(a) Bilge pumps shall be of rugged construction, of first class workmanship in every respect, and free from any defects affecting serviceability. Where a choice of materials is permitted, the materials used shall be of good quality and suitable for the purpose intended, and shall be corrosion-resistant or protected against corrosion by acceptable means, except that parts subject to wear shall not depend upon coatings for corrosion resistance.

(b) Bilge pumps covered by this subpart shall be capable of operating against a head pressure of 20 pounds per square inch when tested in accordance with § 160.044-4(c).

(c) The bilge pump body shall be of bronze and shall be provided with a cover plate or plates, attached by means of wing nuts at least 11⁄4 inches long, on not more than 6 studs, or by means of a suitable bayonet type joint, so as to be readily removable for inspection or cleaning.

(d) The operating lever shall have a steel or bronze core through its entire length, but for comfort may have a gripping surface of wood or other suitable material. The lever shall be removable and shall be attached to the pump shaft which is to be square ended, by means of a set screw with 11⁄4-inch wings, and further shall be connected to the pump body or shaft end by a retaining chain to prevent loss.

(e) The suction line shall be fitted with an intake check valve and a suitable strainer. The strainer shall be removable for cleaning without the use of tools. The suction line shall contain no hose or fittings subject to collapsing when the pump is in service.

(f) Suction and discharge outlets shall be not less than 1 inch inside diameter for pump sizes Nos. 1 and 2, and not less than 11⁄4 inches inside diameter for pump size No. 3. Discharge outlets shall be provided with a tee of cast bronze or other corrosion-resistant material, with a removable plug at the top for priming, the plug to have a wing arrangement for removal by hand, and be secured to the tee by a retaining chain. The bottom of the tee shall have pipe threads to fit the discharge outlet of the pump, and the discharge portion of the tee shall be a plain clamp type male hose connection, with inside diameter not less than that of the pump discharge opening.