Whale BP1552 Gulper 220 Grey Waste Pump 12V

Reliable Grey Waste Removal Without the Hassle

The Whale Gulper 220 (BP1552) is purpose-built to pump grey waste water from shower trays and galley sinks, either overboard or into a holding tank. It can also serve as a small bilge pump for light-duty applications. Unlike conventional impeller pumps that can clog on hair and soap residue, the Gulper 220 uses a large single diaphragm and specially designed non-choke valves that pass debris without jamming — and without the need for an inline filter that would require regular cleaning.

How the Gulper 220 Works

The pump operates on a diaphragm principle driven by a 12V DC electric motor. A large Santoprene diaphragm creates the pumping action, while dual Nitrile outlet valves ensure continuous flow. The design allows the pump to self-prime from up to 3 metres of suction lift and to run dry without damage — an important feature when shower sumps empty completely between uses. The pump handles a mixture of air and water seamlessly, so intermittent flow from a shower drain won't cause issues.

Easy Installation in Tight Spaces

One of the Gulper 220's strongest attributes is its flexibility of installation. The multi-directional pump head rotates 360° so you can orient hose connections to suit your specific layout. The pump mounts on either horizontal or vertical surfaces (with the pump head lowermost when vertical). Barbed connections accept standard ¾" (19 mm) or 1" (25 mm) smooth bore reinforced hose, and rubber feet absorb vibration to keep noise levels down.

• Mount horizontally or vertically (head lowermost when vertical)
• 360° rotating pump head for convenient hose routing
• Barbed connections for ¾" (19 mm) or 1" (25 mm) hose
• Vibration-absorbing rubber feet reduce noise
• Four-point mounting with No. 8 self-tapping screws and washers (included)

Electrical Connections and Control

The Gulper 220 connects to your vessel's 12V DC system with colour-coded wiring (red positive, black negative) and includes reverse polarity protection. An in-line fuse assembly is supplied and must be fitted to the positive side to protect the pump from damage in the event of a system blockage. The pump can be controlled by a simple on/off switch or an automatic float switch; if using a float switch, an isolator switch should also be fitted for safety.

• Colour-coded wiring with reverse polarity protection
• In-line fuse assembly included (5 amp automotive fuse)
• Compatible with manual on/off switch or automatic float switch
• Minimum wire size: 1.5 mm² (16 AWG)

Maintenance and Serviceability

Routine maintenance is straightforward. The pump head is held by two clamping ring screws — remove these and you have direct access to the valves and diaphragm for inspection or replacement. No special tools are required. The service kit (AK1550) contains a replacement diaphragm and valves, covering the most common wear items. Because there is no filter to block or clean, ongoing maintenance demands are minimal.

Specifications

• Product Code: BP1552
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Recommended Fuse Size: 5 amp automotive
• Weight: 1.5 kg (3.4 lbs)
• Hose Connections: 19 mm (¾"), barbed for ¾" or 1" (25 mm) hose
• Minimum Wire Size: 1.5 mm² (16 AWG)
• Maximum Flow Rate: Up to 14 litres (3.7 US gals) per minute
• Maximum Suction Lift: 3 m (10 ft)
• Maximum Discharge Head: 3 m (10 ft)
• Maximum Combined Suction Lift and Discharge Head: 4 m (13.5 ft)
• Dry Running Current: 2.4 amps
• Flow Rate at 0 m Suction / 1 m Discharge: 13.4 litres (3.5 US gals) per minute
• Current Draw at 0 m Suction / 1 m Discharge: 3.5 amps
• Flow Rate at 1 m Suction / 1 m Discharge: 12.6 litres (3.4 US gals) per minute
• Current Draw at 1 m Suction / 1 m Discharge: 4 amps
• Pump Body Materials: Aluminium, Glass-filled Nylon
• Clamp Ring Material: Acetal
• Diaphragm Material: Santoprene
• Valve Material: Nitrile
• Feet Material: EPDM
• Gearwheel Material: Delrin
• Fastener Materials: Stainless Steel, Brass
• Materials in Contact with Fluid: Glass-filled Nylon, Nitrile, Santoprene, Stainless Steel
• IP Rating: IP45
• Standards: ISO 10133, ISO 8846, CE marked
• Service Kit: AK1550 (contains diaphragm and valves)

Key Features 

• Non-clog valve technology — handles shower waste including hair and gels without jamming
• No filter required — eliminates the need for regular filter cleaning and unblocking
• Self-priming up to 3 metres — draws water from below-deck sumps without manual priming
• Runs dry without damage — no risk of burnout when the sump empties completely
• Pumps air and water mixtures — handles intermittent flow from shower drains without losing prime
• 360° rotating multi-directional head — simplifies installation in confined engine bays and lockers
• Double outlet valve — ensures continuous, pulse-free flow to holding tank or overboard
• Vibration-absorbing rubber feet — reduces noise transfer to hull and cabin
• Reverse polarity protection — prevents damage from incorrect wiring during installation
• Low current draw — minimises load on your vessel's 12V electrical system
• Tool-free valve and diaphragm access — quick inspection and servicing without special equipment
• Ignition protected (ISO 8846) — safe for installation in enclosed compartments with potential vapours