Bilge Pump System Repair and Installation

A bilge pump that fails while you're underway is one of the fastest ways to lose a boat. Most calls we get trace back to a corroded float switch or a pump that ran dry and burned out without anyone knowing.

Common problems we fix

• Bilge pump runs constantly and won't shut off — A stuck float switch is the usual cause. It can also mean water is actually entering the hull faster than expected. We test the switch, check the wiring, and inspect for the source of any unusual water intrusion.
• Pump doesn't run at all in automatic mode — Failed float switches are the most common culprit, followed by corroded connections and burned-out pump motors. In the salt air environment here, terminals corrode fast and can kill the circuit even when the pump looks fine.
• Water in the bilge after sitting at the dock — This usually points to a slow leak at a through-hull fitting, a worn shaft seal, or water coming in around a poorly sealed hatch or deck fitting. We trace the source before replacing any hardware.
• Bilge pump alarm going off on the dash — The alarm circuit is telling you the pump has cycled more than normal. That's worth taking seriously. We check the pump run rate, inspect all float sensors, and look for the underlying water source.