Troubleshooting

Pump runs, no water

Check tank level, tank vent, inlet valve, strainer, inlet air leak, kink, pump prime and winterization valve. An inlet-side air leak may draw air without dripping water.

Cycles or pulses

Close every fixture, isolate branches and watch for leaks/check-valve backflow. Rapid cycling at low flow can mean no accumulator, wrong pre-charge or pump bypass/pressure adjustment; follow the pump manual.

Low flow

Compare pre/post-filter pressure or bypass safely, clean aerators/strainer, verify battery voltage at pump, check kinked hose and simultaneous fixtures. A dirty cartridge often looks like a weak pump.

Taste, odor and drains

Identify whether smell is at one tap, hot only, all fresh water, or the drain. Replace/commission filters, sanitize if indicated, flush heater, inspect traps/vents and verify the source. Do not mask an unknown contamination with flavor.

Build rule

If you cannot reach it, isolate it, drain it and explain its pressure/temperature or water-quality job, it is not ready to hide behind a wall.

CHAPTER CHECK

• I can explain the purpose and failure mode of each item in this chapter. • I know which manufacturer limit or water-quality claim controls my choice. • I added the valve, access, drain, measurement or maintenance task to my drawing/checklist.