Fresh Water issue

[Jaqun]

My new to me Freedom 30's freshwater pump is not pumping. I filled the tanks and emptied them twice and all seemed to be working and then the pump stopped working. When I first started it the pump stayed on fast but then settled down although it may have been somewhat labored. currently nothing happens when I open the faucets (two) and turn on the breaker. Once again the boat is new to me so i never heard the system run before this.
currently have a full tank of water and nothing is working. Anyone have a suspicion of what it might be or an order of things to check?
Thanks

[nigel1]

Jaqun, welcome to the forum.
It would greatly assist us to help you if you could provide some details of the pump, make, model etc.

Normally, the breaker for the pump stays on, and the pump starts and stops depending on the pressure sensed at the pump.

Could be
1) No power to the pump
2) Defective pressure switch
3) Motor is no good

[noelex 77]

Welcome to the forum Jaqun.

To troubleshoot the system I would turn on power to the pump and open all of the taps.

1. Measure the voltage at the pump with a multimeter. Low voltage = electrical supply problem.
2. Disconnect the inlet and outlet hose. If the pump does not run = defective pump or pressure switch.
3. Bypass the pressure switch. If the pump does not run = defective pump motor.


If the the pump runs with normal voltage during the above test it is probably a physical blockage in the outlet pipe.

The above is a bit simplified, but should get you started.

If this is a cruising boat, when you have sorted out the immediate problem it is worth installing a secondary system to extract fresh water, such as a foot pump. Pumps fail frequently so a back up is sensible. As an added bonus a foot pump gives better control of the water delivery which helps minimise the quantity used.

Good luck in tracing the problem. Make sure you are sitting down if enquiring about the cost of a new pump

[dlymn]

check that one of the circuit breakers hasn't tripped. The most common ones pop out.

[Jaqun]

The pump motor is a PAR Model 36950-1000 made by Jabsco. It has a belt that attaches it to the actual pump . I would not be surprised if it was original equipment installed in 1987.

Defiantly not the breaker as I have checked that. Will proceed with the voltage and switch check.

This is my first larger cruising boat and it is older so i am getting quickly schooled in the price of marine parts

Thank you very much for replying. I'm really excited about this forum!

[Kenomac]

Check the faucet sediment screen if you can hear the pump. Remove the sediment screen and try turning on the faucet, these screens get clogged with grit. Otherwise your pump is probably kaput.

Do a google search on line for parts and also check ebay.

[nigel1]

That is an old pump, some info here
http://www.pumpagents.com/pdf/Jabsco...36950-1000.pdf

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jaqun.

[Jaqun]

Thank you all. Nigel, thank you for the link. Very helpful

[barnakiel]

I go: a) fuse, b) connectors, c) switches, d) power at the device (pump).

When in doubt, two long jumpers from the battery to the pump terminal tell you the culprits immediately.

A pump hummin' but not pumping is either inlet block or else pump mechanical/electric fault.

b.

[Jaqun]

So as I pulled apart a harness after checking the voltage I found a loose connection. Reconnected and the pump is humming. Thanks all.