2000 380 SD Poor fresh water pressure

[searaycruisn]

I am getting poor water pressure in the galley sink, the shower, and the head sink when the boat is hooked up to shore water supply.

I have a shure flo water filter mounted in the transom. So, I hook the hose from the shore hook up to the shure flo. From there, there is a short hose that is then connected to the pressure regulator on the boat.

This weekend, I took the pressure regulator off, and hooked a hose directly to the regulator and turned on the water to make sure it is not clogged. It seemed to flow very well. I also removed the air rators and screens at the galley sink, the shower handle, and the head sink.

Still, very poor pressure. Now this is with the fresh water pump turned off. I get good pressure when I run the pump. But, of course, that means I need to keep refilling the fresh water holding tank.

Why am I not getting good pressure from the shore hook up? Are there any other filters in the line that I am missing that could be clogged? This is very frustratring. The water is dribbling out of the sinks and shower...

 

[fc3]

It's either the water filter, the connecting hose from filter to regulator, or the pressure regulator. There is nothing else in that circuit that is not in common with the on-board pump. If you by-passed the filter and connecting hose (it could be collapsed) finding that the flow is still weak, replace the regulator.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[dc380]

Eric

I had the same problem last season. I replaced the pressure regulator and it fixed the problem.

I also had a lot of mineral build up in all the faucets. Which once cleaned helped the flow also.

Can you bypass the regulator and see if you get pressure?

Dave

 

[searaycruisn]

It would be difficult to bypass the regulator because, the connection to the regulator is not the same as you need to connect a garden hose to the inner hose that is the boat plumbing. I suppose I could look for a temporary connector to go from the inner hose (the one that is connected to the regulator) to a garden hose connection (thereby bypassing the regulator).

Maybe I should just swap out the regulator....I hate to just start replacing components, but I will if I determine that there are no other components along the way.

 

[dc380]

I'd swap out the regulator, I think I paid $30.00 for a new one at West Marine. There is nothing else in-line that could be clugged. Unless you have a kinked hose, which I doubt, a new regulator should fix the problem.

 

[searaycruisn]

I agree.

I just ordered one on line. I am thinking that what may be happening is that the reverse valve within the regulator may be bad.

Cost with shipping was $42. Should be in the boat next weekend.

Will let you know how I made out.

Thanks.

 

[searaycruisn]

Replaced the water pressure regulator....and the problem is solved. Water pressure is like being at home! I just wish I had dealt with this sooner.

I will say that when I pulled the old pressure regulator off and attached it to a hose and ran water through it, it looked like the regulator was working fine. Moral of the story is that you cannot tell if a regulator is working properly by running water through it.

If your water pressure is low, replace the regulator.

 

[johnsross3]

Does anyone know where the pressure regulator would be on a 1995 370 Sedan Bridge?

 

[tobnpr]

Don't know the specifics of your boat, but the pressure regulators are always integral to the inlet, reducing pressure (if necessary) prior to it hitting your plumbing.