Tracking a leak

[JohnnyMac]

I have a slow leak that has rotted the cabin sole by the settee in the position that the water heater sits. I can't find the source of the leak. It could be from the water heater or the heat exchanger hoses. I have reached as far back as I can without disassembling the settee and can't feel anything wet. Has anyone experienced a similar situation. Before I start tearing things apart, I would like to have an idea of what kind of technician I might need.

Thanks,

John McWilliams '99 H380

 

[Terry Cox]

Water Leak

Hi John, we have a different model boat so perhaps another owner will chime in. If it is the original hot water tank, it could be leaking. Their only good for about ten years. But, if you cannot feel any moisture, then a puzzle. If you have access to a moisture meter (marine surveyors have them) they can tell whether moisture is present. Wood usually does not rot unless in the presence of moisture.

Another source of water (your pic shows a through hull plug) would be rain water coming down the inside of the mast and through the coach roof wire run and down the outside of the compression post. That is what ours was doing. Fixed that leak and it has been dry ever since. That was in 2002.

 

[Dan Johnson]

John...

Sprinkle a little talc powder around where you can reach and see. Water leaks will leave a trail you can then see to determine where the source may be. One step above a WAG.

 

[splax]

I too have a slow potable water leak that shows itself by the small stream draining into the forward end of the bilge. I have not yet determined the fault. If you had a leaky fitting on the outboard side of the water heater, that might be a cause. It might only drip when the water is hot and the line pressurized.

 

[JohnnyMac]

I have ruled out a leak from the mast. I think it must be either the water tank leaking as its 15 years old or the heat exchanger hoses. There is still a drip when the water pressure is off and the water heater is off. I've never found the water to be warm when I wipe it from the underneath of the cabin sole

 

[redunculous]

Washable kids paint / crayons can help as well to show where the leak is coming from