Electric bilge pump probs

[Rob_Webb]

Got a small (500 gph) electric pump under the shower tray in the heads to remove water during a shower. Operates via float switch. When activated it starts at full speed then sounds as though it's labouring and slows down until it nearly stops. Also burns out 10A fuse in fusebox if I let it.

Have removed it and tried to remove any gunge and unit appears to be clean-ish. But even with no load (i.e. out of the water) it behaves the same. Don't believe it's a batter supply problem.

Any ideas?

 

[simonfraser]

did it work ok in the past, stuff wears out,
perhaps the bearings are shot, hairs wrapped around the innards?

 

[TigaWave]

The load depends on how high you're trying to lift the water and how small the pipes are so check for blockages/restrictions in the pipe, it might be kinked. They do start fast and slow down, as initially they're getting rid of air and lifting water up the pipe to the exit. The pump will have a rated height it can lift the water, if you go over this it could stall the motor and draw excessive current blowing fuse.
Happy showering

 

[Nauti Fox]

I'd say get a new one, they come up on ebay all the time and are a lot cheaper than chandlers.
I've bought several from there when I renewed mine and they've all worked fine.
If you do it give me a PM and I'll dig out the sellers name.
Regards, Al.

 

[Trevethan]

Have you tried re-making the connections to teh battery? Odd that it winds down even with no load -- perhaps cable is partially broken or bad connection that worsens as cable heats up?

You could try running the thing in some nice warm clean water to expel gunge. My rule will also run backwards if you reverse polarity -- try in a bucket to see if that flushes out anything.

 

[boatmike]

If its a bilge pump with a rotary spindle and impellor its the wrong pump for shower sumps. They get clogged with hair etc and then burn out. Sounds like yours is deceased. Best pump for shower trays is a whale gulper. Eats anything! Well anything that you should find in a shower anyway!

 

[TrueBlue]

Disagree with other posters, bilge pumps mounted in a box - as you describe do work, and they're cheap. However, the motor is often encased in a rubber sack which degrades in time and lets the water in. If yours is not gunged up the the motor may be damp and even the brushes have "dissolved".

Yes the Whale is by far the best but about 4 times the cost, and may take up too much room - after allowing for pipe adaptors / reducers.

 

[muchy_]

Had the same thing happen to my bilge pump. In the end I just put a new pump on and it was fine.
They are not that expensive.

 

[Rob_Webb]

Thanks for all the advice guys, some useful pointers here. I'll investigate over the weekend and hopefully be able to have a shower again after my swim!

Rob