copper supply lines

Slowboat 37 · Apr 7, 2011

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Over the past year we have an increased rattle in the pipes when running any of the faucets. We use the galley the most and it sounds like someone is using a small jack hammer on the hull. When we turn the water off I can hear the pipes rattle from the salon to the aft cabin. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I also installed a new pump several months ago. Has anyone replaced the copper lines with reenforced tubing? if so how did you complete the connections. Our boat is a 1979 Hershine 37. Thanks for any help you can offer. Steve

Datenight · Apr 7, 2011

Steve,

It sounds like something might be loose or you need*an accumalator tank.

*

Rob

37' Sedan

Phil Fill · Apr 7, 2011

*I agree you need an new accumalator tank.*

wescoaster · Apr 7, 2011

It's called water hammer...it happens when the pressure spikes as you shut off the faucet. An accumulator tank will minimize it somewhat as the diaphragm or bladder will absorb the surge. The other option, as used in household plumbing is to install a riser above the highest faucet. Essentially is is a foot or two of dead ended pipe that will always only have air in it. The air cushion will reduce the hammer also. Most likely, your new pump is of higher pressure than the old one, as well as all the seals and check valves working 100%.

C lectric · Apr 7, 2011

An accumulator should help but first check all the piping for a loose or poorly supported section that rattles or knocks against something else.
If the new pump is higher pressure than the old it may have caused a new noise. Pressure pulses may be more distinct.

A short length of hose (12" or so) between the pump and the copper lines will also act to help isolate pump noise from the system.

FF · Apr 8, 2011

Listen as best you can and use a wire tie where the tubing is banging.

If you have a crap accumulator like a PAR , it is water bound, drain it to re-supply the air cushion.

A better $50 buck house unit will have a diaphram and not suffer this problem.

JohnP · Apr 8, 2011

I concur an acumulator tank would help eliminate your problem.* JohnP

Slowboat 37 · Apr 8, 2011

Thanks to all who responded, I had already checked for loose sections banging against the hull and put foam pipe insulation around all sections that I could get to. So I will move on to the accumulator tank idea. How do I determine the size of tank to get and does it need to be the same brand as the pump ( Johnson 3.5)?

Steve.

Peter B · Apr 9, 2011

Doesn't really matter, Johnson, Jabsco and Shureflo all have models, and they all work, but some dearer than others. I use a Shureflo and it's fine. As suggested, connecting the pump to the accumulator tank with a flexible potable water grade hose will make that job easier, and add to the noise damping effect at the same time.

Anthonyd · Apr 9, 2011

If the water hammer wasn't there prior to the pump replacement, and you don't have an accumulator, try bleeding the system at the pump or at the highest level you can. The pump may have a plug where you can purge the air out. Chances are there is an air pocket in the system that is causing this. Happens every time we change a pump out.

C lectric · Apr 9, 2011

The unit Adagio shows is about 1 gallon, i think. I have one also but it is a Groco, from many moons ago. You may also be able to get one from a plumbing supply house. Biggest problem is a bracket to hold it as it will weigh about 8 - 10# when full so it needs to be WELL secured.

Keith · Apr 14, 2011

Mine has an Ace Hardware accumulator tank. Worked fine when I had the old pump.

rwidman · Apr 15, 2011

wescoaster wrote:
It's called water hammer...it happens when the pressure spikes as you shut off the faucet. An accumulator tank will minimize it somewhat as the diaphragm or bladder will absorb the surge. The other option, as used in household plumbing is to install a riser above the highest faucet. Essentially is is a foot or two of dead ended pipe that will always only have air in it. The air cushion will reduce the hammer also. Most likely, your new pump is of higher pressure than the old one, as well as all the seals and check valves working 100%.

That's the correct answer and a web search on the term will turn up the best solutions.*

*

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FF · Apr 25, 2011

Essentially is is a foot or two of dead ended pipe that will always only have air in it.

Not really , the air is absorbed by water , that's why better accumulators have diaphrams.

A complete drain will restore the air column , for a year or so.

copper supply lines

Slowboat 37

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