I keep finding water in my bilge. I check the shaft and all sea cocks and they're as dry as can be. The water is clear whereas the water in my sailing area is rather murky. The water also doesn't tasty salty. So, my guess is that it comes from my own water tank. This seems confirmed by the fact that I tend to refill more water in the tank than what I think I'm using. Anybody have any idea how I would try to trace the source of the leak? Thanks. Rick Evans San Antonio, Texas
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Dave
Pump run?
I think if your connections between the tank and your water pump, you would get the annoying 'pump runs for a few seconds every X minutes and I don't know why' syndrome (especially annoying in the wee small hours of the morning). Is that the case? If so, then it probably is coming from your fresh water system between the tank and the pump. If that is not the case, then I guess it could be your tank but likely not the connections between the tank and the pump.
I think if your connections between the tank and your water pump, you would get the annoying 'pump runs for a few seconds every X minutes and I don't know why' syndrome (especially annoying in the wee small hours of the morning). Is that the case? If so, then it probably is coming from your fresh water system between the tank and the pump. If that is not the case, then I guess it could be your tank but likely not the connections between the tank and the pump.
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Joe
Check your fridge
You didn't indicate your model of boat, but I also kept finding clear water in the bilge of my 311. After checking a thousand hose connections, looking for mystery leaks, etc. I finally discovered that the water was draining from my fridge/icebox. Not sure why Beneteau drained everything else overboard and left this one in the bilge, but it was nice to solve the mystery.
You didn't indicate your model of boat, but I also kept finding clear water in the bilge of my 311. After checking a thousand hose connections, looking for mystery leaks, etc. I finally discovered that the water was draining from my fridge/icebox. Not sure why Beneteau drained everything else overboard and left this one in the bilge, but it was nice to solve the mystery.
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Greg Zagni
Could be the pressure valve
Could be the pressure valve on your hot water tank. Does the leak only occur when the engine has been running for some time or the immersion heater has been switched on? I understand the pressure valves only have a limited life span. Mine had to be replaced after about 4 years.
Could be the pressure valve on your hot water tank. Does the leak only occur when the engine has been running for some time or the immersion heater has been switched on? I understand the pressure valves only have a limited life span. Mine had to be replaced after about 4 years.
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Rick Evans
Don't think its the pressure valve
Thanks for the idea but I don't think its the pressure valve. The water pretty much comes in whether the hot water, cold water or any water is being utilized. It just trickles in and fills the bilge slowly but surely. My guess is that it comes from some hole in the line and is gravity fed but that's just a wild guess. I had hoped some other owners might have some better insight. Thanks anyway. Rick Evans San Antonio, Texas
Thanks for the idea but I don't think its the pressure valve. The water pretty much comes in whether the hot water, cold water or any water is being utilized. It just trickles in and fills the bilge slowly but surely. My guess is that it comes from some hole in the line and is gravity fed but that's just a wild guess. I had hoped some other owners might have some better insight. Thanks anyway. Rick Evans San Antonio, Texas
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Mario Grech
had same problem on boat
Had the same problem on my First 38S5. I noticed that the leak was coming more from starboard and aft.After taking everything apart and changing the connections I lifted the navigationa table bottom to expose the pressure tank and found that the pressure valve was trickling gently but surely, even when not using the water system or running the engine.changing it solved the problem innediatley. Mario
Had the same problem on my First 38S5. I noticed that the leak was coming more from starboard and aft.After taking everything apart and changing the connections I lifted the navigationa table bottom to expose the pressure tank and found that the pressure valve was trickling gently but surely, even when not using the water system or running the engine.changing it solved the problem innediatley. Mario
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Rick Evans
Thanks Guys. I'll know the final answer in 3 days
I'm indebted to each of you for your insight. This weekend I'm meeting with an expert on the subject and together we will find that leak. When I do, I'll pass along the final answer to you all. Thanks again. Rick Evans San Antonio, Texas
I'm indebted to each of you for your insight. This weekend I'm meeting with an expert on the subject and together we will find that leak. When I do, I'll pass along the final answer to you all. Thanks again. Rick Evans San Antonio, Texas
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Tim
Me too....
I installed a small accumulater tank on my 321's water system to get rid of the annoying cycling of the pump when the faucets are opened just a little, and to reduce wear on the pump. It works great, except I have the same problem! The pump will run every hour or so to recharge the system, and my bilge slowly fills with clean water. I have checked the connections I made under the water tank, the hot tank relief valve, everything...I can't find the leak, everything is as dry as a bone but the water still keeps leaking from somewhere! It's driving me mad! This week all the lines will be capped one by one until I find this infernal leak! Cheers, Tim
I installed a small accumulater tank on my 321's water system to get rid of the annoying cycling of the pump when the faucets are opened just a little, and to reduce wear on the pump. It works great, except I have the same problem! The pump will run every hour or so to recharge the system, and my bilge slowly fills with clean water. I have checked the connections I made under the water tank, the hot tank relief valve, everything...I can't find the leak, everything is as dry as a bone but the water still keeps leaking from somewhere! It's driving me mad! This week all the lines will be capped one by one until I find this infernal leak! Cheers, Tim
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Jerry Hause
321 leak
Hi Rick, Miss seeing you guys around the lake. Hope you find a fix for your leak...Jerry
Hi Rick, Miss seeing you guys around the lake. Hope you find a fix for your leak...Jerry
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Rick Evans
The Answer Revealed
Well, after spending hours with the Beneteau guru at Kemah, Texas (home to millions & millions of sailboats so they should know their stuff), the final answer is. . . . . condensation from my air conditioner. I don't know that I can buy that but that's the answer. Now, admittedly, the unit is on 24/7 due to the rather tropical weather in Kemah this time of year. But, condensation? Does that make sense to you guys? Jerry, you need to get Bull Market over to Kemah. Yes, I know the 3.5 hour drive is a bore but it really is a sailing heaven. If you're ever interested, let me know. I miss my friends at Canyon but lake sailing I don't miss. Friday I sailed almost 18 miles and tacked once.
Well, after spending hours with the Beneteau guru at Kemah, Texas (home to millions & millions of sailboats so they should know their stuff), the final answer is. . . . . condensation from my air conditioner. I don't know that I can buy that but that's the answer. Now, admittedly, the unit is on 24/7 due to the rather tropical weather in Kemah this time of year. But, condensation? Does that make sense to you guys? Jerry, you need to get Bull Market over to Kemah. Yes, I know the 3.5 hour drive is a bore but it really is a sailing heaven. If you're ever interested, let me know. I miss my friends at Canyon but lake sailing I don't miss. Friday I sailed almost 18 miles and tacked once.
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Marc
AC Condensate
My 393 has 2 AC units, both of which drain their condensate into the bilge. On Humid days a sizable amount of water is created, particularly if I leave the companionway open.
My 393 has 2 AC units, both of which drain their condensate into the bilge. On Humid days a sizable amount of water is created, particularly if I leave the companionway open.
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Jerry Hause
Kemah
I'm glad you found the source of your water. I would love a sail on your new boat. I still think about moving Bull Market, I guess I need a little shove. My office email is ghause@34L.rjf.com. Stay in touch
I'm glad you found the source of your water. I would love a sail on your new boat. I still think about moving Bull Market, I guess I need a little shove. My office email is ghause@34L.rjf.com. Stay in touch
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Jerry Hause
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