[VicS]

If Richard's suggestion does not work I think I would critically examine the pump body , the inlet strainer, and the connectors for signs of frost damage.

Then progress to stripping down the pump but I cannot think of a fault that causes the spluttering. Usually the problem is the pump not cutting out or frequently cycling on.

 

[toucancatketch]

I just went through this. Loose hose clamp on household filter. Air leak started after being bumped. Start with the basic checks before attacking the pump.

 

[oldgit]

the inlet strainer, .

cleaning solved my splurting !
looked that it had never been touched since new.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Thanks everyone - I'll try all the suggestions before pump strip down.

 

[Momac]

I had the same sort of issue last year.
I cleaned the inlet filter and replaced the O rings on the inlet and outlet fittings and at the same time replaced an internal O ring .
I also found a corroded electrical connector which may or may not have been contributing to the fault.
People said I would need new pump. However the repair has so far proved successful.

 

[Momac]

By the way mine is a Flojet pump so perhaps different in design to yours.

 

[PetiteFleur]

Update - I think I've sorted it - I removed the inlet filter and the filter gauze was gunged up with what I can only describe as 'snot' ... cleaned and still 'splurting' - refitted filter and still splurted - checked filter and gunged up with snot again. Cleaned filter and redirected water into bucket, excellent flow with very little snot on the gauze. Tested back into the system and taps appear to work fine. I should add that I initially removed the Aqua Filter as I thought it may have been leaking as I thought I heard a hissing sound but when I removed the filter itself the bracket broke... on inspection the new this year filter was very difficult to remove and refit. It's now in my shed awaiting repair/modification - the body does not appear to be strong enough...