Sump Pump Blues...

[Boomer]

My '08 36 DB/Sedan Bridge builds up an orangle sluggy mase in the sump and the "throws-up" in the bilge. We don't take that many showers so I'm thinking this may be related to the AC discharge. One person I talked to blamed it on using hair conditioner - but, we just don't shower that much (maybe once or twice every 30-60 days) in the boat.

Is anyone else having these problems?

Thanks.

 

[CMG]

I had the same problem, I was told to use shower gel instead of shampoo in the boat shower, It is working alot better, no more slug in the sump pump. Like you we do not use the shower on the boat that often
Craig

 

[ImpulseIII]

When you are done showering, let the water continue to run and let the sump pump cycle 10 or so times. Add a bit of bilge cleaner down he drain during this process. This will clear most of the soap scum. Because the sump pump is a bottom feeder, some floating scum will remain and this can only be removed by opening the sump and cleaning it out.

 

[richcam1]

I had the same issue in my 2007 280. The sump switches seem to be good for about 2 years. I replaced it with the "Attwood S3 digital switch" (5 year warranty). I pretty much just screwed straight in my sump box. I got it from West Marine. The bad switch gave our hall carpet a disgusting soak.

Good luck

 

[rwvw415]

i have the same problem . I have never had this problem on other Sea Rays. I clean the sump pump box three or four times a year.

 

[The Bill Collector]

I will start off by saying some on this site warned against this..... And I may suffer consequences from this practice, but I have put a 1/4 chip of a 3 inch pool chlorine puck on the upper shelve of my sump box.... My sump box has never been so clean.... EVER !!!

 

[richcam1]

I will start off by saying some on this site warned against this..... And I may suffer consequences from this practice, but I have put a 1/4 chip of a 3 inch pool chlorine puck on the upper shelve of my sump box.... My sump box has never been so clean.... EVER !!!

I won't tell my wife

There are lots of posts about the failed sump switches here on CSR. I really think its the Rule float switches they just don't hold up to the gunk in sumps. The Rule pumps seem to kick but!

Rich

 

[jff]

I'm curious, what are the consequences of puting a chlorine chip into a sump box? Someone today recommended I throw a 3" chlorine tablet into my sump box, my immediate concern was that the chlorine smell would work its way out and my whole boat would smell like Chlorine - what are the other potential risks/consequences?

Regards,
Jason

 

[tbirdvet]

Chlorine can be corrosive so use carefully.

 

[bmac]

My '08 36 DB/Sedan Bridge builds up an orangle sluggy mase in the sump and the "throws-up" in the bilge. We don't take that many showers so I'm thinking this may be related to the AC discharge. One person I talked to blamed it on using hair conditioner - but, we just don't shower that much (maybe once or twice every 30-60 days) in the boat.

Is anyone else having these problems?

Thanks.

I have a 44DB and have had the sump box "orange sludge" problem since the boat was a year old. I too thought it was shampoo or conditioner until this past weekend when the condensate drip pan drain in the salon clogged, overfilling the drip pan. When I cleared the line I got a very strong flow of condensate into the sump tank.....and much of it was that disgusting orange sludge. So you are correct, the orange sludge does come from the AC condensate drain.

 

[bahamabreisus]

If you are getting an orange color in the sump from the AC drains, it most likley means the pans at the bottom of the AC units are rusting.

 

[johnsross3]

I agree with Brian's assessment. It sure would be nice if Sea Ray used aluminum for the condensate drip pan.

I have a 44DB and have had the sump box "orange sludge" problem since the boat was a year old. I too thought it was shampoo or conditioner until this past weekend when the condensate drip pan drain in the salon clogged, overfilling the drip pan. When I cleared the line I got a very strong flow of condensate into the sump tank.....and much of it was that disgusting orange sludge. So you are correct, the orange sludge does come from the AC condensate drain.

 

[wetpaint]

The orange sludge does come from the a/c units......Most people leave there boats on a/c during the summer even if you are not there during the week.....I keep it on humidification setting and you will see less grudge, but you will see it......All pumps should be inspected and cleaned........I replaced mine today as my pump's float would not reliablely turn on....Hence the box over flowed this weekend during showering.....Boats and their components are meant to be used...Lack of use sometimes creates more problems than use.....If you do not use the shower (and I dont use unless on hook or mooring), I always run the shower for 5 minutes........One last think I do use a non lathering body wash in the shower to keep the lather down......

 

[jff]

I tried about four different solutions and finally tried a Water Witch Switch ... it's been running reliably and pumping when it's supposed to ever since. I still have to replace the pump from time to time (seems like roughly once a year) but at least the switch is now bulletproof. When I replace the pump I do clean off the switch, but it seems to work even when it's covered in grime. No moving parts = way to go for my money.

Regards,
Capt. Jason

 

[sbw1]

We use our shower twice a day when we travel which is usually about 40 nights a summer. I have never cleaned our sump because too much stuff has to be removed to gain access to it. Every week I pour a concentrated citrus smelling bilge cleaner down the drain in the shower. I also remove the drain cover which is a screw in fitting and place a cut to size round piece of fiberglass window screen in the hole before screwing the drain cover back in. This catches hair and prevents it from going into the sump and clogging things up. So far I'm into year 7 and have never had a problem. The sump appears clean and the pump has not failed to operate.

 

[wetpaint]

SBW....Good idea

 

[tbirdvet]

If you are getting an orange color in the sump from the AC drains, it most likley means the pans at the bottom of the AC units are rusting.

Maybe not. My pan is nylon so no rust issue. I believe the newer boats have these.