‍Water makers can be a fickle beast to work with, and as a result there are a handful of common issues we see on boats around Perth that can contribute to a water maker that won't start. Sometimes a non starting water maker can be easily fixed, saving you the time and money associated with someone looking at it. Read down as we list out some easy items you can run through to save you the cost of an inspection, and get you out on the water fast!

What to check if your water maker won’t start

More often than not, we find the issues (excluding electrical) that prevent your watermaker from starting occur between the sea water intake, and the high pressure pump. Most of these are due simply to an insufficient amount of water making its way to the high pressure pump, which in most cases will cause a low pressure shutdown. The low pressure shutdown is designed to protect the water cooled high pressure pump from damage, by shutting it down when there is insufficient water flow to properly cool the pump. Here's our top list of things to check if your water maker isn’t starting.‍

Low pressure shutdown

On most systems there is a low pressure switch which will shut the system down if there is insufficient water flow/pressure.  These switches are generally pretty reliable, but like any component they can fail and cause the system to shutdown prematurely. If there is insufficient pressure this could be due to a leak in the system (more on water maker leaks further down)‍

Is there a blockage in the seacock or strainer? 

A lump of seaweed or other obstruction can impede waterflow.  Also, confirm the seacock is open!

Has your feed pump lost prime? 

Some feed pumps are self priming and will run until they have purged any air, and are able to pump water further up the line.  Often by the time they purge the air, your high pressure pump has shut itself down so you may need to give it a few goes until it all starts.  Some feed pumps are not self priming and will rely on a foot valve or check valve in the feed line between the Sea Water intake and the feed pump to keep the pump primed.  If this foot valve has failed or has an obstruction, the water will drain from the pump and run back out the Sea Water intake causing you to lose prime in your feed pump.  This water could drain quickly, or it could happen slowly drop by drop overnight.

Dirty pre filters? 

This ones a bit obvious, but if your pre filters are heavily fouled or blocked this will impede flow and can prevent the unit from starting up.

Power supply issues? 

Typically 240V water makers are pretty power hungry, particularly on start up.  If you have run it on shore power before with no issues but when on boat power the water maker won’t start, turn on the genset and see if it fires up. Occasionally a power supply issue can be the problem.

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Water maker leaks and low pressure shut downs

As covered, leaks can cause a low pressure shut down. While leaks are possible anywhere throughout the system, more often than not we find the leaks coming from a cracked bell housing on the feed pump, or from high pressure hoses running between membrane pressure vessels, and where those fittings enter the end block. Occasionally a slight tweak with a spanner can stop the leak at a high pressure fitting, but often it will require new parts. Remember, at 800 Psi these parts work hard and it only takes a small weak spot for a leak to appear!

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How to find the leak on a water maker  

If you are down near the water maker, have a look at the feed pump and membrane pressure vessel end blocks, keep an eye out for water stains underneath any of these parts, or salt build up around fittings.  These are indications that theres a leak somewhere which should be rectified.  You might also find crystalised salt around or underneath the high pressure pump which can be an indication seals are worn and need replacement. While slow leaks might not necessarily prevent you from using your water maker, obviously they should be monitored and rectified as soon as possible.  

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If you've run through all of the above and are still having issues, give us a call. Sometimes we can point you in the right way over a quick phone call, alternatively we can arrange to come out for an inspection.