Should there be a seacock on a bildge?

[geehaw]

Been working on the boat as time allows and weather permits. I replaced the faucet in the head sink and I noticed the the drain from the bilge pump runs through the sink cabinet,the sink drain tee's into this drain, and then the bilge drain goes to a thru haul. There is not enough room for for a sea-cock between the sink drain and the tee. Nor is there a sea-cock at the thru-hull. Should there be one there? Or do you not put a sea-cock on a bilge pump drain? Greg

 

[Tim R.]

Bilge pump drains are generally above WL so as not to need a seacock. Bilge pumps usually work automatically via float switch. You would not want to restrict the flow with a seacock. Your sink drain should have a seacock whether above or below WL. I have 2 that are above WL and both have seacocks.

It is also a good idea to have a bilge pump exit at the transom where heeling is less likely to interfere with the flow.

 

[sailaway78]

How High

How high above the waterline is the through hull. If it's below or close to the water line, then I think you need a sea cock. A bilge pump will not prevent back flow, so anytime that is below the water line, you have a hole in the boat. My primary bilge pump exits through the transom, and is pretty high. Has no seacock on it. Disadvantage is a long run and some flow back when the pump shuts down. For myself, I prefer that to other options.

 

[geehaw]

The sea-cock is right at the center of the water stripe

 

[bria46]

The thru hull fitting should be a minimum of 6 inches above the datum waterline

 

[higgs]

Usually a through hull refers to a below the water line opening and, using this definition, EVERY through hull needs a ball valve seacock-no exceptions.

 

[Bill Roosa]

When the boat is heeled over under sail is the drain underwater? Sounds like it could be. If that is the case (as it is with most sink drains) then you have a hole in the boat that will leak to the bilge or sink whenever you heel the boat sufficiently on that tack. this would need a seacock for obvious reasons.