6.5.2 Maintenance of bilge automatic suction system

Component

Maintenance

Notes and precautions

Bilge pumps

Operation check

Bilge pump operation check

As shown in the following sequence.

Non-return valves

Operation check

As shown in the following sequence.

MAINTENANCE

At least once a week check the operation of pumps and floaters.
At least once a month:

Check the condition of connections;
Carry out an accurate cleaning of pumps and floaters;
Carry out an accurate cleaning of the bilge.

At least once every six months check the presence of clogging in the piping.

Operation check:

DANGER

Before each intervention make sure that voltage is disconnected and that there is no possibility of accidental connection.

Check that the pump shaft turns freely (this is possible by inserting a screwdriver in the back end of the engine shaft).

Fill the pump body with liquid so as to allow the pump to prime. This operation is very important and must be carried out at the first pump start and each time the pump body is empty, to avoid pump damaging.

Check the rotation direction, that the pump motor works within its output range and that the absorbed current is not higher than that one indicated in the tag.
These pumps, normally, do not need ordinary maintenance, provided that some measures are taken which extend their operation.

Make sure that the pump never runs dry.
The brushes, on DC motors, must be checked at regular intervals.
If the yacht must remain inoperative for a long period, it is advisable to drain the pump body and to clean it.
If a strainer and a foot valve are installed, check periodically for their efficiency and cleaning.
Check that the impeller is jammed, this could cause heavy damages to the electric motor; if this happens, descale the impeller and pump body.

Bilge pump operation check:

Have the operation of each bilge pump checked, having the bilge filled with clean water up to the activation of each pump and having the correct draining overboard checked.
Have the operation of each bilge pump checked even the manual one (at checks end the pumps switches must be on “AUTO”).

CAUTION

Never run the electric pumps dry.

CAUTION

Check all bilge pump operation at regular intervals. Clean the pump intakes.

Non-return valves:

The on board hydraulic system consists of check valves (or non-return valves) “EUROPE” type (1) and “CLAPET” type (2).

Their maintenance, only the extraordinary one, is due to their lack of operation, which can be caused by a foreign body inside the valve itself, or by a mechanical break; in both cases, check the failure, if it is not removable, carry out the replacement.