Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
I know we have couple of threads on the subject of lost water pressure, but I just experienced a unique situation and thought it would be good idea to share it here, which could help saving someone's day.
The Problem:
I first noticed some loss of pressure when taking shower. It was inconsistent, sometimes it's fine, sometimes it very low. I thought that it was time to check the shower screens on the connection to the shower head and the faucet. All were in decent shape. As the loss of pressure in the shower progressed, it now began at the galley sink as well. I checked the screen and it was fine. Since we were away on a weekend trip and there was no great urgency, as we still could function, I just kept monitoring. I also figured that maybe my FW pump is acting up and might need to be replaced.
Next thing you know, I lose hot water. So, I thought what a coincident. First I lose pressure, then hot water.
Troubleshooting:
Back at the dock I figured to quickly diagnose if I have a pump issue. I connect to the dock side water and the pressure issue is still there. Once I had a situation when my FW pump and the pressure regulator valve in the stern locker failed at the same time. I thought that it would be too much of a coincident for the same to happen again. I inspected the screen at the hook up and cleaned it. No improvement.
Now that I see that there are several issues that took place at the same time, I knew that the only way to solve it by separating the issues and focus at one at the time.
1. Hot Water - A thought crossed my mind that my HWH went and I was thinking is worth replacing just a heating element or just go for a new heater. I touch the tank and it felt warm. I open a valve on the heater and I have hot water coming out. Now that was an indication that my HWH is ok and the issue is elsewhere.
2. Water Pressure - At this point I know that it's not a FW pump issue as I have no pressure from the dock either. Now I figured to see is the pressure affected at both sides, cold and hot water. That was the biggest clue. I had normal pressure at the cold side and nothing on the hot side.
Solution:
I'm not going to keep you guys guessing, so I'll just post a solution.
We have several check valves in the system and in my configuration there's a check valve at the HWH, which simply fell apart, internally. Once I took it out, all went back to normal. The pressure at each faucet was normal and I have hot water.
I obviously figure that I just need to replace the check valve. I did some search and came up with mixed finding regarding the need for it. There's logical explanation how it helps preventing HW going to the cold side and/or the FW tank. But, some say they don't have these issues if nothing is T'ed off near the HWH. I also don't have any issues that I can report. So, what the experienced people say? Is there really a need for a check valve at the HWH or not?
The Problem:
I first noticed some loss of pressure when taking shower. It was inconsistent, sometimes it's fine, sometimes it very low. I thought that it was time to check the shower screens on the connection to the shower head and the faucet. All were in decent shape. As the loss of pressure in the shower progressed, it now began at the galley sink as well. I checked the screen and it was fine. Since we were away on a weekend trip and there was no great urgency, as we still could function, I just kept monitoring. I also figured that maybe my FW pump is acting up and might need to be replaced.
Next thing you know, I lose hot water. So, I thought what a coincident. First I lose pressure, then hot water.
Troubleshooting:
Back at the dock I figured to quickly diagnose if I have a pump issue. I connect to the dock side water and the pressure issue is still there. Once I had a situation when my FW pump and the pressure regulator valve in the stern locker failed at the same time. I thought that it would be too much of a coincident for the same to happen again. I inspected the screen at the hook up and cleaned it. No improvement.
Now that I see that there are several issues that took place at the same time, I knew that the only way to solve it by separating the issues and focus at one at the time.
1. Hot Water - A thought crossed my mind that my HWH went and I was thinking is worth replacing just a heating element or just go for a new heater. I touch the tank and it felt warm. I open a valve on the heater and I have hot water coming out. Now that was an indication that my HWH is ok and the issue is elsewhere.
2. Water Pressure - At this point I know that it's not a FW pump issue as I have no pressure from the dock either. Now I figured to see is the pressure affected at both sides, cold and hot water. That was the biggest clue. I had normal pressure at the cold side and nothing on the hot side.
Solution:
I'm not going to keep you guys guessing, so I'll just post a solution.
We have several check valves in the system and in my configuration there's a check valve at the HWH, which simply fell apart, internally. Once I took it out, all went back to normal. The pressure at each faucet was normal and I have hot water.
I obviously figure that I just need to replace the check valve. I did some search and came up with mixed finding regarding the need for it. There's logical explanation how it helps preventing HW going to the cold side and/or the FW tank. But, some say they don't have these issues if nothing is T'ed off near the HWH. I also don't have any issues that I can report. So, what the experienced people say? Is there really a need for a check valve at the HWH or not?
