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Fresh water pump ok if under water?

Posted: July 12th, 2018, 9:10 am
by CptBacardi
My kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower would not turn on. I found my fresh water pump, which is a Jabsco 31620-0092, was about a quarter the way under water down in my hull. The red wire from the back of the motor runs to the front of the pump (which google told me is a pressure switch). That motor red wire is connected to the pressure switch, but the other red cable coming off of it, which should go to the power supply hot wire, was disconnected. Where those connections are on the pressure switch are under water. Before hooking it back up I wanted to ask if that is ok?? It does not seem to be sealed and protected from water at those connections on the pressure switch. I’ve been having issues with the water pressure breaker cutting out and I’d have to flip it back on over the last several weeks. Thanks!

Re: Fresh water pump ok if under water?

Posted: July 12th, 2018, 11:35 am
by km1125
I would be more concerned why you had that much water in the bilge!

I don't think any of those pumps are designed to be submersible, so I would not expect that pressure switch to be sealed. If the connections themselves will be underwater, they should be sealed with shrink boot.

You may connect it back up and have it work for a while, but I think you may need to at least replace that pressure switch at some point.

Re: Fresh water pump ok if under water?

Posted: July 12th, 2018, 11:46 am
by CptBacardi
I figured out the bilge is not working so I have to fix that first. Get the water out, then troubleshoot the fresh water pump. I’m always fixing something on this boat, but sure is great when everything is working.

Re: Fresh water pump ok if under water?

Posted: July 12th, 2018, 9:45 pm
by tomschauer
The fresh water pump is not submersible. When you get it dried out, I may work for awhile, but if you depend on it for water, I would have a spare on standby.