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Rocketman · 29-09-2013, 06:04

Hi All

I have a shower with a drain that has a pump that pumps the water outside. The problem that I am having with my current pump is, if it looses its prime, it will not pump until I re-prime it. Which is usually after I have taken my shower and I am sloshing around in 2 inches of dirty water.

So, I need your advise, if you have found the perfect self-priming pump for this application, let me know.

Right now, the drain to the shower is mounted in the floor with a 3/4 inch hose that runs to a pump mounted about 18 inches higher than the floor drain. The type of pump that I currently have, has an impeller that is ran by a small 12volt motor. I suppose it is possible that my current pump is ok, may just need a new impeller but the old one looks good, just won't hold a prime.

Atraxia · 29-09-2013, 06:13

I bought a new (at the time) Jabsco single diaphragm waste pump for my shower.
It works amazingly and quiet.

Paul L · 29-09-2013, 06:57

I have the same problem with a Shurflo pump in the shower sump. I'm about to replace it with Whale Gupper. The specs look better than the other pumps available. It has 3m (10ft) self priming. We'll see how well it works.

Suijin · 29-09-2013, 07:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atraxia

I bought a new (at the time) Jabsco single diaphragm waste pump for my shower.
It works amazingly and quiet.

I have the Jabsco pump below. Just replaced the 27 year old one of the same design. Diaphragm pumps are great since they are self priming. Not cheap, but they are built to last.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

IdoraKeeper · 29-09-2013, 07:12

Big ol Whale pump, no prime issues. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

CAELESTIS · 29-09-2013, 07:20

I just installed a Whale IC, having had the same issues as you with the original pump.
Whale Gulley IC Shower Waste Pump Kit

AnchorageGuy · 29-09-2013, 07:51

I can't tell you how many Jabsco and Shurflo pumps I have installed and have had fail in a short period of time. Some the same day. We have used the Whale Gulper and it has lasted about 5 or 6 years, as far as I know it's still in the boat. We sold her a while back. Chuck

Chasing Summer · 29-09-2013, 08:08

I have background of both living on submarines and motorhomes. They have both completely self contained with sanitary tanks. So, when building my boat I installed fore and aft sanitary tanks. Both sinks, yes, a real stand-up shower, and toilet all drain below the cabin sole into my sanitary tanks, which by the way is required if you are within the 10 mile limit. When they are full I drain them with one of two large whale pumps. My fwd tank probably holds 40 gallons, while my aft tank is smaller at about 20 gallons since it only received the galley sink.
No electric pump to break, lose it prime, or sieze up. My whale pumps are side by side so I can pump with either one or both. They can also pump the bilge. The pumps are the same so I only have to carry one kind of rebuild kit.
Keep it very simple ... you may have to rebuild a pump in a tossing sea.

Redcoat · 29-09-2013, 08:26

No one has said anything about a inline screen yet.

Paul L · 29-09-2013, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat

No one has said anything about a inline screen yet.

I have one. The Shurflo still looses its prime. I'll keep the screen when I go to the Whale.

sartorst · 29-09-2013, 09:04

If you use an impeller type pump one needs to route hoses such that the pump is in a low spot of the route to hold some water for self priming if left for long periods the water may dry up which would need reprimed

Rocketman · 29-09-2013, 09:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul L

I have one. The Shurflo still looses its prime. I'll keep the screen when I go to the Whale.

I also have the inline screen that would catch hair and other small debris.

It would appear that the small whale gusher pumps do not require a screen, which seem like an advantage. Also whale makes 3 different pumps designed for the shower area. A gulper 220, a gulley IC, and a high capacity gulper 320, ranging in price from $169 to $300. It seem obvious that the Whale brand pumps are quality and the way to go if you need trouble free use.

Anyone think that spending more money for a higher capacity pump is worth the extra money? Or am I missing something that makes one more valuable than another?

Thanks to all that have given there opinion.

Suijin · 29-09-2013, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redcoat

No one has said anything about a inline screen yet.

The Jabsco comes with an inline filter that is separate from the pump.

Suijin · 29-09-2013, 09:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocketman

Anyone think that spending more money for a higher capacity pump is worth the extra money? Or am I missing something that makes one more valuable than another?

Thanks to all that have given there opinion.

I don't see why you would buy a pump that had a significantly higher capacity than the flow rate of your shower. In general, the higher the capacity the pump the more amps it draws.