does anyone use check valves on bilge pumps

minocqa

Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2003
Messages
68
hi<br />does anyone use check valves on there bilge pumps<br />the probelm i have is when the pump turns off what left in the hose runs back into the bilge?<br />its not a lot of water but i was thinking about getting one of those Rule automatic bilge pumps<br />but i see that they turn on every 2.5 seconds to detect water.<br />i would always have water the way i have this set up.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: does anyone use check valves on bilge pumps

There's Not Enough water left in the hose to Trigger the pump............<br /><br />I'd think the Check-Valve in the Bilge Line would just be Another thing to Freeze................ :( <br /><br />Or,.... Something Else to get Plugged Up with Debris.......
 

trog100

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 1, 2004
Messages
751
Re: does anyone use check valves on bilge pumps

my auto bilge pump needs at least 1 1/2 inches in the bilges before it activates it then keeps running for a few seconds to make sure it dosnt keep switching on and off.. but whatever u do impellor type pumps will never shift all the water.. u need a diaphram type pump (as well) to do that..<br /><br />also some water will run back out of the pipe into the bilges check valve or not.. i cant see as the valve makes a deal of difference..<br /><br />i have a check valve in my line but i recon just looping the pipe a foot above the outlet makes better sense.. as bondo says its just one more thing to go wrong..<br /><br />trog
 

minocqa

Seaman
Joined
Jul 16, 2003
Messages
68
Re: does anyone use check valves on bilge pumps

thank you for the replies<br />i just wasnt sure how well a check valve would work or not.<br />and your right its something else that can go wrong. or freeze.<br />thanks again
 
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