Cleaning shower sump box?

[DavidMcMullan]

Our galley sink and the shower drain into a 'shower sump box', which then pumps the water overboard. The sump box gets very whiffy.
How do you keep yours clean and sweet smelling? Is there anything better than bleach poured down the sink?
David.

 

[Talbot]

I initially suffered from this in my shower, and then discovered that it wasnt the water left in the sump box- that was drained out, but as soon as the pump was switched off, some of the dirty water drained back down the pipe and back into the sump. Thereafter, I poured about half a pint of water into the sump drain when the pump had reached dry, and this ejected all the soapy scummy water and left the sump smelling fine.

 

[Billjratt]

Hasn't it got a lid? It also may have a gauze filter on the inlet ports which should be de-gunged periodically.

 

[baggypipes]

may be not the answer you want but i got fed up with the same problem, changed my sump box for a direct line pump with a non return valve in the pipe great no more smells or problems. worth thinking about
good luck

 

[Anonymous]

I put a stainless steel pan-scourer 'fluffed-up' in each sump. That catches all hair, lint and other organic material. When the sump overflows, I change the scourer. They are very cheap and last several months each. Has worked well for me over two years permanent living aboard.