Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Plumbing and Galley Systems

P323 - sump pump switch

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Alma:
We have the original pull on push off switch at the head and I made a spot for a 'sump' switch in our new electrical panel by the battery switch. I don't recommend any automatic arrangement for this switch. The gray water has too much flotsam for a float switch to work.

I made a grey water 'tank' from a Tupperware to replace the original Pearson arrangement which had a heavy fiberglass tank with 18 screws holding a lid. We use the shower often so a Tupperware lid is great for the constant cleaning of hair and soap scum from the sump tank

This gray water 'tank' accepts water from the shower sump and icebox. The icebox tank inlet is higher than the shower one so there it is less likely for sump water to back up into the ice box drain line.

I also ran solid PVC pipe from the (original PAR) sump pump to the tanks so I could tee-off a line to the bilge with a strum box to pick up any nusance bilge water. I have a huge electric 'crash pump' that is available for serious flooding. It is mounted high and dry 7 inches above the bilge sump to keep it clean and ready for a "Redford".

This arrangement has worked well over ten years.

MangoCats:

--- Quote ---I have a huge electric 'crash pump' that is available for serious flooding. It is mounted high and dry
--- End quote ---

How often do you test your 'crash pump'?  My boat came with a 3 pump setup in the bilge, 1 110, 1 big 12 and 1 small 12.  Upon closer inspection, the 110 pump was completely non-functional (hoses both went nowhere), and the two 12V pumps are wired to the same float switch.  Closer inspection still revealed that the "big" 12V pump wasn't moving any water due to a kink near its thru-hull.  I finally learned the last bit by bringing a dock-hose into the bilge and letting it run free, to see where the water went - and didn't go.

Alma:
My 'crash pump' is operated manually with a switch on the panel- It is labeled Bilge Pump to prevent confusion...

The reason the 'crash pump' is mounted 7" above the bottom of the bilge sump is to keep it dry and clean. It's only purpose is to give me extra time to find flooding or arrange abandon ship. It is as new and ready any time. It is plumbed with smooth wall high pressure hose I scavenged from an old hot tub.

A smaller diaphragm pump is used for bits of rainwater or beer... That pump also drains the shower/icebox plastic tank. We removed the Head sink and all of its Rube Goldberg plumbing.

Here is the BIG Rule pump mounted to a bent piece of Aluminum to hold it above the bilge. The aluminum is drilled to allow water in from the base as well as the sides. The aluminum is precisely bent to allow it to wedge itself without fasteners and it is easy to lift the whole assembly for maintenance-This photo made right before wiring was finished...

And second photo is its discharge through the existing side deck scupper above the water line. You can clearly see the $50.00/ft white 'marine grade' hose and its brown twin 'scavenged hot tub hose'-

I imagine a little left rudder will be required to compensate if this pump is ever used in anger LoL.

It squirts like a jet boat!

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