Oceanis 400, Smell from the Sump Pump

[hookway]

Hello

I’ve a Beneteau Oceanis 400.

When I use the front sump pump, after a shower, or if water accumlated for any reason, like rain or splashes, there’s a smell, like rotten eggs (sulfur water?)

Microbiological growth or scale in the pipes?

Maybe some kind of leak from the head?

I don’t notice this in the back showerroom.

Perhaps I ought to run well sanitizer or chlorine thru it the sump?

Anyone experience this or have any clues?

Thank you in advance for any help

 

[Benny17441]

Hydrogen sulfide; often results from microbial breakdown of organic matter (anaerobic digestion). It is poisonous, corrosive and flammable in high concentrations. Are you sure the problem exists in the sump pump as it is frequently found originating in the water heater. The bacteria interacts with the magnesium in the tank's anode to produce the gas. The prescribed cure is to replace the anode and flush the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Check the following article.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Shower sumps are full of bacteria,hair, soap scum, dirt, body oils etc that can turn 'em into primordial soups if not kept clean. Fortunately, keeping a sump clean is the easiest job on the boat...maybe the ONLY one that doesn't require any manual labor.
All it takes is a few ounces of Raritan C.P. Cleans Potties down the shower drain once a week when it can stand at least overnight. Raritan only markets C.P. as a toilet bowl cleaner, but it also happens to be the best sump and drain cleaner on the planet 'cuz it's a bio-enzymatic cleaner that not only destroys odor on contact, but also "eats" all the stuff in sumps and drains, leaving 'em sweet smelling and the sump pumps running freely. The enzymes do need time to work, though, which is why it should be used when it can sit at least overnight. You can even use it just before closing up the boat 'cuz it can sit in drains and sumps indefinitely without any problem...it just ceases to accomplish anything after about 24 hours...so no rush to get back and flush it out. Use it once a week, or just before the boat will sit each time and your drains and sumps will stay clean and screens clog free. To use in it sink drains, close the thru-hull...put an ounce or two down the drain then fill the drain the rest of the way with clean fresh water.
And btw...it's also an outstanding toilet bowl cleaner!

 

[Gunni]

Find the shower sump screen remove and clean it. Leave it out and flush the system. Replace screen. Shower and cooler screens require regular cleaning.

 

[hookway]

Find the shower sump screen remove and clean it. Leave it out and flush the system. Replace screen. Shower and cooler screens require regular cleaning.

Yes, of course, can't overlook the basics!

 

[hookway]

All it takes is a few ounces of Raritan C.P. Cleans Potties down the shower drain once a week

Many thanks for the fantastic advice!

 

[hookway]

Hydrogen sulfide; often results from microbial breakdown of organic matter (anaerobic digestion). It is poisonous, corrosive and flammable in high concentrations. Are you sure the problem exists in the sump pump as it is frequently found originating in the water heater. The bacteria interacts with the magnesium in the tank's anode to produce the gas. The prescribed cure is to replace the anode and flush the tank with a hydrogen peroxide solution. Check the following article.

Thank you for the article and the heads up about the water tank. It is certainly the sump pump but its now good to be aware of the water heater anode and drain-it task.