Condensation Leak?

[ethanbarnett]

Noticed a fair amount of fresh water seeping from under the forward berth area. Removed the access panel on the floor next to the bed and see an enclosed pump. That area seems to be leaking as well and that pump doesn't seem to work? Is this a/c related? Tomorrow the plan is to remove bedding to see what is beneath. Any insights would be helpful. I will try to post pics.

Thanks. just

 

[HappyPlace]

On our R31,the enclosed pump is the shower sump, which discharges the shower water overboard. Also both of our a/c condensation lines empty into the sump as well. They are notorious for being persnickety and need to be cleaned and cared for to keep them operating properly. If this is the sump/pump you are talking about, you can remove the four screws on the lid to gain access to the screen, pump and switch. Even if the sump filled or leaked, I would think the water would flow back to the bilge.

 

[ethanbarnett]

Well that pump seems to be the issue. Can I presume I can remove the screws holding the casement in place and turn it to permit access to the lids 4th screw without having to worry about the attached hoses? Am hopeful it was designed with some give in mind? Any idea which fuse may control this pump?


Thanks.

 

[Scottfree]

This is a standard sump you can buy. There is a pump and float switch inside the plastic box, each sold separately. I cleaned mine twice (yuck) and on the third cleaning replaced a failed float switch. A simple device that can safely be worked on. It's wired with crimp connectors. Unless you have a pacemaker you can cut and recrimp connections one wire at a time. Not sure if you can turn the box to perform maintenance. Cursing and minor bloodshed was a prerequisite to design with respect to maintenance, hmmmm sounds like my British Sports car!

 

[HappyPlace]

Since this sump is in a location that does not get wet, I have installed quick disconnects on the wires leading to the pump and float switch, thus being able to remove them for cleaning. It is much easier to clean without having to hang down in there. With the pump, float switch and screen removed, the box can be cleaned much easier. This is one of the few things on the tug that I do not like. There have been many posts with ideas on changing this setup. I am contemplating putting an inline pump on the shower drain, but first need to find a way to remove the ac condensation before removing the sump altogether.

Al Sr.

 

[Scottfree]

The last time I was working on the shower sump was just a month or so ago down in Mobile AL, prior to dry docking our boat. We are doing the Great Loop and currently back home for the holidays. A couple we met and traveled with for a few weeks were retired Chemistry Teachers. He noticed or likely heard me working on the shower sump and came by to investigate. He had installed a couple of shower sumps in his older boat while prepping it for the Loop. He too was grossed out by the hair and slime that collects and ultimately clogs the sump. His solution, which I assume is based on knowledge from his teaching life, is to pour Liquid Plumber down the shower drain occasionally. He claimed he never had to open it again since using this treatment. Something I'm going to try on our next leg of the loop. We will be on the boat full time for 6 months so it will be a good test of the theory!

Good luck!

 

[ripp]

Hi Leon,

Just curious how did the liquid plumber work for you in the shower sump?

Thanks

Peter

 

[Chimo]

Hi Leon

Hope it's not too smoky in Comox!

Just to follow up on this one, I took a first look at our shower sump yesterday. The screen is completely clear but I can see "stuff" developing in the box. I can only see two screws to the lid so I suspect removing the sump requires disconnecting hoses etc.. Not a fun job. If Liquid Plumber works OK then a little preventative dose may be the answer. At this point I am also considering a little bilge cleaner.

 

[Scottfree]

I never had much luck with the liquid plumber idea but we used the shower daily so a lot of use. I have the boat home now on the trailer and am working through a list of maintenance items after nearly a year on the Great Loop. I have not got to the shower sump yet but in the past the issue has always been the float switch being gummed up. I am thinking (which could be dangerous) of building a new sump and using a float switch from a septic system. Those switches are sealed and work for years. A stronger cleaner like a bilge cleaner might work better, definitely worth a try. I tend to try and build a better mousetrap! We still need to clean the sump regularly so keep us posted.


Cheers, Leon