Shower Sump Pump

[Bump]

My shower sump pump gave up the other day and I need to replace it. But first a question. Why does the shower have a seperate pump? Why not simply route it to the bilge and let the bilge pump handle the chore? In other words I am cheap and don't want to blow another $150 on something I don't need. Thanks

[RichH]

Simple answer: the debris from a shower are mostly dead skin cells. When any mammalian cell decomposes it converts into 'putrenes' .... the evil powerful rotten smell that you notice from a rotting 'putrefying' dead body. Putting the dead cells into the bilge will make your entire boat smell like a 'long moldering and long dead armpit'.

Here's a test.... take a small jar and fill it with 'shower water' and cover with a loose fitting cap. Let stand for a few days .... and then take a 'whiff' as that is what the entire interior of your boat is going to smell like if you let shower water into the bilge. :-0

[Captainmeme]

I think the reason that the shower water is not normally routed to the bilge is that soap scum and urine stink and that would stink up your boat.

[hellosailor]

"Why not simply route it to the bilge "
What is the line from Hamlet, something about if you don't find Fortinbras by the end of the week you'll nose him behind the arras?
Route your dead skin, body oils, hairs, into the bilge for a while, you'll smell the reason why. With any "built to a price" product, you can pretty much be sure that if anything was built in, that even cost a penny, there is a reason it was put there. Cars, boats, anything built to be sold in a competitive market.

[mitiempo]

I agree with the others - iceboxes have the same smell issue if bilge drained.

Are you sure it is the pump or is it the float switch? A float switch is not expensive nor is a small Rule 500 if it is the pump. I have replaced several pumps and float switches recently on other boats.

[saillife]

Another reason for a separate pump (aside from odor) is that soap, hair, scum etc. will clog a pump and at best just keep blowing the fuse. I can assure you that it is no fun to be dealing with a clogged bilge pump that's blowing fuses 100 miles offshore in 40 knot winds & 8 foot swells because some PO had the bright idea to just reroute the shower to the bilge.

[RobGallagher]

It will stink. Stink, stink, stink.

[b40Ibis]

bump- buy the pump.

[Bump]

Now I know why and it makes perfect sense. Thanks guys

[BELLATRIX1965]

If you have one like this:

JOHNSON PUMP #57151 MULTI-PORT SHOWER SUMP PUMP

you can get a Johnson replacement cartridge pump for less than $50!
Money well spent!