Noisy fresh water pump and water lines

[Ahaua]

The fresh water pump, (Flojet 4405-143) , on my 3988 was really noisy and the vibration from the pump was rattling the hard plastic water lines. I initially thought about securing the water lines and going to a variable flow pump; however, after doing a little research, (this forum), I ended up installing a flexible water line loop on the supply side of the pump, (see picture). This flexible loop absorbs the vibration from the pump so it's not transferred to the lines. It's dramatic how this solution quieted everything down, including the pump itself. I understand that installing an accumulator will also perform this function.

[706jim]

Good to know. Any size accumulator would really cut down on pump cycling.

[Jeffw]

I think you meant the demand side.

[Ahaua]

You are correct.....the demand side. Thanks for catching that.

[Jim_Gandee]

Alex, great job buddy! Watch that reinforced hose though, it’s famous for collapsing and kinking under its own weight. The top of the loop may need to be supported. Time will tell.

[Ahaua]

Thanks for the advice Jimbo. I'm thinking about switching over to an accumulator tank in the near future; why didn't you tell me sooner!?.....lol

[ken51k]

I have my pump bolted to a thick piece of rubber that is mounted to the bulkhead. I also have a 2 gallon accumulator tank.
The tank cuts out a lot of the pump cycling on and off every time you turn on the water.

[Ahaua]

I'm thinking that eventually I'll rig up a similar system. From what I'm hearing, it's definitely the better way to go. Thanks!

[The_Other_Gary]

That is exactly what I did with my pump to reduce noise but the pictures are long gone with the changeover. Instead of an accumulator tank I went with the variable speed pump. The results are amazing because it eliminates the need for an accumulator tank and it eliminates the annoying temperature changes in the shower.

[Ahaua]

I was considering doing the same, (one of my dock buddies with the same boat did this),; however, after reading about variable flow pumps, it sounded like quite a few people were not happy with them....sounds like it's working for you. Thanks for the comment!

[Cap_Fury]

I have the same pump in my 3988, it was also really noisy when I bought the boat.
I just replaced it with a new one (same type), and that fixed the problem.....nice and quite now.

[Ahaua]

Thanks Greg. I do have a brand new pump as a backup. The flexible hose loop really helped but I'll keep this in mind if it starts getting noisy again. In addition, I'm really considering adding an accumulator. Thanks again.

[Cap_Fury]

[Woodsea]

Question for The Other Gary, what model variable speed pump did you use?

[Norton_Rider]

My boat's pump is fairly quiet, but this is not the case with my travel trailer. I used two loops of hose on my trailer's pump (demand and supply) to isolate it completely. Moreover, I added additional clamps to the first couple of feet of the rigid tubing. This made a huge difference in noise.