I have running water again!

Foot pump apart. It was a Taiwanese puzzle trying to put it all together again so it wouldn't leak.

Crack in the bellows.

About six weeks ago, I noticed that my freshwater foot pump in the galley was leaking. I took it out and took it apart. The rubber bellows had cracks in them. I needed to get new ones or a new pump. Meanwhile, I filled some plastic bottles with water and used that for washing dishes. Not very convenient but soon I got used to it. The pump all in pieces stayed on the chart table to remind me of work to be done. Every day, I saw it there in passing and nodded, 'soon I must do this,' then continued on my way. Then we had a lockdown due to the coronavirus. All chandleries closed. I could have called them and ordered online but didn't. Life happened. 

I continued washing dishes using water from plastic bottles. I still have a foot pump in the heads for drinking water and washing hands, but it was not as convenient as having it in the galley. I emailed the manufacturer in Taiwan, but of course they were under lockdown as well and I never heard back. There was nothing to be done until the chandlery opened again.

Finally, about two weeks ago, the chandleries were allowed to open again and I went in and ordered four repair kits, just in case this happens again (likely). A week later, they arrived and now I had no excuse. 

And so yesterday, I spent six hours putting the pump together again. It was tricky because you have to fit in a large spring without cracking the casing. Also four valves have to be assembled correctly for the water to flow. The rubber rings kept falling off. I had to secure eight bolts in the correct order to hold the whole thing together while at the same time watching that the o-rings didn't fall off before closing the casing. And I got it wrong at least four times, so I had to take it apart over and over again and try again. Was it worth it? Well, so far it's not leaking and the next time, I might be able to do it quicker if I remember how.

Repair kit. I got four, just in case. 

Pump installation under the sink. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Fresh water running again!