Bilge Pump Testing

[essexboy]

Hi, I have a small concern and need your advice please.
On my previous boat the bilge pump had a float switch,
and I had a ritual before leaving the boat,
1 Switch pump to manual to make sure it worked.
2 Go below, turn off seacocks, lift float switch to make sure that works.
3 Go home and rest assured.
My new (to me) boat has a Johnson sealed switch with no moving parts,
so I cant test it, and I always have this little nagging doubt !
Any ideas ?

 

[Seanick]

Hi, I have a small concern and need your advice please.
On my previous boat the bilge pump had a float switch,
and I had a ritual before leaving the boat,
1 Switch pump to manual to make sure it worked.
2 Go below, turn off seacocks, lift float switch to make sure that works.
3 Go home and rest assured.
My new (to me) boat has a Johnson sealed switch with no moving parts,
so I cant test it, and I always have this little nagging doubt !
Any ideas ?

Hold a wet rag over the contacts?

or.....
chuck some water in the bilge!

 

[aquapower]

I would change for a float switch immediatly as they are more reliable, I have never trusted those type of water sensing switches, you can also test a lot easier

 

[lovezoo]

I recently fitted one of these to my boat - if its the same as yours its easy to test its working. There are two circles marked on the side of the switch - you just put your fingers on these circles and after a few seconds the pump should start.

I don´t see any reason why this type of switch should be any less reliable than a regular float type switch.

More info here:

http://www.johnson-pump.com/JPMarine/products/bilge/ultimaswitch.html

You should also be aware that some more elderly members of this forum are upset by people posting about bilge pumps.

 

[essexboy]

Bilge pump testing

Hi, Thanks for the replys, I think during the winter when the boats on the hard I will
see if a float type switch will fit, If not then I might change the switch on a
regular basis, say 2 years.
Thanks