High Capacity
Delivering exceptional water-clearing performance, these pumps efficiently handle large volumes with minimal power draw, ensuring vessels stay safe and dry in demanding maritime conditions.
Durable Construction
Built with premium marine-grade materials, the equipment withstands harsh saltwater environments and severe corrosion. Rigorous testing guarantees long-lasting structural integrity and heavy-duty reliability.
Easy Installation
Featuring straightforward mounting and clear wiring, these compact systems allow maritime professionals and boat owners to seamlessly integrate the equipment without requiring specialized tools.
The Pumps Boaters Reach For First
From the 800 GPH round pump to the Rule-Mate automatic series — the models most installed on boats around the world.
Marine Bilge Pump, 1500 GPH, Non-Automatic
Automatic Submersible Bilge Pumps 12V
Automatic Bilge Pump Switch – Mercury Free
Submersible Fully Automatic Utility Pump – 1800 GPH
Livewell Pump for Boat Series – 500 GPH
Standard Bilge Pump 27DA – Not Automatic
High Capacity Automatic Bilge Pumps
High Volume Evacuator Utility Pump, 7700 GPH
Who Makes Rule Bilge Pumps
Rule has been a name in marine pump manufacturing since 1965. For six decades, the brand built its reputation on one product category — submersible bilge pumps — and became the reference point against which other bilge pumps are measured in the recreational and commercial boating world.
Rule is now part of Xylem, a global water technology company, but the pump line continues under its own name. The full range covers standard manual pumps, automatic electronic-sensing models, dry bilge pumps, float switches, and livewell pumps — distributed through marine dealers across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Rule bilge pumps wiring diagram has become a reference document for marine electricians. Boatbuilders spec Rule from the factory. The Gold Series pumps carry a five-year guarantee. That kind of track record doesn’t come from marketing — it comes from boats that come back to the dock after storms that should have sunk them.
Find the Right Pump for Your Vessel
Standard bilge pumps, automatic models, dry bilge systems, float switches, and livewell pumps — each category built for a different job on board.
Bilge Pumps
Switches
Utility Pumps
Livewell
Blowers
Shower Drain Systems
Rule Updates, Straight to Your Inbox
New models, technical guides, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting resources — sign up and stay current with everything from Rule.
More From the Rule Line
Float switches, panel switches, livewell pumps, and accessories engineered to work alongside Rule bilge pumps for a complete bilge system.
Replacement Strainer Base f/Round 1500-2000gph
Plastic Reducer 1 1/8 To 3/4
Stainless Steel Debris Strainer
Hand Drum Pump
Common Questions About Rule Bilge Pumps
Answers to what boaters ask most — from choosing the right GPH rating to wiring, installation, and where Rule pumps are made.
Rule is the most widely installed bilge pump brand in recreational boating. The standard and Gold Series pumps have a strong long-term track record, particularly in models without integrated float switches. For most boats, a Rule standard pump paired with a quality external float switch remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective bilge setups available.
Rule bilge pumps are manufactured by Xylem, a global water technology company. Production and engineering are managed through Xylem’s marine pump division. Xylem operates manufacturing facilities in multiple countries; specific production locations for current models can be confirmed via Rule customer service.
GPH stands for gallons per hour — the volume of water the pump can move at a given voltage. Rule rates its pumps at 12V rather than 13.6V, which gives a more accurate picture of real-world performance. A 1500 GPH pump will move up to 1500 gallons per hour when installed correctly at 12V. Choose your GPH based on vessel size and expected water ingress.
Rule bilge pumps use a standard three-wire setup: one wire for manual operation via a panel switch, one for automatic operation via a float switch or internal sensor, and a ground. The Rule bilge pumps wiring diagram — available as a download on this site — covers all models and switch configurations. Use a minimum 16-gauge wire for all models.
The most common issues are debris blocking the strainer base (clean the snap-lock strainer regularly), incorrect wiring, or a pump running but not moving water due to an airlock. Rule pumps include a vented impeller housing to resist airlocking. If the pump runs dry on automatic but the bilge is wet, check whether the electronic sensor or float switch is positioned correctly at the bilge low point.
Both are established marine bilge pump brands. Rule holds a larger global market share and has the longer production history (since 1965). Attwood pumps are also submersible and similarly priced. The key differences come down to motor design, GPH rating methodology, and float switch reliability. Many boaters who have used both report that Rule standard pumps tend to have simpler mechanics and are easier to replace on short notice due to wider availability.
Still Have a Question?
Use the form below to reach Rule customer service directly — for technical support, warranty inquiries, or help selecting the right pump for your boat.
What Boaters Say About Rule
Feedback from recreational boaters, liveaboard sailors, and marine technicians who rely on Rule bilge pumps to keep their vessels dry.
Replaced a 4-year-old Rule 800 with the same model. Same wire colors, same base footprint — the new pump locked right in. Clean install, no surprises. Running well so far.
Dave R.
Bought the automatic model for a small center console. Pay attention to the wiring — brown striped doesn’t always match what you’d expect. Once sorted, the boat stays bone dry.
Karen S.
Installed the 1500 GPH on a 27-foot sloop. Wiring was straightforward once I checked the diagram. Bilge has been dry through two storms. Solid piece of kit for the price.