Bilge pump testing? 2016 SAN 210

[FoodClub]

Do other people test their bilge pumps? Of so, how do you do it?

[jhiestand]

I thought my stern pump wasn't working so I disconnected it from it's base (easy to do, twist and pull) and found the base has mesh wire that was just clogged. Since the pump was loose and I could hold it in my hand, I activated the pump switch (it hummed/spun) and then put it in a bucket of water where it proceeded to pump water furiously. Another test is to insure your plug in and just dump some water in the bilge.

My forward pump was a bear to get to so I just insured I could hear it running. I think the dumping water in the bilge would work for testing it, as well. Obviously, you'd only do that on a trailer or lift!

But yes, not a bad idea at all to test pumps.

[MN Ryan]

I listen for them to turn on, but I guess I just trust that they'll actually pump water.

Should be as simple as putting water in the bilge (hose or buckets) and making sure they work. Or, if you're on a lift or trailer, get the boat low enough in the water and pull the plug.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[MN Ryan]

I activated the pump switch (it hummed/spun) and then put it in a bucket of water where it proceeded to pump water furiously.

The only thing you could be missing there is if there is a blockage or kink in the outlet hose.



Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[charlesml3]

Do other people test their bilge pumps? Of so, how do you do it?

Yes. A couple of times a summer I use some car wash and a brush to scrub the Sea Dek clean. I intentionally leave the plug in the boat. The soapy water makes it's way to the bilge and the pumps push it out. This does two things:

- Verifies that the pumps are working properly.

- Pushes some soapy water through the pump, hoses, etc. to give them a cleaning.