new freshwater pump (what brand)

[boatman37]

Still diagnosing but think I might need a new freshwater pump. So far seems like that is the culprit. If so what is a good one? Currently it has a Jabsco ParMax 29. Supposedly it was replaced 3 years ago then the boat was winterized and stored until I bought it a couple weeks ago. I'm ok with going back to the same brand/model but just getting opinions on what others would buy? We don't use much freshwater so won't have a bunch of time on it. Probably go through maybe 50-75 gallons a year on it.

 

[sbw1]

Our boat came with twin Shurflow water pumps. They are so quiet you do not hear them run. Also very robust design. Ours are 14 years old and are used for taking showers, making ice, flushing the head. We never hook up to water at the dock and these pumps supply what seems like the water pressure in your home. I've been on some boats where the pumps are so loud that they startle you the first time you hear them come on. So look a Shurflow before you make a final decision.

 

[Blueone]

This is the setup on my boat. My original shurflo lasted 13 years. This one lasted one season less than a year. Shurflo ignored calls and emails to replace under warranty. I purchased a lower end and it's been fine. I am not sure about other models but this one isn't really quiet. Like sbw we only use our fresh water tank. The accumulator is a must to keep cycling down to a minimum. But for the reasons above I wouldn't buy a Shurflo again... And I haven't done much looking around to say what's better

 

[boatman37]

Mine runs but nothing comes out. One time it seemed to 'catch' and spit water out from somewhere so there is a leak after the pump that I need to track down. I just installed a water heater bypass (still have to put the bypass hose on). This was to eliminate a possible leaking tank and also for winterizing. I removed the inlet on the pump and it ran out. Took the filter off (same filter you have Blueone) and filter is clean. Took the outlet side off the pump and got nothing. Pump will run non-stop. So 99% sure the pump is bad.

 

[Blueone]

Or like I said just buy a repair kit for the lower unit. That will get you a new pump and pressure switch for $60

 

[Little Ducky]

I rebuilt my old shurflo when it stopped making pressure and it still works like a charm.

 

[boatman37]

Finally transferred the trailer title today (long story). But told the previous owner that I still couldn't get the pump going. She said her friend had disconnected the side of the 'T' that went to the heater and held her thumb over it to get it going. Does that indicate anything? I removed the output side of the pump and nothing came out but later I had the pump shut off with the input of the heater disconnected (so just past where the PO plugged it with her thumb) and with the pump off it was dribbling out.
I have the bypass all hooked up except the hose connecting the input to output and would have had it done had I not sliced my thumb cutting said hose...lol. So once I have that hose on I will try again.
Still confused by this. Doesn't pump with pump on and output disconnected but the HWH did fill up so something must have been pumping? At one point the pump did start pumping but it leaked all over the bilge from somewhere? Now the PO says when they plugged off the output side of the 'T' going to the HWH it worked? So if the HWH is leaking that wouldn't cause the pump to not pump anything? Understanding it would leak and not get to the faucets but it wasn't even leaking anywhere until that one time.

 

[bobeast]

Check the line between your tank and the pump. If there is "leak" anywhere in that run, you'll just suck air, and the pump will continue to run. In addition to the visible fittings, consider the possibility of a broken or dropped dip-tube inside the tank itself. One quick way to test is to hook up a temporary hose to the pump inlet and drop the end in a bucket of water. IF that solves it, the problem is not your pump.

 

[boatman37]

Check the line between your tank and the pump. If there is "leak" anywhere in that run, you'll just suck air, and the pump will continue to run. In addition to the visible fittings, consider the possibility of a broken or dropped dip-tube inside the tank itself. One quick way to test is to hook up a temporary hose to the pump inlet and drop the end in a bucket of water. IF that solves it, the problem is not your pump.

dip tube? The outlet is at the bottom of the tank. Pretty much gravity fed I guess? When I unhooked the tank line from the pump it poured out of the tank.

There doesn't 'appear' to be any leaks between the pump and tank but not 100% certain of that. Good idea on the bucket. Will give that a try if I don't have any luck with bypassing the HWH

 

[bobeast]

dip tube? The outlet is at the bottom of the tank. Pretty much gravity fed I guess? When I unhooked the tank line from the pump it poured out of the tank.

There doesn't 'appear' to be any leaks between the pump and tank but not 100% certain of that. Good idea on the bucket. Will give that a try if I don't have any luck with bypassing the HWH

lol. Yeah I guess I should have asked about your configuration. My tank has its exit at the top with a tube that draws water up from the bottom of the tank.