How often should I test my bilge pump?

Monthly at minimum. Lift the float switch manually, confirm the pump runs, and listen for normal flow. Battery voltage drop during run is a good early sign of pump wear.

My marine head smells. What is the fix?

Usually it is permeated hose. Standard rubber marine hose absorbs odor and starts smelling after 5-7 years even if it is not leaking. Replacement with proper odor-control hose solves it. We also check the holding tank vent and Y-valve.

Why does my freshwater pump keep cycling?

Either a leak somewhere in the system (check faucets, hot water heater, toilet supply) or a waterlogged accumulator tank. We can pressure-test the system to locate the leak.

Are my seacocks safe?

We check them during every plumbing visit. Bronze seacocks need annual exercise to stay freely operable. Seized seacocks are a sinking risk and need replacement. We can schedule seacock inspection as a standalone service.

Marine Plumbing & Bilge Pump Service Miami

Marine Plumbing & Bilge Pump Service in Miami

Name: Boat Repair Miami
Address: Miami, FL, US
Telephone: (305) 290-2701

Bilge pumps, heads, freshwater systems, livewells, seacocks, and raw water intake service

Request Service Call (305) 290-2701

A boat is basically a collection of water systems trying very hard to leak. Bilge pumps that should turn on do not. Freshwater systems that should pressurize just whine. Marine heads that should flush get stuck in macerator hell. We service all of it, and we carry the common replacement parts that actually fit the pumps installed on Miami boats.

Bilge Pump Service

The bilge pump is the single most critical piece of equipment on most boats. When it fails silently, the boat sinks silently. We service:

Primary automatic bilge pumps (Rule, Johnson Pump, Whale)
High-water alarm pumps and switches
Float switches and electronic water-sensing switches (Ultra Safety Systems, Johnson Pump Ultima)
Manual backup bilge pumps
Bilge pump wiring, fuses, and relays
Discharge hose and check valve replacement
Bilge cleaning and odor treatment

Most bilge pump failures are not the pump itself, they are corroded switch contacts, broken wiring in the bilge, or a stuck check valve. Proper diagnosis starts with testing the circuit, not replacing the pump blindly.

Marine Head Repair

Marine head problems rank just below bilge pump failures on the list of boating miseries. We service:

Manual marine heads (Jabsco, Raritan PH)
Electric and vacuum-flush heads (Raritan Marine Elegance, Vacuflush)
Macerator pumps
Holding tank sensors and level indicators
Y-valves, overboard discharge valves, and dockside pump-out fittings
Head hose replacement (odor control, permeation-resistant)
Freshwater flush conversion

Freshwater System Service

Freshwater systems hide a lot of problems in the lines behind bulkheads. Typical work:

Water pump replacement (Shurflo, Jabsco, Groco)
Accumulator tank service
Freshwater tank cleaning and sanitizing
Hot water heater service or replacement
Galley and head faucet repair
Shower sump service
Line replacement and leak chasing
Dockside water inlet repair

Livewell & Baitwell Service

Active fishermen put huge demands on livewell systems. We service pumps, aerators, recirculation circuits, timers, and tank plumbing for tournament-ready bait systems. Common work includes pump replacement, timer wiring, spray bar installation, and livewell drain fittings.

Raw Water & Seacock Service

Every seacock below the waterline is a potential sinking point if it fails. We service and replace seacocks, through-hulls, and raw water strainers, and we teach owners how to regularly exercise seacocks so they do not seize open. Every below-waterline fitting gets a visual and mechanical check during any plumbing visit.

Why Miami Plumbing Systems Fail Faster

Warm water grows biofilm inside hoses and tanks. Salt water corrodes pump impellers and motor housings. High-mineral dockside water leaves deposits in hot water heaters. Miami-based plumbing systems need more frequent service than the national average. We see and address these Miami-specific issues every week.

Ready to schedule plumbing service? Call (305) 290-2701 or request service online.

Know the Signs

Signs Your Marine Plumbing Needs Service

Bilge pump running constantly or never

Water in the bilge you cannot explain

Marine head flush is weak, slow, or wont clear

Holding tank odor inside the cabin

Freshwater pump cycles or wont prime

Hot water heater not heating or leaking

Livewell pump weak or inconsistent

Seacocks stiff or wont fully close

Our Process

Our Plumbing Service Process

System Inspection

We walk the boat and check bilge pumps, heads, freshwater, livewells, and seacocks end-to-end.

Test & Diagnose

Pumps, switches, and motors tested individually. Leaks traced to the source.

Repair or Replace

We carry common pumps, switches, and fittings. Most jobs close in one visit.

Verify & Document

Every system tested dockside before we leave. Written record of what was serviced.

Miami Marine Plumbing

Miami Water Systems Work Harder

Warm bay water grows biofilm inside hoses and tanks. Salt corrodes pump impellers and motor housings. Mineral-heavy dockside water scales up hot water heaters. Miami-based plumbing systems need more frequent service than the national average, and our team sees the specific failures that happen on South Florida boats. We carry common replacement pumps, switches, and fittings in the truck to close out most plumbing jobs in a single visit.