Shower drain pump

[Killin time]

Is it normal for the shower drain pump to run occasionally for a few seconds at a time? Not for pumping shower water out, but for some other unknown reason, perhaps for pumping condensation water from the AC unit? It never seemed to do that before but now it comes on every half hour or so.

[Viper]

It's normal if water from some source is slowly draining into it such as condensate. Are you sure you're hearing the sump or is it your fresh water pump that comes on periodically? If it's your fresh water pump instead and there is no demand when it happens, you either have a system leak or a faulty pump. Don't forget that if you have an ice maker and it's in the process of making ice, the pump will also come on periodically as the unit calls for water.

[mjk1040]

KT, my best guess is that the check, (choker) valves are gone on the shower sump. They are located in the hose between the pump and exit fitting. If they are in fact gone the shower sump pump will pump the water out, shut off, the water will then flow back into the sump, fill up faster and pump again. Your AC unit and the shower drain should be the only 2 drains into the shower sump. Just replaced ours in our 1998 355 AC/MY.

[tomschauer]

As mentioned, the shower(s) and a/c drain into the shower sump(s). So when your a/c is running, yes the sump will run periodically. These pumps also need cleaned once in awhile, especially if you use your shower(s) often. Soap, hair etc. will build up, sometimes on the float switch causing short cycling and also stinky bilge as they are not a sealed unit.

[Killin time]

The sound is definitely the shower pump. I'm going to think positively and believe it's just more condensation from the AC unit due to the higher humidity. And thank you all for your ideas.

[mjk1040]

Also, if you do use the aft cabin shower, make sure after showering u let the water run for 5 minutes or so to allow flushing of the soap out of the shower sump so u don't get a funky smell and u'll think is the toilet tank.

[Killin time]

I discovered the float switch was sticking. Replaced it and the pump. Quick and easy.

[Viper]

Thanks for the follow up Kt

[mjk1040]

Yep another optional problem. Bad pump or float valve! Thanks for posting your solution to your problem, it helps us all!