Last weekend my water pressure decreased substantially. The water comes out of a minute or so them slooooows down. I am thinking my water pump is tried. QUESTION: does a water pump just stop or does it slow down the output? I have had problems with air in the line. I will try and track this down this weekend and see if the pressure increases, no luck last try. I do not want to run out and spend the $$$$$ on a new pump, but do not want to get stuck without a water on the next trip,etc. Thoughts Thanks!

We're going to need a bit more info. But, if it's a diaphragm pump, check the diaphragm first, looking for a hole or degradation. While you are at it, get the name and model #.

Another good thing to do while you are at it is to check with a (digital) multimeter the volt, amps and resistance readings. This will help with tracking down a wiring corrosion problem.

If you going for the bonus round, take a 12 v (I am assuming the pump is 12 v) battery and jump to the terminals.

The symptoms sound like the pump is losing its prime.Check the suction line from the source (ie tank?) to the pump. For air to enter the pump there must be a leak on the suction side. I would suspect the leak may be at or above the water level of the source. Dont forget to check the pickup tube if there is one.

If you dont find the leak, pull the pump and see if it will pump water from a 5 gal bucket. Place the pump 1-3 feet above the bucket and keep the bucket filled so the pump can run for a while. Be sure and use large enough wire to power the pump.

Excellent!! Thanks for the help!

Hope this is working out well, George.

My initial thought is the same as BA's. Once you check the obvious stuff like he suggests, then you can start to suspect the pump itself.

Do find out the make/model. Some pumps will be more likely to go bad than others for a given amount of use. The cheaper they are, the faster they break.

Keep us updated...

EDIT: What does the pump *sound* like when the water slows down? Is it going at a full clip? Is it cycling on and off? Does it sound like the pump is slowing down? Does it get quiet? That should go a long way to diagnosing the problem as well...

I think it goes quiet. With that stated I am heading to work on it Sunday and hope report back. tks

Ahh.... if it goes progressively quieter, and you find some air getting through, it's probably what BA said.

If it goes to complete silence abruptly, it's probably more along the lines of a bad pump.

Or it could be the thermal overloads

I did not get a chance to track the problem down today. Side tracked on two other projects. I am heading to the mountains of NC on my motorcycle for 5 days. Need to take a break from the heat. I will not be able to report in on the next steps toward having a working water system for two weeks. Will report back hopefully with good news:no need for a new expense water pump. Thanks

Enjoy the trip, and keep the rubber side down George. I hear you on the heat! It's been over 100* here all week...ugh.

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