Water Pump Runs Every 5 Seconds

[CAMELLA]

Does anyone know what would cause the water pump to run every 5 seconds? I cleaned the strainer out, could it be trapped air in the line? If so, how do I correct the problem?

 

[katricol]

Don't know what pump you have, but mine had a small pressure switch factory preset. cheap and easy to repair. Check your pump paperwork.

 

[Stray Cat]

How long does the pump run each cycle? Typically there is a leak somewhere.

 

[tobnpr]

Could be air, open all faucets/shower to purge.
Is the water flow strong?
Check the obvious like a transom shower to be sure it's all the way off.

A leak would (obviously) make the pump cycle as well.

 

[Redhook98]

Either a leak (or something left on) or a bad pressure switch. Those are the only two things that would do it. Any water build-up anywhere? Have you tried tapping on the switch to see what happens?

 

[bjac]

Does anyone know what would cause the water pump to run every 5 seconds? I cleaned the strainer out, could it be trapped air in the line? If so, how do I correct the problem?

I have had the same problem although not as short a duration for the pump to come on. You have to check all the lines for any water drips (leaks at all). Then check the toilet bowl. See if you water level drops at all (if it does then you are leaking water out of the bowl and have to clean around the ball and rubber seal).
If no leaks are found, it could be an air leak which is harder to find obviously. I also assume when you fill the fresh water tank you let it overflow at the outside entry while you bleed the air off of each tap on board.
If all that fails try adjuting the pump with the screw on the end for pressure adjustment. If your pump is a Shurflo.....I've attached a diagram to help.

Bill

 

[techmitch]

Make sure the dock side water hookup, press. regulator/check valve isn't leaking externally. This will cause your exact problem.

 

[endless seas]

Check your ice maker if you have one>

 

[Alegria]

I've chased that gremlin this year. Also a leaking connection on the hot water heater will do it. It will just run into the bilge sump. If its cycling every 5 seconds you should be able to hear the leak if its on the pressure side (output side going to all the faucets). If is sucking air on the input (can't keep a vacuum) that is a bit harder to diagnose. I would start easy as you most likely have with the faucets and all the connectors and tee's in the hot and cold lines. If are lucky to have a manifold then close off each one and see if the problem goes away...

It could also be the pressure switch, which was my issue this year... A new pump head w/switch is around $60 for the shurflo models... Oh and if you have to remove the pump, put on some quick disconnect barrel connectors on the leads to the pump rather then butt splices, some day you will have to take the pump out again. My installation had 2 butt splices on it, it now has the barrel connectors!!!

 

[CAMELLA]

Thanks guys, I'll try all your suggestions this weekend.

 

[r_moss]

Replace the o-ring on your water filler cap..........

 

[Panchita]

Leaking water heater can cause this,, I found out you should flush your hot water heater periodically to remove particulate matter which can cause corrosion and create a hole in the water heater tank.

 

[mwph]

Replace the o-ring on your water filler cap..........

:huh:

 

[Woody]

I have had the same problem although not as short a duration for the pump to come on. You have to check all the lines for any water drips (leaks at all). Then check the toilet bowl. See if you water level drops at all (if it does then you are leaking water out of the bowl and have to clean around the ball and rubber seal).
If no leaks are found, it could be an air leak which is harder to find obviously. I also assume when you fill the fresh water tank you let it overflow at the outside entry while you bleed the air off of each tap on board.
If all that fails try adjuting the pump with the screw on the end for pressure adjustment. If your pump is a Shurflo.....I've attached a diagram to help.

Bill

You saying that a poor seal in the head is causing the water pump to cycle?

 

[CAMELLA]

I checked for leaks, no leaks! The pump is running every 32 seconds now and it sounds like the check valve in the pump is stuck open. I can hear the water flowing back into the pump. What should I do, take the pump apart?

 

[tobnpr]

You didn't say earlier- is the pump operating normally otherwise? Does it produce adequate flow, does it build pressure in the lines, then shut off?

Have you checked the pressure switch? Crank it up and see if it helps- if not, it probably needs to be replaced as was suggestged above.

 

[CAMELLA]

You didn't say earlier- is the pump operating normally otherwise? Does it produce adequate flow, does it build pressure in the lines, then shut off?

Have you checked the pressure switch? Crank it up and see if it helps- if not, it probably needs to be replaced as was suggestged above.

The water flow/pressure is fine, it builds up and you can here water flow back into the pump, then the pumps cycles again. I have not touched the pressure switch, I need to remove the pump to gain access to the switch.

 

[Chris Dauth]

Remove the pump, dismantle it and clean the rubber valves. Fine particles get stuck to the valves and allow the water to bleed back to the tank. The pump has to run again to maintain pressure.

 

[bjac]

You saying that a poor seal in the head is causing the water pump to cycle?

Hey Woody:

No, sorry I got carried away there. I've had so many problems with my 260 that I got mixed up in what to check for what. I think they call it "sometimers disease".

Bill