Bilge Pump Repair
Bilge pump repair and replacement in Long Beach and San Pedro: pumps, float switches, high-water alarms and bilge cleaning. Book a mobile visit.
- 3 services
- Labor $150/hr
- Trip fee from $30
- At your slip or in the shop
Bilge Pump Repair in Long Beach and San Pedro
We repair and test bilge pumps, float switches and high-water alarms at your slip, dock or storage yard from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach. The bilge pump protects the boat while you are away, so it has to switch on by itself and keep working.
What the work covers
- Bilge system hygiene and pump defense: inspection, cleaning and repair of the bilge, the pump, its hose and check valve, and the wiring and fuse.
- Automatic float switch replacement when the switch sticks or no longer turns the pump on.
- High-water alarm safety systems: installation and testing of an alarm that sounds when water rises above the normal pump level.
We also check the pump's power feed, so the automatic circuit works while you are not aboard. If water is coming in through a damaged hull, the repair goes to a boatyard; fiberglass repair covers the small, non-structural repairs we do. If the boat is taking on water or anyone is in danger, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or 911 first. Parts are quoted with the job.
When to call
- The pump runs often, or cycles when it has not rained
- The pump runs nonstop, or stays off when you lift the float
- More water than usual in the bilge
- An oily sheen or a bad smell from the bilge
- Corroded wires or connectors at the pump
- A high-water alarm that sounds, or one that has never been tested
Questions about bilge pumps
Why does my bilge pump keep cycling?
Water is getting in from somewhere. Common sources are the shaft seal, hose connections, through-hull fittings, deck drains and rain. A check valve that leaks back can also make the pump cycle. We trace the source during the bilge inspection.
Do I need a high-water alarm if I have an automatic pump?
The alarm warns you when the pump has failed or cannot keep up with the water coming in. Without one, the first sign of trouble may be a boat sitting low at the dock.
Book a visit: submit a ticket with the boat, where it is kept and what the bilge pump is doing, or call (562) 542-7296.
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#768 Common question asks
Do you offer warranty on high-water alarm installation and parts?
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Yes. Our workmanship is warranted for 90 days from the invoice date, and the alarm carries its manufacturer's warranty. You get a record of the work for your files.
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#766 Common question asks
Is a high-water alarm required or recommended by insurance?
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It is not required by law on most recreational boats. Whether it matters for your policy is a question for your insurer. Either way, it warns you early when water rises in the bilge.
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#764 Common question asks
Do you test the alarm after installation?
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Yes, every installation includes functional testing. We simulate high-water conditions to confirm the alarm activates correctly and verify sound levels and indicator lights for clear alerts.
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#762 Common question asks
What is included in your high-water alarm installation service?
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Our service includes sensor placement, wiring inspection, alarm installation on its own fused circuit, and full system testing. We check that the alarm activates when the float lifts and does not interfere with your existing bilge pumps.
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#760 Common question asks
Can a high-water alarm work if my boat is unattended?
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Yes, if it stays powered while you are away: we wire it through its own fuse to the battery, not through the main battery switch, so it works with the switch off. On an empty boat a siren only helps if someone nearby hears it; to get an alert on your phone, add a remote monitoring system (such as Siren Marine), which we can connect to the alarm.
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#758 Common question asks
How does a high-water alarm work on a boat?
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The alarm uses a dedicated float switch or sensor mounted higher than the primary bilge pump's float switch. When water reaches this level, it triggers an audible and/or visual alarm to alert you right away.
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#756 Common question asks
What is a high-water alarm and why should my boat have one?
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A high-water alarm alerts you when the bilge water level rises above normal limits. It gives an early warning of leaks, failed bilge pumps or flooding, so you can act before serious damage is done. If the boat is taking on water or anyone is in danger, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or 911 first.
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#754 Common question asks
How often should I check or replace my float switch?
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We recommend inspecting your float switch at least once a year, especially before the boating season. Replacement is advised if there are signs of wear, corrosion, or inconsistent operation.
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#752 Common question asks
Can you upgrade my float switch to a more reliable model?
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Yes. We can fit a guarded mechanical switch or an electronic switch with no moving parts, rated for your pump's current draw and your bilge. We explain the options and their prices in your written estimate.
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#750 Common question asks
Do you offer warranty on the replacement switch?
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Yes. The new switch carries its manufacturer's warranty, and our workmanship is warranted for 90 days from the invoice date. You also receive documentation of the work.
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