Shower Sump pump

[ghebbns]

Hi all,

I know there have been a lot of posts on the shower sump and I have read most of them.  My issue is slightly different (or it might be).  Currently there is nothing attached to the back of the sump pump switch so I am assuming it has been disabled.  There is water in the actual drain so it is not draining or is blocked.  Obviously I have to see what the PO did to determine how to move forward.  My problem is that I can't seem to see anything.  Should I be able to feel the pump under the sole?  Is my only option to cut the inspection hole in the floor as described in the May 2001 Tech Notes?

I have a different hose setup under the sink than described in the manual so I need to figure out what has been done but it is hard to do that blind.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Greg

[Ken Juul]

No need to cut holes.  The pump should be visible under the head sink, to the right as you look in.  If it is there you can't miss it.

[Stu Jackson]

Ken's right.  There are three major components:  the sump which is just a box, the check valve and the pump.  I had to replace our OEM switch, I just used a simple toggle switch from Radio Shack.  I replaced the OEM black check valve with a white 3/4" check valve from West Marine, forgot the manufacturer.

[Ron Hill]

Greg : As mentioned you should be able to see an 8" whale black diaphragm pump on the port side beside the drain hose to the head sink!  
There is a hose that connects from the drain to a one way valve check valve and then to the diaphragm pump.

[Stu Jackson]

Check valve pictures here:  http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4114.0.html

Old on page 1, new on page 2.

[lazybone]

A bunch of years ago my shower sump went belly up.  I pulled out the pump with the best intention of fixing it but...the shower has remained plumbed directly to the bilge.

Anyway, when I take a shower the fresh water runs over my admittedly filthy stinky body mixed with some (green type friendly) soap into the bilge where I then take my old toilet brush and scrub around and pump it all where you know where.  When I'm done my bilge and me feel great.

I'm I doing something hideous.

Should I fix my shower pump.

[Ted Pounds]

Well, since the shower pump (when it's working) pumps overboard, I'd say you're doing a good thing by making the shower water do double-duty on the way out...   

[Rick Allen]

My PO added a Y-Valve at the pump with a hose to the bilge so the shower pump can also act as a secondary bilge pump if needed... Kinda cool, but I've never had to use it...