What Happens If Bilge Pump Fails?

Author : Efrain E. Silva

Water, that you do not want coming in, comes in fast in the event that your bilge pump should fail. This is a worst - case scenario but good to know, all in all, as you ought to be ready to handle the pressure when it calls for it. That water tends to fill up the hull and can do so in a matter of just moments, so you need to know all that you can so that all your options lie in front of you when you need them, and certain knowledge is power, so I hope to help here. Let me teach you some things and pray to God such a situation never happens to you or someone you care for ( or if it even does, you know how to react like a pro ) …..

So the first thing to get through your mind, right here and now, is not to panic —- people most often do this in an emergency situation and find that it does not help one single bit. In fact, it is easier said than done, but regardless of that, panic paralyzes people and hinders their ability to think, to reason and to act quickly when needed. Panic, though not adrenaline itself, which is a whole nother topic not to talk about today, but maybe in the future, is not a good thing for anyone. It is no one’s friend.

Now, when the bilge pump fails and water starts to make its way in, water will eventually even break through those scuppers ( tell me you thought to have scuppers put in, right? These could at least buy you some time, in some cases ) and before you know it, your deck will be flooded out. And if the water is wave - like, or there is a storm a brewing, you could be in some real trouble, my friend, which is not something I would wish on even my worst of enemies ( and believe me, like anyone else, I did have my fair share of them in high school…bullies and all ) . The cockpit can also fill with water in little to no time, and those gaskets and covers will start to give way. It’s a bad situation to be in.

So the best way to avoid all of this, as I always like to point out in offering a helping hand, is to take prevention seriously and to take every step you need to beforehand. Check all parts of your boat, including the bilge pump itself, every year ( and, heck, even before going out on the water every time you think to do so ) . In addition, bring some extra life jackets on board, just in case things get worse than worst…as some say. It never hurts you to be a prepared and safe type of person, a trait that should also apply itself to every other part of your life, and I do not mean to preach. But it matters.