Clogged Head Sink

[Billy the Kidd]

Just bought an old (1978) Catalina 30'. Sink in the head has since filled with water - sink pump is not working, so I don't know how the water got in there Tried unclogging with a plunger -- doesn't work. Owners Manual says sink has a seacock - don't see one -- any suggestions?

Thanks, Billy the Kidd

 

[Scotty C-M]

Yes, you do have a seacock. I've forgotten where it is now (been a few years since I owned a Catalina 30). I just looked at a diagram I found on Google. It was on the images. There is a engine diagram which had a file of other diagrams, including plumbing. It looks like the seacock is aft of the head, perhaps under the settee. Is there a access under the sink? However, one thing that you should do is do a complete inspection of your bilge and look for all seacocks. You will find them. Open and close each of them. Make a diagram showing thier locations and put it in your owners book. If you look at the binder that comes with the boat (do you have one?) you will find a plumbing diagram that showes your seacocks along with other stuff. It is nice, however, to have one that shows just the seacocks. Get to know your boat. The Catalina 30 is a GREAT boat.

 

[hvbaker]

There should be a cabinet door to the right as you look at the head this is also forward towards the bow of the boat. Open the door and reach in you will find the sink seaacock there. This is the same one that needs to be open to pump water into the head. You can also get to it by a hatch under the port side v berth.

 

[Guts1236]

I have a 1978 Catalina 30 and my head sink drains into the galley sink through Hull.

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Billy,

Just look at the drain hose on the sink bottom. Simply follow this & you will eventually find where it ties into another line or, see the valve. Mine is straight below the sink. I have a 1980 C30. Your year may have a different hose run and/or valve location.

When you do find it, assume the valve is original & maybe a rising stem gate valve. These are notorious in failing over time. It is probably closed, which is a good rule to practice for all thruhaul valves if the boat is left unattended. The biggest problem is when the stem breaks inside the valve so, if turning the handle does not close or open the valve. They do however fail mostly in the open position. If this is the case, any valve you change out in the future should be a Marlon or equal BALL valve, never a gate. It should never seize & it considered a "positive shutoff" valve whereas a gate is not.

Another thing to keep in mind with gate type valves, when opening them, first open the handle all the way open. The trick then, is to turn back a quarter to a half turn. This way the valve seat should never seize up & the stem shouldn't break over time. Remember older valve material does not like salt water the most.

Use this method on all your gate-type valves at home also, under sinks & all plumbing valves.

CR

 

[Brad Woodward]

Head sink should drain to a through hole which is shared by the head. The valve is behind a small hatch on the lower fore bulkhead down by your knee. You can empty the sink by pumping the head with the head lever up. If you do have an older gate valve and it is broken, no problem, have it replaced at the next haul out. I keep mine closed all the time and fill the sink with fresh water to flush the head with fresh water.

 

[jrowan]

My 1980 drains the same. The sink to the right of the head drains directly into the head,
which I think is a smart & simple way to drain the sink & it flushes the head with fresh, sudsy water from the sink, after you wash your hands. Two birds with one stone. As the guys said, the original thru hull on the C 30 was located on the hull beneath the sink at the lower flip down access wood cabinet panel door. As Ron stated, if you see a round handled gate valve, it will be badly rusted & corroded & should be replaced asap. You will hopefully find an Apollo ball lever style valve or Marelon type plastic valve. The clog could be located in the plumbing of the pump toilet valve, but most likely it is located where the thru hull of the waste pipe discharges to a holding tank, or you may still have a direct waste pipe that flows overboard (common on pre 1980 boats).. In order to clean out the clog, you have to close the thru hull valve, then unscrew the band clamps & pry off the hose & you will likely find the clog of toilet paper & crap inside the pipe. Pull it out with long needle nose pliers. Remember to wear rubber gloves & keep trash bags & rags beside to clean the mess!