Elecrric Bilge Pump

Toryboy1

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29 Jun 2006
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I have fitted a Johnson submersable pump to my boat. It should produce a reasonable flow at 6 ft head which I need because of the depth of my bilge. The discharge pipe rises vertically from the pump for a couple of feet then at a slope to the apex of its run just before it descends a foot or so to the through-hull fitting just above the waterline. As far as I can tell, there are no low spots, though it is difficult to see the pipe for all of its length. The problem is that there is clearly some problem with the set-up as the pump seems to work but is not forcing the bilge water up the pipe to the discharge.As far as I can tell, the pump is not blocked, tested by blowing down it, though this is hard. There is some considerable resitance. Would a low sport in the pipe run prevent the pump from discharging? Any other ideas?
 

alb40

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Electric cuntifugal pumps are notoriously crap at pumping to any height.

You might need a bigger pump, oe buy a diaphram pump instead. They work much better and can get the bilge almost dry.
 
G

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Are you sure that the pump is getting its full 12v. What is the model and cable size.

Could the pump be picking up air?

The only real problem on piping is if the impellor is running IN air. This is caused by the outlet pipe going down below the top of the impellor and trapping a pocket of air.
 

Paulka

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Fully agree with that.
Don't waste money with either centrifugal, nor turbine pumps for such a heigth.
Just go for a membrane pump. It may be more expensive, but it will work.
Additional advantage : you can install it wherever its more accessible for maintenance.

Hope it helps.

Paul
 
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