So It begins....Newbee has lots of questions.

[curiousgb]

Recently purchased a 2002 dutchmen lite 26qb-ssl. I didn't pay a lot and figured this would be a good starting point. It is in decent shape but needs some TLC. I knew I was going to be in for a steep learning curve and lots of stuff to fix.

So far she all the big stuff is checking out. AC, Furnace, Fridge/Freezer, Stove/Oven, Hot Water all good.

So I started going over the plumbing. Making sure everything is tight, no leaks, etc. So far so good.

When I run the pump. I don't get very good water pressure. And after I shut off a valve the pump runs for a while before it stops. When I open a valve after pump stops I have good pressure for a short time.

How long should the pump run and what kind of pressure should I expect?

[MartyG]

In a good, new, tight system, the pump will shut off within about 2 or 3 seconds, if that long, after shutting off the tap. Maybe close to immediately. If you don't have any leaks (thank heavens!) then your pump seals are probably weak. You're OK for now, but start shopping for a new pump. You'll enjoy the higher pressure right away. If you can get to it, that's 95% of the job. Once at the pump, it's a pretty simple replacement.

[curiousgb]

Thanks,
I am very luck that the pump is really easy to get to. I will put that on the list of things to buy. Any particular brand I should look for?

[MartyG]

I have not YET had to replace one, but from reading comments here, ShurFlow gets high marks. All brands have both a bargain-basement model, and a higher-end model, at about twice the cost. Buy the upper grade.