Pumps

Apr 29, 2012
223
Beneteau 35s5 bristol ri
Hello,
I am having trouble with all of my plumbing pimps. They just don't turn on. This includes the electric toilet pump, the macerator pump, the shower sump and water pressure. My next course of action is to see if they are getting power and then replace them all. The electric toilet pump is getting power. It was full and I emptied it out and still not pumping. The level indicator is still showing full. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. it's a 1983 C&C 32.

Thanks in advance!
thetone
 
Sep 30, 2016
376
Island Packet IP 44 Ventura, CA
Yes, first check for power. Did this happen all at once, or did they all quit over a period of time? If it happened all at once its got to be a power source problem. Were you away from the boat for a long time? If it happened one by one over time- pumps are limited life items. But you still need to check for power at each one.
 
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Likes: ggrizzard
Sep 25, 2008
7,460
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
Hello,
I am having trouble with all of my plumbing pimps. They just don't turn on.
lets dissect this for clarity.

do any/all have power to them? Is there a common power feed source at or after the panel?


. My next course of action is to see if they are getting power and then replace them all.
Why would you replace them if the only problem is no power?

The electric toilet pump is getting power. It was full and I emptied it out and still not pumping.
For clarity, how did you empty it? Manually?

The level indicator is still showing full.
what? Are you referring here to the toilet or than tank macerator pump?
 
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Likes: JamesG161
Apr 29, 2012
223
Beneteau 35s5 bristol ri
I just bought the boat and none of the pumps worked except the toilet. I pumped out the head at a pumpout station. The lights that show the tank level are still red. I wonder if the red light stops the pump and how it can be reset.
If the other pumps are just not getting power I would fix that, if they are getting power I would test them and replace if broken.
 
Sep 30, 2016
376
Island Packet IP 44 Ventura, CA
Okay, if its an unfamiliar boat you need to break out the Volt meter and see what you've got. Just a guess, but Id say the previous owner didnt feel like replacing the pumps. Your looking at over $1k in pumps if you replace. Easy to diagnose, but probably harder on the wallet than a wiring problem. I dont think the tank light has anything to do with any of this, but I dont know how its set up.
 
Last edited:

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,259
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Congrats on the New C&C 32. Is this a replacement or an additon to your fleet?

I like the idea of examining the electrical connections. Since all quit then the common ground would be a good place to start.

The value of reading Calder’s book on marine electrical systems can not be stressed enough. It is a lot less expensive than buying all new pumps. Especially if the issue is connections not pump motors.
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,437
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Congrats on the New C&C 32. Is this a replacement or an additon to your fleet?

I like the idea of examining the electrical connections. Since all quit then the common ground would be a good place to start.

The value of reading Calder’s book on marine electrical systems can not be stressed enough. It is a lot less expensive than buying all new pumps. Especially if the issue is connections not pump motors.
If pumps are replaced and the issue isn't the pumps, then they still wont work
 

dLj

.
Mar 23, 2017
4,426
Belliure 41 Back in the Chesapeake
The level indicator is still showing full.
These are notorious for not working well. I've never seen one that does anything to affect your pumps.

I wouldn't worry about this part until you've sorted out why your pumps aren't working.

dj
 

capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
4,947
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Several of the pumps you mentioned should have automatic switches in the lines. The only way ALL your pumps could be non-functional, if they have a common ground wire, which is no longer making contact. Get an auto voltage tester, not a meter. Attach one end to a convenient ground and push the probe into the positive wire. If it lights, there is power there. Repeat at each pump. If no light on any of the pumps, it isn't the pumps, but in the wiring.
Good luck.