Whether it is the pump itself, the pressure switch that controls its start-up, or the system itself, the fresh water system presents few insurmountable technical difficulties, especially since some preventive care should allow it to serve you without fail.
Detecting the leak
- If your boat is equipped with an electric pump with a pressure switch, you will be warned of any leak by ear! If the pressure switch is slow to cut off the pump, or if the pump is triggered in episodes, you can be sure that there is a leak! It's up to you to look for the drop... by finger or ear!
- If there is no visible leak, remove the pressure switch. Sometimes the diaphragm can break. In this case, it will have to be replaced, as well as the small switch which will probably not have appreciated the bathing.
- The pressure switch can be adjusted. A screw at the end of the pressure switch allows the pump to be started and stopped quickly. This adjustment is done by trial and error, by slowly tightening or loosening the screw, until the desired result is obtained.
Pump kit
- Repair kits are available for most common pumps. It may take a little searching on the Internet, but you can find replacement valves and diaphragms that are tired.
- These mechanisms are not very complicated to operate. You just need a bit of logic, and to take the time to find the exploded drawing which details the parts and specifies their positioning.
Preparation for wintering
- As the water freezes, it expands and can damage the system. It is necessary to drain the system and all the appliances preventively. If the system is well designed, it has a drain valve at the bottom.
- Make sure that the tank, pump, buffer tank and hot water tank are empty and that all taps are open. Do not hesitate to blow out the system to remove any residual water.
- When restarting the system, and after filling it, it will be necessary to purge the system of air. To do this, open all the distribution points. When the water is flowing without air bubbles, close the taps one by one, starting with those furthest from the pump.
Get out of here
- Flat metal fittings are installed with a fiber seal, while plastic fittings are equipped with rubber seals.
- To perfect the seal, it is recommended that the threads of the fittings be wrapped with a few turns of Teflon tape in the direction of the screwing.
- The tightening of the nuts will always be done with 2 tools, one to hold the fixed part, and the other to screw, which will avoid creating leaks by forcing other points of the circuit.
- To install Serflex clamps, use a socket wrench rather than a screwdriver. It's more efficient, and much less dangerous in case of slippage!
