Bilge pump issue

[afrayedknot]

How can I get to the mid-ship bilge pump on my 2002 36ET. It is stuck in the on position. I'm thinking there must be debris caught in the float switch that is preventing it from dropping down to turn off. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Bob

[marko]

Assuming there's no on going water intrusion and so it's safe, you may want to remove the fuse for it as it may get real hot until the issue is resolved. It's location is tough. By extension, it can be reached with a thin pole between the fresh water tank and the holding tank for testing so it may be possible to move any debris that way. Also, the manual pump pick up is right near it and could have shifted to hold it open.

[afrayedknot]

Thanks for that response Marko - helpful info and suggestions. Happy 4th!

[Govino]

I have the same access issue and eventually when I need to pull the hot water heater from under the master stateroom, I'll clean it out and install a new float switch. Right now I can only turn it on at the electronic switch panel at the lower helm (it's labeled aft bilge on ours but really more like mid-ship). We have a 3rd pump aft near the transom.