Removing shower sump

[meridian]

I had posted this as a response in another thresd but I thought I would repost it for the DC-36.

It has always been difficult to get all the shower water out of the sump, which is quite large. This is located just behind the holding tank. I pulled the sump out this weekend and found it is built with a false bottom and 2 legs to support it against the hull. Since the float switch and pump were screwed into the bottom of the sump, 30 years of bad water had leaked inside. When I drilled a drain hole, the stench was terrible. I am pulling out the entire drain system and will put a small pump in the aft cabin with the output attached to a "T" fitting on my sink drain. This will get rid of 15 feet of old pipe/hose. After or during shower usage a flip of the switch will pump overboard. I will use the old sump to store oil and engine parts. I may just toss the old sump and use a plastic container to hold everything.

[crowra]

This is a great idea! Can you please post a picture or two of the small pump configuration in the aft cabin when you are finished?

[DougSea]

Two things,

A pre-made sump, such as the Johnson one we have on Sonny IV, just needs power and then has a float switch built in so no need to worry about just leaving it on.

For the discharge you'd be better served by a wye than a tee as you probably don't want to pump your shower up into your sink... The wye directs the flow in the direction you want it to go.

[jleonard]

I built a small sumpcompartment in one corner of my original large sump and i use the rest for storage also. The pump has the built in switch so it is always ready to pump.

[Despacio]

If I were to remove mine, I'd put in a very small sump directly under the shower and use that space for a larger holding tank. Not sure that's a good place for metal objects as it's where the water drains between the shaft seal and the lowest part of the bilge.

[meridian]

Thats a good idea about a larger holding tank. I'll measure it up next weekend. I did toss the old sump and 15' of old hose.