Little leak, little problem?

[Stephen Trapani]

Of course, most little leaks in boats are little problems, but some of them are big problems and I want to try to figure out which I have. I have a 79 H33 with the water tank under the V-berth. I'm pretty sure the tank is leaking very slowly into the bilge. Is there any way for me to be confident it isn't leaking into the hull also? Could there be some other untoward effect? If not, I'd just as soon let it leak.

I'm going to post this over in the brand specific forum also.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Not sure I understand the question, the part about "leaking into the hull". My bilge is always wet due to a keel-stepped mast. Probably an inch of water unless I sponge it out which is almost never. Are you thinking osmosis into the fiberglass? I'd drain the tank dry to be sure that is where the water originates. Then I would replace the tank if it is in fact leaking.

 

[Stephen Trapani]

The water is fresh and there has been no rain. And it's just aft of the tank. But if it's just leaking into the bilge why replace the tank? It's a slow leak.

 

[Ed Schenck]

No rain, in Washington?! Just kidding. If you are sure it is the tank and not keel bolts or a thru-hull then your call. Water in the bilge is not a problem for me or the boat. But a lot of sailors hate a wet bilge.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Wellll...

But if it's just leaking into the bilge why replace the tank? It's a slow leak.

1. Because slow leaks usually turn into larger leaks.

2. Because even slow leaks will eventually drain the tank and you don't want to risk running out of water at an inconvenient time?

3. Because wet bilges stink.

I can think of more reasons, but that's enough for now.

 

[Stephen Trapani]

But if it's just leaking into the bilge why replace the tank? It's a slow leak.

1. Because slow leaks usually turn into larger leaks.

2. Because even slow leaks will eventually drain the tank and you don't want to risk running out of water at an inconvenient time?

3. Because wet bilges stink.

I can think of more reasons, but that's enough for now.

Yes, okay. (1) seems important. I don't want that. It seems like a big job replacing the tank, but maybe it's not as big as it seems. Worse comes to worse I suppose I could watch for the leak to increase. It's easy for me to tell how much is leaking because it's leaking into it's own little section of the bilge that has to fill before it gets into the main bilge. I estimate it's leaking about 2 cups per week. (2) doesn't seem like a biggie in this neck of the woods unless (1) happens. (3) is interesting and means I should try to have a dry bilge. Hmm. Doable I guess. I guess I'll crawl back to rudder and inspect that leak. The only raw water leak I have, I think.

 

[alexco38]

May be just the connector hose barb or clamp worked itself loose.

Best way to detect leak is food coloring. It traces where the leak come from and been to. No harm to drink a little colored water.

You can use different food color for different tank. It won't stain fiber glass.

I have makeup pads soaked with food coloring and let it dry. Place them where leak is likely to occur as an early warning indicator.