Jabsco 31800/31801 Series Industrial Diaphragm Pump, 4 GPM, 15 LPM, 1/2 in Ports

Overview

The Jabsco 31800/31801 Series Industrial Diaphragm Pump is a 4 GPM (15 LPM) multi-chamber diaphragm pump for DC fluid transfer systems where controlled flow, self-priming performance, and chemical compatibility matter. It is built around a glass-filled polypropylene pump body with a Santoprene diaphragm, Viton valves, 316 stainless steel hardware, and a permanent magnet motor with thermal overload protection.

This pump range is suited to non-potable utility transfer on board, service equipment, washdown supply, chemical feed, recirculation, and similar installations that handle compatible fluids. It self-primes up to 10 ft (3 m) when wet and 5 ft (1.5 m) when dry, uses snap-in 1/2 inch (13 mm) hose barb or 1/2 inch straight pipe thread ports, and can run dry without damage.

The series includes 12 Vdc and 24 Vdc versions, with either no pressure switch or an automatic pressure switch set to cut in at 20 psi (1.4 bar) and cut out at 40 psi (2.8 bar). Viton-equipped models are not for potable water systems, so this range should be used for compatible industrial or utility fluids rather than drinking water aboard.

Key features

• Flow rate up to 4 GPM (15 LPM) for transfer, recirculation, washdown supply, and chemical feed applications.
• Self-priming capability up to 10 ft (3 m) when wet and 5 ft (1.5 m) when dry helps with flexible pump placement above or below the fluid source.
• Glass-filled polypropylene body, Santoprene diaphragm, Viton valves, and 316 stainless steel hardware support use with compatible non-potable fluids.
• Snap-in port adapters accept 1/2 inch (13 mm) ID hose or 1/2 inch straight pipe thread connections.
• Permanent magnet motor includes thermal overload protection for added safety in demanding duty cycles.
• Can run dry without damage, which is useful when tanks empty or suction flow is interrupted during utility work.
• Available in 12 Vdc and 24 Vdc versions to match common DC electrical systems.
• 31801 variants include automatic pressure switch control at 20 psi cut-in and 40 psi cut-out for demand-style operation.

Variants

This pump range is offered in four configurations. The main differences are voltage and whether the pump includes a pressure switch.

All listed variants share the same 4 GPM (15 LPM) flow rating and the same basic 31800/31801 industrial diaphragm pump construction. The 31800 versions are supplied without a pressure switch, while the 31801 versions include automatic pressure switch control.

• 31800-0092: 12 Vdc with no pressure switch. This version suits 12 Vdc systems where pump operation is handled by a separate switch or control circuit.
• 31800-0094: 24 Vdc with no pressure switch. This version fits 24 Vdc installations that need manually controlled or externally controlled fluid transfer.
• 31801-0092: 12 Vdc with a 20 psi (1.4 bar) cut-in and 40 psi (2.8 bar) cut-out pressure switch. This version supports demand-style operation on compatible 12 Vdc systems.
• 31801-0094: 24 Vdc with a 20 psi (1.4 bar) cut-in and 40 psi (2.8 bar) cut-out pressure switch. This version brings the same automatic pressure control to 24 Vdc systems.

Installation and setup

The pump can be mounted in a dry location above or below the fluid supply. For vertical mounting, positioning the motor above the pump head helps keep fluid away from the motor if a leak ever occurs. The mounting surface should be solid, and the rubber grommets should not be fully compressed so they can continue to reduce vibration.

Use reinforced intake hose with at least 1/2 inch (13 mm) inside diameter, keep suction plumbing airtight, and avoid fittings or hose runs that add unnecessary restriction. A 40 mesh inlet strainer is recommended to keep debris out of the pump head, especially in washdown, recirculation, and service-fluid installations.

Electrical and system integration

The pump circuit should be protected with the correct fuse or breaker for the selected voltage model. The 12 Vdc models use a recommended 10 amp fuse or breaker, while the 24 Vdc models use a recommended 7 amp fuse or breaker. The circuit should not share other electrical loads, and voltage should be checked at the motor while the pump is running so the pump receives full supply voltage under load.

For marine installations, flexible hose near the pump is a practical choice because it helps reduce noise and vibration transfer into bulkheads, lockers, or equipment panels. The pressure-switch variants start when a valve or outlet is opened and stop after the outlet is closed, which makes them useful where automatic on-demand flow is needed.

Use cases on board

This pump is a good match for boat owners, technicians, and builders who need a compact DC diaphragm pump for compatible non-potable liquids rather than a drinking-water pressure system. It can be used in service areas, utility transfer setups, cleaning systems, equipment washdown supply, and recirculation loops where its flow rate, materials, and pressure limits fit the application.

Fluid compatibility should be checked before installation, especially with cleaners, mild acids, bases, or other chemical mixtures. After pumping chemicals, flushing with clean water or a neutralizing solution helps protect the pump and keeps valves and diaphragms working as intended.