Overflowing sump box on 400DB

[NaughtyDog]

I just found out that my shower & drain sump box on my new to me, 2001 400 Sedan Bridge is overflowing. At closer inspection it looks like either the float switch or bilge pump in the box are dead (or maybe both). Anyone know if these are connected to a breaker/fuse on some panel somewhere? Thanks!

 

[HUMPH]

You may have a fuse just above the sump under the floor.

 

[SR400DB]

If they are connected to a fuse/breaker (at least on an '03); it would be in the port aft locker in the cockpit. I did not see anything in the area near the sump when I had to replace some items.

 

[my3sons]

Yes, the breaker is in the locker that SR400 mentioned, it is marked "sump pump"

 

[NaughtyDog]

Tthank you for the replies! I'll look in the port cockpit locker upon my return!

 

[JC3]

Well mine has failed twice. Both times it was the float switch . JC3

 

[ZZ13]

While we are on the subject, why is the float switch on the second level of the tank? Leaves the tank always 3/4 full. Is it so the pump is always pumping water and not pumping the crud that floats to the surface?

 

[my3sons]

Or the crud that sinks to the bottom, yuk The best way to deal with these unpleasant pain in the butts is to put them on a cleaning routine before they overflow into the bilge under the second stateroom bunk. Some owners have unhooked the galley sink from the box and run it out a thru hull to keep food stuffs and dish water grease out of the box. That has to help.

 

[fwebster]

The float switch should be about 3/4" above the surface where the pump mounts so the pump impeller is always under water and never needs priming. There are bilge pumps and when they get air bound, they will not usually prime themselves until the impeller stops turning. In a shower pump that never happens. If t here is enough water to turn the pump on, then the motor won't turn off and prime itself unless you open the sump box and hold the float switch down, so t he float switch is mounted above the level of the pump tp keep that from happening.

On the OP's question, the most likely problem is the butt splices connecting the pump and float switch to the 12VDC + and - wires. For some reason, on many boats these splices are inside the box which is a wet corrosive, environment. The wires get corroded and fail to provide a good connection, the water in the sump box rises and submerges the butt splices making the connection problem even worse, until it never works. The first thing to do is check the breaker, then identify the + and - feeds at the sump then cut those splices out and check the voltage there, if you have voltage, then replace the butt splices with ones made for the marine environment and try again. If the pump still doesn't work, locate the other 2 butt splices connecting the float switch into the circuit and cut them out. Check the continuety of the float switch and if it checks good, replace the butt splices as you did the + & -. If the switch doesn't have continuety thru it when you activate it, then go buy a switch and replace the bad one.

 

[HUMPH]

If they are connected to a fuse/breaker (at least on an '03); it would be in the port aft locker in the cockpit. I did not see anything in the area near the sump when I had to replace some items.

That's funny, my 2003 DA has a fuse just above each sump.

 

[Rich122]

The first thing i did on my 48DA was to replace the old pump and seperate float with a single Rule 200 unit. This kept the sump from over flowing (an activating the high water pump, and the associated alarm) when you went on plane. with the sump being in the salon, and undet to sole, if it wasn't cleaned regularly, it would smell, when the A/C was off for the work.week. This fix took care of that also. It's a quick easy DIY replacement mod.

The 540DA has the standard two piece unit, but the sump is in the ER under the stairs, so it's not an issue of smell, and is large to the point it's never overflowed.

Rich

 

[mjmason1]

I just found out that my shower & drain sump box on my new to me, 2001 400 Sedan Bridge is overflowing. At closer inspection it looks like either the float switch or bilge pump in the box are dead (or maybe both). Anyone know if these are connected to a breaker/fuse on some panel somewhere? Thanks!

While I understand the need to keep the pump primed, it's ridiculous that the float is on the second level. That leaves inches of drainage in the box. I think I am going to replace it with an automatic pump. I like the idea of running the sink directly out. Any advice on how to do that?

 

[ZZ13]

I want to run the sink to a thru hull as well. Right now I generally rinse plates outside. I also am going to move the float switch to the first level raised up a bit.

 

[ttmott]

Many do the live-aboard folks around here have installed the Whale shower pump systems. First sign of issues with mine that's what I'm installing...

 

[Tonysca6]

I am going to try one more green degreaser for my forward sump, had to clean out 3 times last season. If that stuff does not work going to splice the galley sink drain into the line from the sump to the thru hull, maybe add a swing check in the main line.

 

[NaughtyDog]

I like the idea of running the galley sink straight out too, let's keep that conversation going...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[JV II]

The first thing i did on my 48DA was to replace the old pump and seperate float with a single Rule 200 unit. This kept the sump from over flowing (an activating the high water pump, and the associated alarm) when you went on plane. with the sump being in the salon, and undet to sole, if it wasn't cleaned regularly, it would smell, when the A/C was off for the work.week. This fix took care of that also. It's a quick easy DIY replacement mod.

The 540DA has the standard two piece unit, but the sump is in the ER under the stairs, so it's not an issue of smell, and is large to the point it's never overflowed.

Rich

Also solved with a Water Witch.

 

[Bryank]

My 410DA's sink already goes out the thru-hull. I'm wondering why the shower has to go through a sump instead of directly overboard...

 

[ZZ13]

My 410DA's sink already goes out the thru-hull. I'm wondering why the shower has to go through a sump instead of directly overboard...

Drain is probably too low to gravity feed above the waterline.

 

[Bryank]

Drain is probably too low to gravity feed above the waterline.

Makes perfect sense...