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Old 25-07-2017, 13:32   #1
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Shower not draining, what to do...

Hey all,

Our aft shower has never drained since we bought the boat, but now we have guests more often and I'd like to get it working.

The pump looks like this, but really really old: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/rule-...3?recordNum=19

It runs - in the sense that it makes noise and I see the motor driving the little plunger up and down on the top of what I assume is a diaphragm housing - but it has no effect on the water in the shower.

I am suspect of the pump, but I guess the lines could just be clogged too...

I'm heading to the boat tonight with a plunger and am going to try to plunge the heck out of drain. I assume draino or the like would probably wreak havoc on my hoses... right?

Any ideas on what the issue likely is? If it's a clog, any suggestions on how to clear a clog in this setup? And if it is the pump should I go with this same design or is there better stuff out there now?

All advice appreciated.
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Old 25-07-2017, 13:36   #2
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Remove the drain cover and snake out the hose with an inexpensive plumber's snake. It's most likely plugged up with hair and soap.
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Old 25-07-2017, 13:41   #3
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Shower not draining, what to do...

Do you you have a dinghy pump, if so use it to blow through the hoses to confirm if they are clogged.
Never use anything like draino, reason is almost certainly you will be disassembling something full of draino, and that can't be good for your skin to say nothing of the boat.
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Old 25-07-2017, 13:47   #4
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Thanks guys. Great advice. I'll be bringing my plumber's snake (although I'm concerned it's "head" is too big for the hose) and I'll be breaking out the dinghy foot pump.
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Old 25-07-2017, 14:08   #5
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

You can also take the hose loose from the pump and flush water through with a water hose, try to have something to catch the mess that may come out though.
Sometime though the pump just gives you the ghost, usually a rebuild kit is much cheaper than a new pump.
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Old 25-07-2017, 14:29   #6
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Cool. Thanks. Wasn't even aware they made rebuild kits for pumps like that. That's good to know.
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Old 25-07-2017, 14:50   #7
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

I use the dinghy pump often to clear lines, including the shower drain. WARNING!, when you do it, blow it back from the pump connection, however, put a pail over the drain in the shower to contain the "stuff", otherwise it is a real mess to cleanup. One learns from experience. I use a Par Max, by Jabsco shower drain pump, much less expensive than the classic style Par diaphragm pump.
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Old 25-07-2017, 14:52   #8
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peregrine1983 View Post
Cool. Thanks. Wasn't even aware they made rebuild kits for pumps like that. That's good to know.


Yes, and that diaphragm pump is expensive, but in my opinion is a very good pump, I have one that empties my shower pan and AC's drain there too.
I overhauled mine, actually only installed a valve kit as it was the valves that were bad, it's a simple thing really not that hard to take apart, just remember how it goes back together of course.
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Old 25-07-2017, 15:32   #9
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

If it's old, the diaphragm itself may be torn. They are usually not difficult to replace.

Ann
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Old 25-07-2017, 15:36   #10
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Once you either clear out the drain lines and/or fix the pump, then make it a habit of squirting a little Raritan C.P. into the shower drain after the days use. It will safely help keep the drain free of soap scum and hair and all the nasty bits that end up in the shower.

Another suggestion is to only use liquid soap rather than bar soap. You will have much less problem with the soap scum issue.
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Old 25-07-2017, 16:24   #11
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

I'll update here after I figure out what the deal is. Thanks for all the tips and advice.
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Old 25-07-2017, 18:41   #12
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Check all the hoses running from the drain to the pump. There may/should be an in-line strainer that may well be clogged.
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Old 25-07-2017, 20:35   #13
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Use baking soda in the line. Pour in the drain with some water. It will help unclog.
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Old 26-07-2017, 08:32   #14
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

I had the same issue with the raw water seacock on a/c and shower. Shop Vac and reducer blew many bubbles over side. A bit of plain bleach seemed to remove the gunk. A/c is back to blowing cold air and shower pan below empties in a jiffy. My slipmates do this easy fix between 3 to 6 months and never have an issue here in Galveston.
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Old 26-07-2017, 08:43   #15
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Re: Shower not draining, what to do...

Check that the strainer or filter is clear and check rubber valves for debris. Even a hair can prevent suction in those pumps.
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