Watermaker pressure too low — air leak on intake hose

Problem

Our watermaker wouldn’t reach normal operating pressure. It stayed around 30–40 bar instead of the usual 55–60. It ran but didn’t produce fresh water.

Fix

1. 1

   First I assumed the high-pressure pump was failing.

2. 2

   I spent way too long reading the manual and checking the internet.

3. 3

   While checking the seawater intake line I noticed tiny air bubbles in the clear hose. The hose clamp on the intake fitting was slightly loose.

4. 4

   I tightened it and the air bubbles disappeared. Pressure immediately went back to normal and the watermaker started producing water again.