I just bought my boat and have an issue with the shower not draining. I ran a large zip tie (didn't have a snake handy) down the drain hole and it was blocked. I'm not sure if there is a fitting that needs to be opened - looked under the bathroom sink and the kitchen sink but didn't see anything resembling a valve. There's no access under the two teak/holly panels between the shower and the galley - floors are solid. I assumed it would drain to the bilge, but the bilge is dry. Can anyone shed light on the layout of the plumbing?
Pete
Maris Otter
1987 Tall Rig
On our 97 34Mk2 there is a pump under the galley sink that drains the shower. There is a switch for the pump located above the toilet.
Quote from: robbjd on June 14, 2023, 06:43:34 AM
On our 97 34Mk2 there is a pump under the galley sink that drains the shower. There is a switch for the pump located above the toilet.
Yes, for a MKII, under the sink there are valves that are marked to determine which 'pipe' the pump under the sink will pull from, and out a thru hull that is also under the sink. There is a breaker that needs to be thrown, and then the switch in the head, above the toilet, needs to be activated. That will active the pump under the sink and suck all the water out of the head.
If it's blocked look for a config similar to our MKII's. Not sure about a MKI which based on the age I presume you have.
Your boat being a mk1, the pump is in the compartment under the sink. There is also likely a check valve in that system. I found that my diaphragm pump was pretty stiff and had debris in its check valves that caused it not to be able to move water. As others have said, this isn't a gravity feed system. You'll need to trace the hoses and start checking for obstructions.
In the MK1, I recommend cutting a hole under the floorboard into the liner (and install a Beckson port recessed so flush mounted) in order to reach the shower drain hose connection. There is also a check valve in that line. I cant find my photo of how I did mine but Jon W. may have a photo of mine and his. I slso changed that pump to a better shower sump pump, not the original diaphragm one.
Your boat is an MK1 so plumbing is different than MKII. I had similar problem. I had a Jabsco check valve before the anti-siphon valve. Check that the direction of flow on the check valve is correct. The Jabsco check valve has a logo with an arrow but the directional arrows are on the valve are different. Don't be fooled by the logo.
Quote from: Noah on June 14, 2023, 11:24:16 AM
cutting a hole under the floorboard into the liner
Any advice on the location of the hole? How thick is the liner?
You could also, dare I suggest, look in the manual for your boat. If you don't have a hard copy, guess where you could find one.
I have a Mark I, I've replaced the check valve, system works just fine.
Pete : The diaphragm pump to your shower drain for a MK I is under the HEAD sink near the rear of that compartment. There is a 5/8"? hose from the drain to the pump and in that line is a one way valve (to prevent back flow) that is probably clogged with fuzzy wazzys and hair!!
Open the head sink door and you'll find that line laying on the hull. Don't pull too hard on that line so you preclude pulling the hose off the drain connection and creating ANOTHER problem - causing you to have to cut thru the flooring to get at that drain connection!!!
I wrote a couple of Mainsheet tech note articles about how to install a filter and a new back flow valve in that line for a MK I shower drain system!! :thumb:
A few thoughts
The hole is only needed if you want to change the hose connected to the shower pan drain. You can reach check valve by just removing toilet paper cabinet or perhaps through the sink door? . No other way I know of to reach the drain end of hose on a MKI. Cut as close as you can to reach it from the outside of the shower door. A 4-6in. Beckson port will work to fit your fist through to reach barb. Liner is probably 1/4 in. fiberglas?
This topic gets me thinking... there seems to always be standing water in my drain, and it looks pretty manky. Drains fine when operating.
What's the approach to change the hose on a MKII while we're on the topic. I don't see a way to get to the fitting in the floor of the head...
I have the original manual. Many things on the boat are not original.
Quote from: Stu Jackson on June 14, 2023, 12:43:20 PM
You could also, dare I suggest, look in the manual for your boat. If you don't have a hard copy, guess where you could find one.
Here's 2 photo's of Noah's access hole in the subfloor to get at the drain hose connection under the showerpan. I haven't cut a hole yet. If/when I do, I'm leaning towards cutting the hole in the showerpan. Have to be careful because there's a lot of stuff under there, but think it will give easier access and it's a non-structural surface.
THX Jon! :thumb:
On the Mkii at least, Catalina fiber-glassed tubes to the underside of the floorboard and ran the fresh water hoses inside those tubes. When I cut an access hole to get to the shower drain pipe I nicked one of those fresh water lines and had water shooting at me. I about had a heart attack until I heard the fresh water pump start running and I realized what I'd done. Hitting water when you're cutting the floor of your boat is a bit concerning.
pby : Look at my Mainsheet tech note article on adding a strainer in that drain line so it catches all the "junk" that causes the one way (anti-back flow) valve from getting clogged!!
