Galley Sink Drain

[Dennis Stone]

While tracing wiring and water this past week end I found that the galley sinks both drain to a T and then streight out through the bottom of hull. I am having trouble with slow drain on both sinks. Pulled hose off of through hull and water came in (so thats not cloged). Pulled hose off of sink and it drains. Why so slow and wouldn't the pressure from the outside keep the water from going out? Have 2 separate check valves, one for each sink.Thanks for your help.Dennis StoneC30 1977 SRFK

 

[Joe Luciano]

The check valves

I have the same twin sink arrangement on my C-30 that goes to the thru hull. The difference is that I have no check valves. Given the height of the sink above the waterline, I don't see why you would need them. They could be the source of your slow draining problem. I'd suggest pulling one out and seeing if that improves things. My sinks drain well and keep up with the faucet and pressure pump running wide open.

 

[Peter Hine]

Check valve vs. ball valve

On my 27 I have a similar setup (although only one sink). There is a "T" on the thru hull, as my ice chest also drains via that thru hull. Rather than a check valve, which I'm sure slows the draining, and can stick when it gets gunk in it, try a ball valve attached to the thru hull. Then you have a positive close for the thru hull. I keep mine normally closed, and only open it when I'm using the sink or want to drain the ice chest. It also prevents water from backflowing into the ice box when I'm heeled over.

 

[Eric]

Sink should drain

No, the pressure from the outside will not prevent the sink from draining fast. Water will find it's own level...without delay. I do not know why you have check valves. Perhaps a prior owner added them to prevent water from coming into the port side sink when you are heeling on a starboard tack. I always close the seacock when the boat is heeling to prevent the water from coming into that portside sink. Perhaps the check valves are preventing the sinks from draining properly.

 

[Chuck Gassert]

Sink Drain

Dennis,Thanks for the information on the Ports leaking. I checked my set-up on the sink drains. I do not have check valves, and that may be the reason why your sink is not draining properly. I would recommend taking them off and replacing the hoses directly to the T and the seacock. Just make sure it's closed when sailing. It's a good rule of thumb to have all your seacocks closed and have a stopper at each one in case you have a problem and the hose or seacock fails. Good Sailing,Captain ChuckUSCG Licensed Master # 1040231