General plumbing questions

[benkeeton]

Again... I am fairly new to the plumbing on the boat and have a few general questions. As a bit of background, I am able to take the boat out almost every week, which may (or may not) help with some of these questions.

1) Is it better to leave the drains for the sinks open or closed while at the dock (after I leave the boat)? How about while sailing? I generally leave them closed all the time unless I need them, but the more I use it, the more hassle it is.

2) What is the best way to clear back-ups or stoppages? The head sink does not drain at all and the drains in the cockpit are very slow. I was going to go at it with a snake (or similar device), but don't want to mess anything up.

3) It looks like my toilet pulls in sea water to fill the bowl. Is it possible to change this to pull water from the holding tank?

Thanks again for the help.
ben

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

1) All thru hulls below the water line MUST be left closed when you are away from the boat. Should a hose connection ever fail with a thru hull open ................. well, let's not even think of that.

2) Clearing the head sink drain MAY be a little touchy with a snake if you should perforate a section of soft hose. Better to dis-assemble the hose and replace or clean out.

3) I'm presuming you are referring to your potable water tank and not your (sewage) holding tank. Not a good idea to pull flush water from your potable water tank. Too much chance of a cross connection. Flushing with sea water is not a problem and it's always a good idea to flush a few liters of fresh water before finally leaving the boat. Avoids salt deposits in the lines.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Ralph's right.

For #3, consider this: Head Odors 101.1 - "T" into sink drain: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.msg38216.html#msg38216

 

[benkeeton]

Great... thanks for the information! You are correct on number 3.

 

[Benny17441]

1) It is a matter of preference. There are very few absolutes in boating and keeping thru-hulls closed is hardly one of them. Keeping them open, which I do, requires that you inspect the hoses and hose clamps regularly. It also requires that you exercise those valves periodically to prevent them from freezing open. There is nothing wrong in seeking convenience when done properly.

2) Sink tru-hulls are usually found bellow the waterline and thus water will fill the hose to the waterline. This amount of water will act as a wet plug slowing the draining action of the galley sink when the boat is at rest. Once the boat starts to move the water that is drawn across the orifice will create a sucking action which actually helps in draining. No amount of snaking (not recomened as it could damage the hose) will help in draining with the boat at reast. If you want to close the valve and fill up the hose with a soapy solution and let sit for a couple of days it will help maintain the hose cleaner.

3) Not a good idea to connect to the water tank. We keep a plastic cup by the head sink and just pour in a couple of glasses when so desired. Some fill up a milk jug with fresh water.

 

[kloudie1]

Better to close all the thru-hulls when you aren't there, but lots of people like me and Benny leave ours open and inspect hoses and clamps carefully .. I have an inspection checklist that I do every year.. kept with the maintenance records ..
Best to clear a boat drain by closing the thru-hull valve and then disassemble and inspect and clean the hose and the sink drain itself. Next time youare swimming, look at the thru-hull from the outside and make sure there is no grass or mud or stuff stuck in the fittings.
Use the shower head on the flex hose to clear the head on the last flush before you leave the boat. Not a hard one to remember and works without any additional plumbing.
Are you on a fresh water lake, Ben? If so, there is no real reason to flush with potable water,
Welcome Aboard

 

[benkeeton]

I am in fresh water and it sounds like there is no need for using potable water. Thanks for the feedback.

Is it okay to leave the thru-hull valve open during sailing? Most of the other boaters around me have mixed views on this. I assume (like most things) it is a matter of personal preference.

 

[Benny17441]

It is Okay and as the boat moves up and down you may hear a gurgle as the water moves up and down in the hose with the changing waterline due to swells or heeling of the boat.

 

[Rick D]

As far as leaving the sink through hull open while sailing, I do both (two heads). The aft sink is not a problem as long as I don't bury the rail. The forward head sink does power wash the interior in a chop, so I leave a stopper in it or turn it off if no guests.