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01-08-2016, 10:54
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Table Rock Lake, MO
Boat: Chris-Craft 328
Posts: 25
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Shower Sump Issues
I have cleaned out the shower sump. I have added two wine bottle corks to the pump switch and it works "Sometimes". I give up and am going to replace it. That said, the pump and sump were full of green slime. I am sure my drain from the sink is as well. What can I used to clean it out. I know Draino is an absolute no, but damn this thing drains slow.
Frank
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01-08-2016, 11:07
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#2
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
I just use a manual switch for my shower sump. Always works, no problems and just leave on an extra few seconds and it sucks the sump bone dry.
Try pouring some diluted bleach down the lines, let sit for a few minutes then rinse and flush well.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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01-08-2016, 11:25
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Jacksonville/ out cruising
Boat: Island Packet 38
Posts: 31,351
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
Peggy says the Raritan CP is the ticket, I haven't tried it yet, but intend to. She is almost always right.
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01-08-2016, 12:44
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#4
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,018
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
For more details about using Raritan C.P to clean sumps and drains, see post #7 in the thread "Substitute for Raritan C.P" in this forum. If yours is as dirty as you say it is, you might have to do it twice and or use a little more of it. But once you get it clean, it'll be easy to keep clean.
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01-08-2016, 12:55
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Table Rock Lake, MO
Boat: Chris-Craft 328
Posts: 25
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
Thanks so much.
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01-08-2016, 14:36
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#6
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Writing Full-Time Since 2014
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Deale, MD
Boat: PDQ Altair, 32/34
Posts: 9,601
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by skipmac
I just use a manual switch for my shower sump. Always works, no problems and just leave on an extra few seconds and it sucks the sump bone dry.
Try pouring some diluted bleach down the lines, let sit for a few minutes then rinse and flush well.
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Same here. I like that it allows me to get it more empty when finished. No need for automation.
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01-08-2016, 15:04
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#7
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by thinwater
Same here. I like that it allows me to get it more empty when finished. No need for automation.
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And no need for float switches that fail frequently, are awkward to mount and clear when they clog with hairs and such.
I do have a great, no clog, no fail bilge pump switch but it wouldn't fit too well in a shower sump.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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01-08-2016, 15:33
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#8
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Jacksonville/ out cruising
Boat: Island Packet 38
Posts: 31,351
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
If like me you drain your AC into the bilge then you need automation
Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum
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01-08-2016, 15:57
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#9
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
Quote:
Originally Posted by a64pilot
If like me you drain your AC into the bilge then you need automation
Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum
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AC drains to the bilge or shower sump? I definitely have automation in the bilge. Shower sump, manual.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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01-08-2016, 16:26
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#10
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Jacksonville/ out cruising
Boat: Island Packet 38
Posts: 31,351
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Shower Sump Issues
AC drains to shower sump, shower sump is about 5 gls, looks to me to be a kitchen garbage can or if not sure looks like one, just a heavy duty one. My bilge is about four ft deep?
I have a very good float switch, forgot the name, got it from Hopcar. I hate getting older, I can see the darn thing, just can't remember the name, something Jr.
Oh, I see now, I did say bilge didn't I? I meant shower sump, that sits in the bilge
Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum
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01-08-2016, 16:38
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Full time cruisers
Boat: Krogen 42
Posts: 403
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
I don't understand where the green slime is coming from. My sump is always clear. Bar soap will leave scum in the sump and maybe that is where it originates from. Use only liquid bath soap.
__________________
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Terry
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01-08-2016, 16:56
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#12
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Jacksonville/ out cruising
Boat: Island Packet 38
Posts: 31,351
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
Green points to chlorophyll? Meaning a source of light somehow? If it's algae chlorine will kill it, heck enough chlorine will kill anything pretty much. I think the CP will clean out stuff that isn't alive, soap scum, grease and hair, stuff you find in a sink trap?
Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum
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01-08-2016, 18:48
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#13
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,018
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
I don't understand where the green slime is coming from...
I'd guess it's some kind of green mold or fungi...neither of which need light and thrive in a damp dark environment.
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01-08-2016, 20:14
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Refit in Port Townsend, WA
Boat: 1984 Slocum 43
Posts: 425
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
My advice would be to plumb a whale diaphragm pump directly to the shower drain. Bypass the sump tank completely and toss it out!
I wired the pump switch to the vanity. If I forget to turn it on, the water just backs up into the shower pan which reminds me to turn on the pump. :-)
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01-08-2016, 20:23
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Cruz
Boat: SAnta Cruz 27
Posts: 6,734
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Re: Shower Sump Issues
I delivered a fancy power boat up the east coast this spring, and had to replace the useless fancy electronic switch with a standard float switch (which will still only last about 5 years).
The slime may be more shampoo than soap, but it is par for the course. I just take a hose with a spray nozzle and blast out the sump periodically.
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