Installing a Washdown Pump
Installing a washdown pump is a project that any capable do-it-yourself can accomplish. The trickiest part, as is often the case, is in the planning-choosing a location for the pump and outlet and making sure you have all the right supplies.
Most washdown pumps are plumbed to draw directly from the water your sailing in (fresh or salt), in which case, the amount of water available for use is unlimited. The only problem with using a raw-water system in salt water is the residue left behind-although a salty boat is often better than a nasty one.
A second option is feeding the system from the boats freshwater tank. This will typically limit the amount of water you can use, but it does offer the advantage of reducing the effects of corrosion on metals via freshwater washdowns.
A third option is plumbing your system to both, giving you an unlimited supply of raw water and the option of that final freshwater rinse with minimal drain on your potable water supply. Freshwater washdowns are plumbed into the freshwater system at a convenient point (possibly near the tank), while systems supplying raw water require either a dedicated through-hull or connection via a T fitting into an existing raw-water system hose (a head intake for example, but not a raw-water engine-cooling intake). When deciding which existing through-hull to T into, make sure the ability to meet its original function (providing engine-cooling water, etc.) doesn't suffer.
Using an existing through-hull is the most common route as most shy away from punching new holes in the hull below the waterline. It also allows you to complete the installation with the boat in the water (simply shut off the sea cock for the raw-water system your tapping into prior to installing the T fitting).
Use properly reinforced hose during the install (especially on the pumps suction side to prevent the hose from collapsing) and ensure all hose transition points are double clamped with marine-grade, stainless-steel clamps where possible.
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