Where does the bilge pump water go?

A bilge pump is a key piece of equipment found on just about any boat, but for many new boaters in particular, they may find themselves asking the basic question: "What is a bilge pump?" The function of the bilge pump is to remove water that collects in the bilge, which is the bottom of the inside of the hull.

Where does bilge pump discharge?

All bilge pumps should be discharged through an above water discharge port and, if not through the stern, consideration should be made to discharging both port and starboard (using check valves).

Where does water in bilge come from?

Bilge water

This water may be from rough seas, rain, leaks in the hull or stuffing box, or other interior spillage. The collected water must be pumped out to prevent the bilge from becoming too full and threatening to sink the ship. Bilge water can be found aboard almost every vessel.

Can water come in from bilge pump?

Once you back down the ramp, the bilge pump may trigger for a few seconds. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern as long as the water does not keep entering the boat. As long as the bilge pump is not running often, the amount of water in the bilge should be safe.

How does the bilge pump work?

A bilge pump takes bilge water and discharges it overboard. However, in ships where oils and other fluids mix with water in the bilge, this water must go through a filtering process first. From the bilge pump, the bilge water pumps into several bilge tanks, where gravity separates oil and water.

All about boat bilge pumps. How and why to do a quick check to make sure it's working.

How much water comes out of a bilge pump?

The bilge pump should draw down water to about 1/2" depth or less, so if you're ending up with that much water in the bilge you have two problems, the source of the water and the fact that the bilge pump is not kicking on.

How often should a bilge pump come on?

It should check for water every two minutes. Nothing should come out of the bilge unless it has been raining or you have been in rough water.

Why is my bilge filling up with water?

Bilge water enters from an array of different sources, including but not limited to Prop and rudder shaft packing, a weak or rusty hose clamp, dry rotted or damaged hoses, old and worn out thru hull fitting, mast drip, window or port hole leaks, air conditioning condensation sweat, engine exhaust leak, hatch leak, or a ...

Is it normal for my boat to take on some water?

My conclusion is that some amount of water (usually small) is 100% normal and knowing the amount your boat takes on during your average fishing day is important. Any increase in the amount indicates a problem. Ditto an automatic bilge pump that seems to cycle more frequently than normal.

What drains into the bilge?

On larger boats, built-in coolers, the lips around large hatches, and even drink holders may be drained overboard, but on smaller boats this water is simply routed to the bilge. Water may also collect in the bilge from minor leaks, such as water dripping from the shaft gland on an inboard boat.

What is the fastest way to remove water from the bilge?

To quickly remove water from the bilge of your boat, purchase a bilge pump—if you don't have one already—and run it. These pumps are available in electric, mechanical, and hand-operated styles. If you do have a bilge pump, ensure it's in good working order.

Should the bilge be dry?

A dry bilge may sound like a mythical creature that will never be encountered by mere mortals. With some careful planning, any bilge can be kept dry! To keep a bilge dry, you need to keep water from getting in, and get the present water out.

Are bilge pumps waterproof?

A bilge pump can be completely submerged, assuming you have a submersible bilge pump. There are a couple of options for pumping bilge water out of the bilge wells on your boat. Take a look: Submersible centrifugal pump.

Why do boats spit out water?

Boats typically spit out water to keep the bilge free of water. Water builds up over time inside the bilge and the bilge pump automatically pumps the water out again. Often, when boats are spitting out water, it is because they are expelling water that has built up in the bilge of the ship.

Do bilge pumps come on automatically?

Today, most bilge pumps come on automatically. This is because they are built with an automatic float switch that turns the bilge pump on when water levels in the bilge start to rise.

Should you always run your bilge pump?

Because the bilge collects water, a bilge pump there to draw the water out. It will use pressure or suction to do this. Without a functioning bilge pump, your boat will be subject to flooding. Additionally, if you don't maintain your bilge pumps the bilge water can get dirty and polluted.

Can a bilge pump drain a battery?

End of dialog window. My 16 foot runabout's bilge pump will drain the group 24 battery in 2-3 months on the lift, with normal rainfall. I have two batteries, keep one in reserve, and put a charger on the other every month or so. If in the water, I'd keep a cover on the boat to reduce accumulation of water in the bilge.

Can bilge pumps run dry?

The filter-free design is self-priming to 9.5' (3 m). It is able to run dry without damaging the pump. The backflow protection reduces water coming back into the bilge. The connections are 3/4" (19 mm) hose barbs for the pickup and discharge hoses.

What is the bilge on a boat?

The bilge is where all of the boat's components, keel, ribs, bulkheads come together to give your boat its structure. It is also the lowest interior point of your craft. Because it is the lowest point, any fluids that your boat is leaking, settle here.

Where does water come out of inboard outboard?

Fresh seawater is normally drawn by a belt driven pump from a thru hull fitting in hull of boat on inboards, or by water pump in stern drive through the lower unit water passages on an inboard/outboard, and then exits the boat through the exhaust.

How do you find a leak in a bilge?

I use a handheld spot light to illuminate the bilge and search for water leakage. In the dim light of dusk the spot light will make finding leaks much easier. It may show up as a flowing leak or it might just be a trickle of water. By following that leak back to the source, I can determine what needs to be repaired.