Sump pump frustration

[j98052]

All of the sinks & showers in my boat drain into a large sump box under the floor, which has a bilge pump. The float switch would get gummed up, so I replaced the float switch with a water witch. Now the sump pump gets air locked and wont pump water. I pulled it apart and there was a giant hair ball in it.

Any one know of a really good sump pump that won't get clogged easily? At this point I will pay to avoid having to clean the damn sump box.

 

[Little Ducky]

Most boxes I've seen have a screen around the pump or a screen to capture crap from the inlets to keep the pump from getting clogged.

Is your sump box missing something?

 

[cod]

I replaced my pump and float switch with a Rule Mate 2000. It has a built in float switch and will run for about 15 seconds after it removes most of the water. It keeps the water level to a minimum. Has been working pretty well for many years now. Still need to constantly clean that sump pump though.......

 

[bc225]

I was having the same issues with the sump on my 460 searay. The sump, the pump, the float switch are less than adequate for these boats. I replaced the the entire system with Whale Gulper Shower / Sink Sump System
Item # : 503549 from defender marine. The pump is out side the sump and the float switch is electronic. The electric float switch has a time delay which always drains the sump completely. I have had this system two years now and have had no problems. Check out the different options for these systems to fit your boat.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Water Witch switch is great.... I had one fail after a few years, I contacted them and they replaced it on the spot for free.

 

[carterchapman]

All of the sinks & showers in my boat drain into a large sump box under the floor, which has a bilge pump. The float switch would get gummed up, so I replaced the float switch with a water witch. Now the sump pump gets air locked and wont pump water. I pulled it apart and there was a giant hair ball in it.

Any one know of a really good sump pump that won't get clogged easily? At this point I will pay to avoid having to clean the damn sump box.

My dock mate's 520 suffers from the same problem. On his, it seems to be the galley sink that drains into the sump that causes the problems. On the 58DB, the galley sink and head sinks drains overboard through the common drain manifold. Some 480/500/52 owners have put in a thru hull for their galley sink. But that may not be your problem since you mentioned the dreaded hair ball...

 

[j98052]

I'm considering having the galley sink to drain overboard. I'm looking into the Gulper sumps...it looks like they have a better solution, but I need to take a closer look at the space, the hoses, etc.