Flushing shower sump pump

[SerenaIrwin37]

Can you use alcohol to flush a Jabsco diaphragm pump? I have a filter and keep it clean but the pump stop pumping intermittently. No debris in pump head but slimy residue.

[Singularity]

Originally Posted by SerenaIrwin37

Can you use alcohol to flush a Jabsco diaphragm pump? I have a filter and keep it clean but the pump stop pumping intermittently. No debris in pump head but slimy residue.

Alcohol generally will not dissolve the slime while it could cause shrinking and cracking of certain types of rubber in the system. In other words, whatever the problem is, alcohol probably won't help and might give you a second problem.

Are you referring to the old-style PAR pump....the kind with a belt you can see? Or a newer/different diaphragm pump? Seems like peoples' experience with the "non-belt type" pumps is generally worse in shower situations. I've currently got an belt-style pump but need to replace it (or the motor) for 24v conversion. I'm leaning towards keeping the belt-type for less problems.

On a tangent: does anyone on the boat use bar-soap draining to this pump? Bar soap will leave more residue/scum vs. liquid soaps.