Self-Priming Pump won't Prime!

[chad.lawie]

Hello,

My shower drain pump stopped pumping. If I force water to the pump it works as usual, but each time there is a gap in the flow of water the pump stops working.

Any tricks or is it just dying?


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[HappyMdRSailor]

Chad...

You could have an air leak in the line somewhere between the sump and pump... OR... you could have a maxed out strainer before the pump...

Most likely you need a rebuild kit...

[Terra Nova]

Photos?

[chad.lawie]

Strainer is clean.

Thinking more about it, I believe it may have run dry for a bit the other day.


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[Terra Nova]

If it still won't pump, after being primed, disassemble the pump to clear debris.

[Arthur Garfield]

chad.lawie- Do you mean to say the pump was running for more than brief moment while it was dry? If so impeller may have been damaged and/or an area for creating siphon(air leak as said above) may also have been damaged.

[chad.lawie]

If I turn it on it starts to work. When I turn it off it releases water. I guess it just can't build up enough suction to get going.

We are almost to the end of our trip so I'll have more options for repair/replacement soon.


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[delmarrey]

If the motor's running the only things left are the pump valves need rework or you have a suction leak big enough to keep a good head on the pump, or both.

[chad.lawie]

Took apart the pump. Wonder if this had anything to do with it?


Works now. Pretty sweet pump!

[Arthur Garfield]

Ok-I'll bite.

What is it? Hair?

Once remove does pump function?



All the Best

[Terra Nova]

You're supposed to have a strainer on the suction side. I suppose all you have is that small in-line. Might want a proper shower sump box and pre-strainer.

[chad.lawie]

Yeah... It's hair. I have a strainer, but the mesh screen went over the side of the boat while cleaning it out.

Ordering new mesh plus spares.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by chad.lawie

Yeah... It's hair. I have a strainer, but the mesh screen went over the side of the boat while cleaning it out.

Ordering new mesh plus spares.

This would have been a helpful clue...