While winterizing, I found that the shower drain pump wasn't working. No noise, no nothing.
I pulled the pump and spun the impeller. It was free of debris and spun freely.
At the panel I connected the pump's wire to a working switch. Still nothing. I tried to follow the red wire down through a forest of other red wires looking for a fuse but gave up when it went into black ribbed tubing.
Pulled the board up just outside the head looking for the connection between the pump's leads and the wire going to the panel. No luck. The leads from the pump disappeared almost immediately into more black ribbed tubing.
With no exposed wire, other than at the panel, I wasn't able to check continuity.
I realize that I could cut the pump wire a foot or so from the pump, check to see if I have power to that point, and if I do, install a new pump.
My thought is that I'm missing something really obvious. What is it?
Southern Comfort #1881
Tall rig, Wing Keel
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay
Dick,
Based on other items you have had recently on the forum, I believe you had winterized your fresh water system and I am sure you have your water pressure switch off? If so, that may be the reason your power is missing at the sump for the shower. On my boat they are wired together the shower sump and water pressure.
I'm also thinking if you have your fresh water system charged with anti freeze, but there are no open faucets or lines you should be able to turn the switch on and finish the shower sump, or just drain the line and pump.
Gary Bain
S/V "Gone With The Wind"
Catalina 36', Hull #: 1056, Year: 1990, Engine: M-35
Standard Rig
Moored: Boothbay Harbor, Maine
Home: Auburn, Maine
Thanks - that would make the easiest fix ever - will try when I get back to the boat and let you know the outcome.
Dick
Southern Comfort #1881
Tall rig, Wing Keel
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay
Instead of cutting the wire, insert a needle in the wire and use volt meter to check if there is power.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
Hi Dic,
Your comments about the shower sump pump raised my curiosity as I had never used it. It turns out there is a switch near the head sink that must be turned on for the pump to work. The pump will run continuously as long as the switch is on. There is no float switch. The fresh water pressure pump switch must be turned on first for the sump pump to work. In my case my pump did not work. I traced the wires back by removing the floor board. Under the opening below the floor you will find this corrugated black hose. If you crack that open you will find that the sump pump's red and black wires are crimped inside the hose. They are reusable and you can just replace the pump and re-crimp them.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
Went to boat to put on the winter cover. Before starting, I checked in the head and hiding behind the edge of the shower curtain was the on/off switch for the shower pump. Worked perfectly - thank you all for the help.
Southern Comfort #1881
Tall rig, Wing Keel
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay