I suppose that I have a fresh water leak as my water pump cycles every 10 sec or so and my tank is depleted of water rapidly. This problem came on suddenly this weekend. A quick look does not reveal a leak except for some moisture underneath the hot water heater. I plan to examine the heater closer this weekend. I prefer not to open up the bottom of the boat to trace lines through the bilge. Does anyone have any other ideas how to trace the source of this leak?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
R
Ressler s/v Blowdacious
Water Heater
Probably a good bet is the pressure relief valve on the water heater. Stick a piece of toilet paper in the threaded outlet of the relief valve and see if it gets soaked. If so, you probably need a new one. Had a similar problem on a 336 and this cured it. The water heaters can get pretty hot with the engine running or even when hooked to shore power. I'd bet this is your problem.
Probably a good bet is the pressure relief valve on the water heater. Stick a piece of toilet paper in the threaded outlet of the relief valve and see if it gets soaked. If so, you probably need a new one. Had a similar problem on a 336 and this cured it. The water heaters can get pretty hot with the engine running or even when hooked to shore power. I'd bet this is your problem.
P
Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
I think you've already found it.
There shouldn't be any water under the hot water heater. I agree with the poster who recommended you check the pressure relief valve.
There shouldn't be any water under the hot water heater. I agree with the poster who recommended you check the pressure relief valve.
K
Karl Berntson
Pump always on?
Is it normal to leave the water pump at all times? I typically just turn mine on when I need it. Obviously, if I had a water heater leak, that could burn out the heating element, but there is a slight leak at the pump when it runs, so I have made a habit of shutting it off. As to a leaking relief valve, when your pump has been turned off for a while, is there still hot water pressure? If there is, the leak is not on the hot water side of your system.
Is it normal to leave the water pump at all times? I typically just turn mine on when I need it. Obviously, if I had a water heater leak, that could burn out the heating element, but there is a slight leak at the pump when it runs, so I have made a habit of shutting it off. As to a leaking relief valve, when your pump has been turned off for a while, is there still hot water pressure? If there is, the leak is not on the hot water side of your system.
P
Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
No reason not to leave water pump on while aboard
If the pump leaks, leaks, fix it or replace it. But in the absence of any leaks or other problems, nothing will be harmed by having pressurized water always "at the ready" the whole time you're aboard for the weekend... It's a PITA to have to constantly hop back and forth to the breaker. Just don't EVER leave a pressurized dock water hook up connected while you're away from the boat--even if you're only gonna be gone for an hour. Turn it off at the faucet on the dock, or better yet--uncouple it from the boat.
If the pump leaks, leaks, fix it or replace it. But in the absence of any leaks or other problems, nothing will be harmed by having pressurized water always "at the ready" the whole time you're aboard for the weekend... It's a PITA to have to constantly hop back and forth to the breaker. Just don't EVER leave a pressurized dock water hook up connected while you're away from the boat--even if you're only gonna be gone for an hour. Turn it off at the faucet on the dock, or better yet--uncouple it from the boat.
B
Bob Zolczer
Check everything out
I have a hunter 29.5 with bow water tank. If the 30 has a bow water tank, water beneath the hot water heater could have come from there. I would first check to see if the water tank is properly secured (foamed in and strapped). Check all fittings in the system. If all else fails, try vegetable food coloring to determine where it's coming from. If you don't want to go that route, talcum powder spread underneath all fittings will show quickly which are leaking. One word of caution, don't use teflon tape on plastic fittings; it can crack them over time.
I have a hunter 29.5 with bow water tank. If the 30 has a bow water tank, water beneath the hot water heater could have come from there. I would first check to see if the water tank is properly secured (foamed in and strapped). Check all fittings in the system. If all else fails, try vegetable food coloring to determine where it's coming from. If you don't want to go that route, talcum powder spread underneath all fittings will show quickly which are leaking. One word of caution, don't use teflon tape on plastic fittings; it can crack them over time.
P
Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
You prob'ly don't HAVE a leak, Terry...
What you almost certainly do have is a failed diaphragm in your fresh water pump...they have about a 4-5 year lifespan...and the signal that it's failed is: the pump cycles for a couple of seconds every few minutes. Diaphragm kits are about $12 from WM...though I'd spend anothe $10 and buy a valve kit too. Make a note of the make and model before ordering...different model pumps require different kits.
What you almost certainly do have is a failed diaphragm in your fresh water pump...they have about a 4-5 year lifespan...and the signal that it's failed is: the pump cycles for a couple of seconds every few minutes. Diaphragm kits are about $12 from WM...though I'd spend anothe $10 and buy a valve kit too. Make a note of the make and model before ordering...different model pumps require different kits.
P
Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Bob...re teflon tape
Whatever gave you the idea that it can crack plastic fittings? Teflon tape is the ONLY thing to use on plastic fittings.
Whatever gave you the idea that it can crack plastic fittings? Teflon tape is the ONLY thing to use on plastic fittings.
M
Mike McKendy
Leaky Heater
I also had a leak in my system on my 1991 30T. I eventually noted water under the hot water tank and removed the tank to find that it had a pin hole in the bottom. I had it repaired and is fine now, Mike McKendy
I also had a leak in my system on my 1991 30T. I eventually noted water under the hot water tank and removed the tank to find that it had a pin hole in the bottom. I had it repaired and is fine now, Mike McKendy
S
Sam Lust
More teflon nonsense!
Teflon does not break fittings-- HAM FISTED mechanics break fittings! Teflon is a wonderful lubricant, even on plastic and one of it's beauties is that it makes it easy to disassemble even decades down the road. The problem is that on a pipe threaded fitting it enables you to tighten that TAPERED fitting more with less physical effort. Hence the boss it is forced into tends to split apart. By all means USE teflon tape or dope and lightly snug up the parts. Turn on the pump and then snug up only enough to stop the leak and maybe just a "touch" more. That way you'll never crack the fitting or the housing
Teflon does not break fittings-- HAM FISTED mechanics break fittings! Teflon is a wonderful lubricant, even on plastic and one of it's beauties is that it makes it easy to disassemble even decades down the road. The problem is that on a pipe threaded fitting it enables you to tighten that TAPERED fitting more with less physical effort. Hence the boss it is forced into tends to split apart. By all means USE teflon tape or dope and lightly snug up the parts. Turn on the pump and then snug up only enough to stop the leak and maybe just a "touch" more. That way you'll never crack the fitting or the housing
- Status
- Not open for further replies.