A bilge pump is a bilge device that is used to remove water from a boat. His installation is required in order to optimize navigation safety in the event of a waterway. This equipment is therefore present as standard on most modern boats. There are two main categories of bilge pumps: hand or mechanical pumps and electric bilge pumps. The electric model fitted as standard on your boat can also be a manual bilge pump or an automatic bilge pump. Thus, to remove water from the bilge of a boat, the device can be operated via the bilge pump switch ('manual' pump) or by the automatic release of the bilge pump (self-priming pump. '). To make sure that your bilge pump is in good working order, it is advisable to do some testing. Then, how to test a bilge pump? The rest of the article will show you the steps to follow.
It should be noted that these tips for testing a bilge pump are valid for all brands: Attwood, Jabsco, Johnson pump, Seaflo, Whale, Nuova rade, Osculati, Rule, Marco or even Plastimo.
How to test a bilge pump: the necessary equipment
The tests you need to perform on a mechanical bilge pump are different from those you can perform on an electric bilge pump. Likewise, the inspection techniques for an electric submersible bilge pump are different from those for a self-priming bilge pump. To test a boat bilge pump, you need to find the right process and have the right tools. It is also important to understand the bilge pump operation before starting the test. You absolutely need to consider the complexity of your bilge pump design in order to choose the right tools. Usually, you only need a bucket of water to test a hand pump. On the other hand, to perform a series of tests on an automatic electric pump, a 12v high flow bilge pump or a 24 volts bilge pump, you must take out your toolbox. You will need screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, a battery tester and other equipment to perform the various tests.
How to test a bilge pump: the steps to follow
Tests on manual siphon pumps, battery operated bilge pumps, as well as portable, manual or electric bilge pumps are the easiest to perform. You just have to immerse it bilge pump hose in a basin and operate the pumping lever or the motor to check if everything is working fine. How to test a fixed bilge pump? To do this, it is necessary to simulate the waterway in order to dry out the hold as in a real situation. The series of tests to be carried out, however, depends on the type of bilge pump installed on your boat.
To test a lever bilge pump
Without an electric motor, the lever bilge pump is often accessible directly from the co*ckpit or placed on the deck. How to test a bilge pump like that on small craft? Note that the purpose of testing is to check the condition of the pump diaphragm or diaphragm. You just have to go back and forth with the lever to suck in and evacuate the water. You can test a sailboat bilge pump operating with a lever when cleaning your boat. Take this opportunity to check whether the flow of material is sufficient to dry the bilge of your boat.
To test an electric bilge pump
You do not know how to test an electric bilge pump operating manually or automatically? To ensure the proper functioning of such equipment, it is always necessary to begin by checking the completeness of the installation of the bilge pump. Every element that turns the engine on and off must be tested: battery, wiring, fuse, switch, float, trigger, etc. To know if everything is working correctly, you have to introduce water into the bilge of the boat. It would be best to clean the boat and let the water flow into the bilge. This allows you to check all the functionality of your pump by switching on the bilge device.
NB: some electric bilge pumps are equipped with a tester button. Just press it to start the pump.
Common problems encountered when testing a bilge pump
No test is possible on a bilge pump that no longer works, hence the advantage of carrying out regular checks in order to avoid breakdowns. Most of the issues reported during bilge pump testing relate to automatic submersible pumps. Most often, the device starts, but does not stop when there is nothing more to pump. This type of problem is accompanied by a decrease in flow performance and a tendency for the motor to overheat. To overcome these problems, it is recommended to clean the removable parts of the pump before the tests (you can read our article: How to clean a bilge pump on a boat?).
If the bilge pump does not work during the test, you can try to repair it. We advise you to consult our article ''Repair a bilge pump that no longer works'.
If the bilge pump continues to fail, then it is time to choose a new pump. We recommend that you read our article 'What type of bilge pump should I choose for my boat?'.
If you are in doubt about the reliability of your hardware, you should consider the fitting of an automatic bilge pump rescue. In any case, it is strongly recommended to install a manual bilge pump in addition to your automatic pump in case your electrical supply system is no longer functioning.
See The Best Fixed Diaphragm Manual Bilge Pumps:
-OSCULATI diaphragm bilge pump
Here you are, you know everything about how to test a bilge pump!
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Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in the article about testing a bilge pump.
Bilge Pump Overview
A bilge pump is a device used to remove water from a boat's bilge, which is the lowest part of the boat's hull. It is an essential piece of equipment for maintaining navigation safety in case of water accumulation. Most modern boats come equipped with bilge pumps as a standard feature.
Types of Bilge Pumps
There are two main categories of bilge pumps: hand or mechanical pumps and electric bilge pumps. Hand pumps are operated manually, while electric pumps can be either manual or automatic.
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Hand or Mechanical Pumps: These pumps are operated by hand and are often accessible directly from the co*ckpit or placed on the deck. They are typically used on small craft and can be tested by immersing the pump hose in a basin and operating the pumping lever to check if it is working properly.
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Electric Bilge Pumps: Electric bilge pumps can be operated manually or automatically. To test an electric bilge pump, it is important to check the completeness of the installation, including the battery, wiring, fuse, switch, float, and other components. Water can be introduced into the bilge to simulate real conditions and ensure the pump functions correctly.
Testing a Bilge Pump
The testing process for a bilge pump depends on the type of pump installed on your boat. Here are the general steps to follow:
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Hand or Mechanical Pump: For a lever-operated bilge pump, you can test it by going back and forth with the lever to suck in and evacuate the water. This test helps check the condition of the pump diaphragm.
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Electric Bilge Pump: To test an electric bilge pump, start by checking the completeness of the installation, including the battery, wiring, fuse, switch, float, and other components. Introduce water into the bilge to simulate real conditions and activate the bilge pump. Some electric bilge pumps may have a tester button that can be pressed to start the pump.
Common Problems and Maintenance
Regular testing is important to identify any issues with the bilge pump and avoid breakdowns. Common problems encountered during bilge pump testing, especially with automatic submersible pumps, include the pump not stopping when there is nothing more to pump, decreased flow performance, and motor overheating. To address these issues, it is recommended to clean the removable parts of the pump before testing. If the bilge pump does not work during the test, repair or replacement may be necessary.
It is also advisable to install a manual bilge pump in addition to an automatic pump as a backup in case of electrical system failure.
Please note that the specific testing procedures may vary depending on the brand and model of the bilge pump installed on your boat.
I hope this information helps you understand how to test a bilge pump. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
