Overview

The Jabsco Pumpgard is an inline strainer range for diaphragm pump inlet protection on boat water and washdown systems. It sits in the suction line before the pump, catching grit and other particles before they can reach pump valves, spray nozzles, faucets, or shower heads.

This range covers common onboard plumbing connections, including 3/4 in hose barb, 1/2 in hose barb, 3/8 in hose barb, 1/2 in-14 NPS, and 3/8 in FNPT options. Mesh choices include 10 mesh, 20 mesh, and 40 mesh, so the strainer can be matched to the water system and the type of outlet it protects.

The inline body uses a 30 percent glass-filled polypropylene base, a clear polysulfone cover, a stainless steel screen, and a Buna cover O-ring. The clear screw-off cover lets the screen be checked quickly during routine pump checks without guessing how much debris has collected inside.

Key features

• Inline pump inlet strainer for diaphragm pump installations on boat water and washdown systems.
• Clear screw-off cover allows quick visual inspection and access to the screen for cleaning.
• Stainless steel screen helps keep debris from reaching pump valves and downstream outlets.
• 10 mesh option suits washdown applications where a very coarse screen is acceptable.
• 20 mesh option suits open-flow uses such as spigots and garden-style spray nozzles.
• 40 mesh option suits fine spray nozzles, sink faucets, shower heads, and higher pressure water applications.
• Connection options cover hose barb, NPS, and FNPT plumbing layouts used in marine pump systems.
• Consumer pack and bulk 12 pack options support single repairs as well as fleet, yard, or multi-pump service work.

Variants

The range varies by connection style, mesh rating, and pack format. Connection options include matching inlet and outlet sizes for 3/4 in hose barb, 1/2 in hose barb, 3/8 in hose barb, 1/2 in-14 NPS, and 3/8 in FNPT configurations.

Mesh ratings across the range include 10 mesh, 20 mesh, and 40 mesh. Packaging varies between consumer pack and bulk 12 pack formats on selected hose barb models, while the inline strainer layout and serviceable clear cover remain consistent across the listed configurations.

Installation and setup

Install the strainer in the inlet line before the pump, with the flow direction aligned to the arrow on the body. The screen should remain accessible after installation so it can be opened and cleaned without removing surrounding plumbing.

Hose barb versions should be matched to the hose inside diameter, and threaded versions should be matched to the existing fitting type. For best service access, leave enough room around the cover for hand removal and avoid placing the strainer where bilge water, loose gear, or vibration could make inspection difficult.

Choosing the mesh

Mesh selection depends on what the pump is feeding. A 10 mesh screen is the coarser choice for washdown use, while 20 mesh works well where the system has open-flow outlets. A 40 mesh screen captures finer material and is the better match for small spray patterns, faucets, shower heads, and other outlets that are more sensitive to debris.

Boaters replacing an existing Pumpgard should match the current connection size and mesh rating unless the downstream outlet has changed. Moving to a finer mesh can improve debris capture, but it also makes regular inspection more important in systems that pull from tanks or sources where sediment is common.

Maintenance and care

Check the clear cover during normal pump checks, especially after tank work, hose replacement, seasonal commissioning, or heavy washdown use. A partially blocked screen can reduce pump flow and may cause cycling issues, so cleaning the screen early is easier than troubleshooting the pump later.

The serviceable cover and replaceable screen make this strainer a practical fit for cruising boats, fishing boats, service yards, and any onboard water system where pump protection and simple maintenance matter.