Leak at base of head

[Kai Kane]

I have a 1990 Hunter 28. Recently I have found a small pool of water around the base of the head for which I cannot find the origin.It not only occurs after the head has been pumped out but also after sailing, upon return to the slip, even if the head was not used. Any suggestions?Thank you,  Jeff

 

[carisea]

leak at head

if you have an intake hose at the base of your toilet and you have not closed your thru hull intake your leak is probably from a lose connection at the hose to the pump nipple that is banded with stainless bands . Check hose to see if it is supple at the band ponit if stiff cut off about an inch of hose and reinstall and double band.

 

[Peggie Hall/Headmistress]

You have a leaky pump...

...which may or may not, depending upon what's leaking, be fixable for a reasonable price. In fact, if the head is is original, it prob'ly isn't worth trying. What make/model is it, and how old is it?You're finding water around the base of the toilet after sailing because you're sailing with the head intake seacock open, and water is being forced up the head intake by the pressure created as the boat moves through the water...the leak in the pump is the place it can get out. Look for a crack in the base or the bottom of the pump cylinder.

 

[Steve Dion]

What type of base.

Kai:The original head (WC) on our H'31 had a similar problem. It turned out that the base was cracked. The part was more than a new head (or close). So you may as well bite the bullet if this is the case. Just buy a new unit and throw the old one away again in a few years.If you buy the same brand/model it makes installation a breeze. If you buy a different brand it can be a little more difficult because you usually need to drill a couple more holes for the mounts.