Noisy water pump

T

Theresamarie11

New Member
Aug 18, 2009
365
Vermont
Boat Info
2002 Sundancer 300
Engines
Twin 350 Mag, Westerbeke Genset
Hi, we've just started our first full season in our 2000 260 DA. One thing that really bothers me is the noise the fresh water system water pump makes when it turns on. It sounds like it's vibrating like crazy and is very loud. Water volume and pressure seems fine at all faucets and head. Are these pumps typically so noisy and/or vibrate a lot. I notice the pump is mounted on rubber feet.

Thanks for your replies.

Terri
 
They are noisy.
 
It shouldn't be just on rubber feet. There is actually an "isolation kit" that should be there. It's nothing fancy. It's just two short lengths of 1-1/2" sanitation hose, layed parallel to each other, that are screwed down to the mounting surface. The pump is then mounted to the hose. You can still hear the pump, but it's just a low hum. At this point, the mounting area (echo) will have more of an effect on noise than the actual pump.

The stock location is on the water heater (if you have that).
 
Last edited:
Just a thought...

They are noisy but, I like to know when its running and when its not.
If you spring a leak somewhere hearing the pump running for no good reason is an indication that something isn't right.

You get used to the sounds of ALL the different systems onboard.
Then, you will notice when something doesn't sound right.

Good luck.
 
Air O'Nautical said:
Just a thought...

They are noisy but, I like to know when its running and when its not.
If you spring a leak somewhere hearing the pump running for no good reason is an indication that something isn't right.

You get used to the sounds of ALL the different systems onboard.
Then, you will notice when something doesn't sound right.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

I agree - great points.
 
Lazy Daze said:
It shouldn't be just on rubber feet. There is actually an "isolation kit" that should be there. It's nothing fancy. It's just two short lengths of 1-1/2" sanitation hose, layed parallel to each other, that are screwed down to the mounting surface. The pump is then mounted to the hose. You can still hear the pump, but it's just a low hum. At this point, the mounting area (echo) will have more of an effect on noise than the actual pump.

The stock location is on the water heater (if you have that).
Click to expand...


Hi Lazy Daze, well that's what I have for isolation, as well as mounted on top of the hot water tank, and it's not just a low humm... it's like a very loud hammering/rattle buzz sound. It's very loud. I can't exactly pin what it sounds like. Something like an old house that has a water system hammering problem. I wonder if it's on it's last leg. Maybe I'll take it out and inspect things.
 
Theresamarie11 said:
Something like an old house that has a water system hammering problem. I wonder if it's on it's last leg. Maybe I'll take it out and inspect things.
Click to expand...

Is the pump's filter clean? It's inside the clear, plastic cap on the pump.

Before you do anything major, unscrew the pump from the heater and hold it in your hand while someone else opens various faucets. See if anything changes. This will at least tell us if the noise is because the heater has something loose (causing vibration).

Just to be sure... do you get good flow out of all faucets? Including the washdown - located in the transom locker. Both the hot and cold side of the galley/head faucets? Make sure your fresh water tank is full and then let each faucet run for a good minute or two, just to make sure all the air is out.

Also, open up the expansion valve (little lever thing near the top) on the hot water heater - maybe there's air trapped in it, somehow. You can also open up the heater drain, to be sure water is in there.
 
Last edited:
Lazy Daze said:
Is the pump's filter clean? It's inside the clear, plastic cap on the pump.

Before you do anything major, unscrew the pump from the heater and hold it in your hand while someone else opens various faucets. See if anything changes. This will at least tell us if the noise is because the heater has something loose (causing vibration).

Just to be sure... do you get good flow out of all faucets? Including the washdown - located in the transom locker. Both the hot and cold side of the galley/head faucets? Make sure your fresh water tank is full and then let each faucet run for a good minute or two, just to make sure all the air is out.

Also, open up the expansion valve (little lever thing near the top) on the hot water heater - maybe there's air trapped in it, somehow. You can also open up the heater drain, to be sure water is in there.
Click to expand...


Thanks Dennis,
Good suggestions.
I did not notice a clear view-port but will stick my head next to it. Also, didn't look for air but since we've flushed the tank several times (filled, emptied, etc) I'm not sure it would still be there. But will look for that expansion valve. We've also used hot and cold water extensively so far this year, flow seems good, or at least what I expected on a boat and I can even spray the anchor area from the rear of the boat when I have the camper canvas up to clean off the anchor mud (although the stream is pretty small).

I could deal with a hum, even a loud hum :smt001. Since I'm totally surrounded by Sea Rays of all sizes (28-fifty four) I can ask some of them to listen to their water pumps to get a baseline.

It's tough being the 'little boat' on the block.


Terri
 
OK, sounds like you've got a good plan of attack. Good luck:smt001

The pump's filter is in-line with the water line. Meaning, the incoming blue water line attaches directly to the filter... the filter is attached to the pump. It'll make sense what you see it. You may want to disconnect the line and take the filter completely off (good thing to do once or twice a year, anyways).
 
Re: Noisy water pump success!!!

Dennis,
Thank you very much, the screen was almost totally clogged and now we can hardly even hear it with the screen cleaned.

Terri

P.s. We owe you one, just not sure how to pay you back.
 
Hey, that's great, Terri!

No worries - I'm just glad I was able to help. :smt001
 
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