Replacing shower sump pump

B

boating_rob

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I need to replace the shower sumps (one for the shower and one for the AC condensation). Currently they are both the Attwood's with the 500 GPH self contained pumps. Both pumps stopped working with the auto float switches and require me to open the tops (water all over) and tap the pumps to get them to come on. There is no way to open the pump to clean them.

I need to replace them ASAP.

The rule sumps have a separate float switch and pump setup.

Anyone prefer either one over the other?
 
I have the rule float switch w/ pump...I have replaced one or the other every year. Oh, and my boat is 4 years old. I want to get the Lovett system, however, I will have to re-pipe everything to get it to fit.
 
The secret with the Rule sump systems is routine maintenance. I clean my shower sump every month. One thing I like about the Rule sump system is the pump is easy to replace if it fails. To replace the pump unsnap it from the base and crimp the 2 power wires. I replaced my Atwood with a Rule box about 4 years ago. I did have to replace the pump once but that was because I didn't follow my own advice, cleaning the filter and box. I have easy access to the box so routine servicing is simple.
Bill
 
I also have the RULE shower sump for the shower. I built my own sump for the salon a/c using a small clear plastic box. Got a small pump, float, and overboard fittings from Marine Surplus. Saved space and money and works just fine. My other a/c unit is handles by the shower sump.
 
I made my own with a plastic container and Rule pump and tilt switch, works great. You do have to clean it every so often.
 
Once a month, try turning off the shower sump pump at the breaker, then pour about 2 oz. of Raritan's "CP - Cleans Potties" down the shower drain, the very last thing at night, and let it stay there overnight. Then in the morning, turn the power back on to the pump - it'll keep things working nicely and will keep the odors to a minimum. It is a bio-enzymatic formula, and will dissolve the soap scum and hair, that tend to gum things up and clog the float switch. Plus, it has a nice clean smell to it.

It was originally formulated to be just a toilet bowl cleaner, but we've found that it has other benefits too, and works quite well as a drain and sump cleaner.

CP comes in a 22 oz. bottle, and will last for quite a while.

http://www.boatfix.com/shop3/store/listItems.asp?strSearch=CP+-+Cleans+Potties
 
My boat has no shower sump, just a pump you're supposed to turn on when you begin your shower and turn off when you're finished. I guess it can run dry for a few minutes without damage.

I have never used it, there is less mess to clean up if we take our showers in the aft cockpit which drains overboard.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Vic Willman

Once a month, try turning off the shower sump pump at the breaker, then pour about 2 oz. of Raritan's "CP - Cleans Potties" down the shower drain, the very last thing at night, and let it stay there overnight. Then in the morning, turn the power back on to the pump - it'll keep things working nicely and will keep the odors to a minimum. It is a bio-enzymatic formula, and will dissolve the soap scum and hair, that tend to gum things up and clog the float switch. Plus, it has a nice clean smell to it.

It was originally formulated to be just a toilet bowl cleaner, but we've found that it has other benefits too, and works quite well as a drain and sump cleaner.

CP comes in a 22 oz. bottle, and will last for quite a while.

http://www.boatfix.com/shop3/store/listItems.asp?strSearch=CP+-+Cleans+Potties

Nice tip, I will try it after my shower this morning...thanks

Niles

Click to expand...
 
Niles, keep in mind that it needs time to work, without being disturbed or pumped away. That's why I suggested doing it the last thing at night, before retiring. It would then have all night to do it's thing... Then, in the morning when you shower, the sump will get flushed out and it should be reasonably clean and sweet-smelling afterwards.
 
Yep, shower won't be used till tomorrow morning. I left the CP sitting on the lower helm station to remind me to turn the aft shower switch back on.:) I chased the CP with a little bit of water because my drain line to the sump is pretty horizontal and I wanted to make sure the CP got to the box.
Niles
 
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