hätäpumput

Hätäpumput, known in English as emergency pumps or bilge pumps, are crucial safety devices on watercraft. Their primary function is to remove unwanted water that accumulates in the bilge, the lowest internal part of a boat's hull. This water can enter a vessel through various means, including leaks, rain, spray, or condensation.

There are several types of hätäpumput. Manual pumps require physical effort to operate, often involving a lever or handle. These are typically used as a backup or for smaller vessels. Electric pumps are more common and rely on a power source, usually the boat's battery. They can be activated manually by a switch or automatically by a float switch, which senses the water level and turns the pump on when needed. Diaphragm pumps and centrifugal pumps are common designs for electric hätäpumput, each with different efficiencies and applications.

The capacity of a hätäpumppu is measured in gallons or liters per hour. It is essential to select a pump with adequate capacity for the size and type of boat, considering potential water ingress scenarios. Regular maintenance and testing of hätäpumput are vital to ensure they function correctly in an emergency. A properly functioning hätäpumppu can prevent a boat from sinking by removing water faster than it enters. They are a fundamental component of maritime safety equipment.