Trace your drain line from the pump motor and just before the pump will be that back flow prevention valve. I just added a small strainer and replaced that valve. That new valve ended the back flow problems and the new strainer prevented that valve from getting clogged. You'll be surprised how much junk that strainer catches!!
I see you have a MK II so the pump/strainer is under the galley sink!! I'll guess that there is a one way valve somewhere? in that drain system.
A few thoughts
Quote from: Ron Hill on June 15, 2023, 01:05:36 PM
pby : Look at my Mainsheet tech note article on adding a strainer in that drain line so it catches all the "junk" that causes the one way (anti-back flow) valve from getting clogged!!
Trace your drain line from the pump motor and just before the pump will be that back flow prevention valve. I just added a small strainer and replaced that valve. That new valve ended the back flow problems and the new strainer prevented that valve from getting clogged. You'll be surprised how much junk that strainer catches!!
Read the article!!! A few thoughts
Is that for a MKII? I ask as my strainer is under the sink, and you're right it catches all sorts of stuff. I don't think I noticed a valve though...
QuoteIs that for a MKII? I ask as my strainer is under the sink, and you're right it catches all sorts of stuff. I don't think I noticed a valve though...
On Shamrock a 2001 MKll there's a couple of valves leading to that strainer/pump. One drains the shower the other drains the refrigerator box.
Jim
Quote from: Jim Hardesty on June 15, 2023, 02:31:53 PM
QuoteIs that for a MKII? I ask as my strainer is under the sink, and you're right it catches all sorts of stuff. I don't think I noticed a valve though...
On Shamrock a 2001 MKll there's a couple of valves leading to that strainer/pump. One drains the shower the other drains the refrigerator box.
Jim
Same here.
pby : Refer to your MK II Owners Manual and you will find a page marked PLUMBING PLAN (not numbered in my copy).
It shows that the drain line from the shower drain comes in (under the galley sink) from the aft and the fridge drain come in from the bow side and they join into a FILTER just before the sump pump!!!
You may or my not have a separate back flow valve? If not that function may be incorporated in the filter and /or the pump??/
A few thoughts
The MK1s have/had a foot pump in the galley to pump fridge drain. Since I have refrigeration and don't use block ice for cooling, I removed my pump and plugged the drain hole in the fridge. I just sponge out the little water I get in tge bottom after defrosting.
Below is what I found under the head sink. I used a multimeter on the shower bilge switch and it doesn't appear to be getting a current through the lines. I turned on the power to everything, and flipping the switch didn't turn it on. The unconnected hose connects to the toilet. Pumping the toilet doesn't draw in water, so I may have found 2 problems. Adding a t-valve, tracing the electrical issue.
I had to turn the bilge pump on at the panel before the head shower switch. Both needed to be on to operate.
I don't see a handle on the through hull. If you don't have a valve to close this through hull you have a few things to worry about.
Guys : The head shower pump switch SHOULD be wired into the water pressure pump circuit!!
A thought
Quote from: robbjd on June 17, 2023, 06:49:02 AM
I don't see a handle on the through hull. If you don't have a valve to close this through hull you have a few things to worry about.
It's there, just doesn't show in the photo.
Did you test the shower sump pump switch? Mine failed a few years ago.
Quote from: Pete G on June 16, 2023, 06:58:52 PM
Below is what I found under the head sink.
That photo appears to be a disaster waiting to happen.
Is that a Schedule 40 PVC tee (PVC is not allowed below waterline)???
And is that an NPT-thread Tee screwed onto an NPS-thread thru hull?? That's a HUGE dangerous no-no.
I have the through hull closed both because of the PVC and the toilet not being connected. It's at the top of the maintenance list, believe me.
I Just learned that my electric shower drain pump doesnt work. Mines is nice and hidden under the Head sink. It is an original giant diaphragm and all.
What pump would be a good replacement? I am guessing it would need to be beefy since is pumping into that fresh water thru hole.
Also notice that that the sink is piped directly to a thru hole, has a ball valve, but that doesnt seem right. am i missing something?
MK1 1988
I bought a rebuild kit for my original diaphragm pump. If your motor still spins, that would be what I'd recommend first.
Motor not spinning.
Robert,
Our shower drain pump was quite rotted and not working when we bought the boat in 2019. I replaced it with a Whale Gulper 220 (can't remember where we bought it from but it's widely available)
and it's working just fine to date.
Thank you sir. good reviews on this pump.
Quote from: ewengstrom on August 25, 2023, 07:03:09 AM
Robert,
Our shower drain pump was quite rotted and not working when we bought the boat in 2019. I replaced it with a Whale Gulper 220 (can't remember where we bought it from but it's widely available)
and it's working just fine to date.
I installed this and works great.
I think the price was less than the rebuild kit for the original pump.
https://www.hodgesmarine.com/whabp1552-whale-gulper-220-grey-waste-pump-12v.html