How to clean a bilge pump on a boat?

Bilge pumps, Safety

Most of the time, we forget to take good care of our boat or sailboat during the various cruises. The bilges could thus emit an unpleasant odor. Cleaning the bilge and bilge pump is an effective solution; it is done at the same time as the engine maintenance. It also prevents oxidation which causes corrosion of the metal parts of the hold as well as the development of microorganisms. Discover all our good advice and tips for cleaning a bilge pump.

These cleaning and maintenance tips are valid for all brands of bilge pumps: Attwood, Jabsco, Johnson pump, Seaflo, Whale, Nuova rade, Osculati, Rule, Marco or Plastimo.

What to plan for before cleaning a bilge pump

You can get a cleaner at most hardware stores. But we recommend that you choose a special bilge cleaner. It will remove all the grease and dirt giving off a clean scent which makes it a good choice.

There are several commercial cleaners on the market, but not all are created the same. Indeed, some liquids do not contain phosphate and are biodegradable. Older cleaners are effective but use harsh chemicals, abrasives or acids to clean. Make sure to research the ones that say they are safe.

You also need drip pans to catch stray oil products. Most top quality boats come with them as standard equipment, but adding one won't cost you a lot.

With a drip pan to catch it, cleaning involves wiping with a cloth or paper towel. Then, you need to install pans not only under each engine and generator, but also under the transmissions.

Cleaning the bilge pump and hold is backbreaking and can take you a long time. Entrusting this task to a professional would be a good solution if your budget allows it.

How to maintain and clean a bilge pump on a boat?

The first step before cleaning a bilge pump is to keep the bilge clean, often easier said than done, as there are sections of most of the bilges that are really inaccessible. So apply water and special bilge cleaner to places you can reach, especially machinery spaces where oil and fuel leaks are possible.

Clogged flex holes turn bilge sections into stagnant swamps. Wooden boat builders used to thread a flat brass chain through the holes in the rod from stern to stern; shaking the chain will dislodge the waste and let the water run.

The frames and stringers are generally made of fiberglass with a cap section resting on a wood or foam core; drilling soft holes without sealing their edges will allow water to enter which, over time, will cause delamination or deterioration of the core or, generally, both. If you find any unsealed holes, call an expert to check.

Once the bilge is clean, disassemble the bilge pump and check that there is no dirt blocking the vanes. Each bilge pump must have protection against ingestion of foreign objects, either a screen integrated into the body of a submersible pump or a strainer at the inlet of a remote pump. There are also pneumatic switches activated by water pressure, more often associated with remotely mounted diaphragm pumps; both are reliable and almost maintenance free, as long as you keep them away from the dirt! Despite everything, debris can sometimes block the system. It is therefore necessary to clean the pallets and the water chamber scrupulously. Before reassembling everything, make sure that the pallets are in good condition. If they are worn, they will have to be changed.

Finally, check the electrical wiring. The cables must be waterproof and attached out of the water.

Now, test each of your bilge pumps in automatic and manual mode. 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?'.

Additionally, most boats are also equipped with a bilge level alarm, located to sound before rising water reaches wiring or other vulnerable components. Test this system, as well as the manual bilge pump switches.

Finally, install a counter on each bilge pump to record its operating frequency. Keep a log of typical cycles over a period of time, perhaps Monday through Friday when you are at work and your boat or sailboat is in the marina. If you see an increase in cycles, you'll know it's time to check things out.

Our advice, pitfalls to avoid and recommended maintenance cycle

You should regularly inspect the lines and hoses for damage and repair small leaks that cause oil to leak into the bilge. Oil pan gaskets and oil seals should also be replaced whenever the engine is removed for service. This will reduce leaks and save you money in the long run.

If you are changing your own oil, it is recommended that you use a closed system. This is a portable vacuum oil drain pump that empties into a closed container to prevent spillage when transferring oil to a recycling facility or waste oil collection center. Recycle your used bilge oil and used oil filter at a used oil collection center.

Considering the fact that the holds may be wet:

Make a paste of equal parts lemon juice or vinegar and salt. Let the paste rest, rub, then clean with a cloth.

For more serious problems, scrub the stains / wedge with a borax / water mixture.

When using absorbents in the bilge, secure them to avoid clogging or fouling the bilge pump and float or the bilge pump sensor.

It is also important to periodically check the saturation of the absorbent. When completely saturated, remove the absorbent and place it in an airtight bag or container.

Finally, do not add detergents or bilge cleaners to the bilge water before pumping it sideways into the water. Also, never use soaps or detergents to clean oil or fuel on the water.

Cleaning a bilge pump is an important job in keeping your boat or sailboat in good condition. However, you must be careful that the cleaning discharges do not pollute the marine environment.