Wet Fridge Problem...

[rpell1@msn.com]

Hi all,

My Cat30 has a DC refridgerator with a drain that doesn't drain. The unit works very well and maintains 40 degrees easily. However, there is a problem with water collecting at the bottom.

I've cleared the line several times but still find about a half inch of water from what I am sure is condensation sitting in the bottom. The drain hose connects to the sink outlet and all is clear. I've even pushed a snake through to the thru-hull and all is well.

Does anyone else have this problem.......and a possible solution?

 

[Stu Jackson]

The bottom of the outlet hose is a tad above

the bottom of the fridge. Where are you getting "all" that water? Shouldn't get too much condensate drips from the evaporator unless you have no insulation and a leaky box top. A friend of mine put a smaller copper tube sealed onto the end of the existing hole/hose. On our C34s that hole is connected to a foot pump. The smaller tube was able to pick up almost all of what dropped down there.

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

Thanks for the reply......

Upon further inspection, I notice that there is no seal of any type on the underside of the box top. Is there supposed to be one? This might be the source of the excess water accumulation....

As far as the copper tube suggestion....I don't quite understand how this arrangement works. Do I understand correctly that the copper tube is attached at the "far" end of the existing hose and not inside the box...right?

In essence, your friend pumps out the box whenever necessary?

Thanks for your help.

Ralph

the bottom of the fridge. Where are you getting "all" that water? Shouldn't get too much condensate drips from the evaporator unless you have no insulation and a leaky box top. A friend of mine put a smaller copper tube sealed onto the end of the existing hole/hose. On our C34s that hole is connected to a foot pump. The smaller tube was able to pick up almost all of what dropped down there.

 

[Stu Jackson]

1. ...there is no seal of any type on the underside of the box top. Is there supposed to be one? This might be the source of the excess water accumulation....

2. As far as the copper tube suggestion....I don't quite understand how this arrangement works. Do I understand correctly that the copper tube is attached at the "far" end of the existing hose and not inside the box...right?

3. In essence, your friend pumps out the box whenever necessary?

Ralph

1. Older boats don't have seals. Mine doesn't. The newer boats with "corian-type" counters have rubber seals. You can install gasketing material, either rubber automotive window or trunk gaskets or window/door weatherstripping from Home Depot or a hardware store. Do a dollar bill test: if it moves when the lid's closed, you have an air leak. You'll never seal it like a commercial fridge.

2. I think you've got it backwards. Here's how from outside: hose, fridge wall, screwed on connector through fridge wall with opening inside fridge, insert copper tube into this hole inside fridge, seal the copper tube to the opening since the opening is bigger (i.e., foam, duct tape, etc.), bend copper tube to fit to curve and slope down into bottom of fridge; slice end of copper tube at an angle to lay as flat as possible to the bottom of the fridge box to catch as much of the water was possible.

3. Yes, the Whale Gusher foot pump was installed at the factory to do just this (obviously without the copper tubing) and the pump outlet went into the sink drain. Sounds like you don't have a foot pump. We don't either. What we do is just run the fridge and clean the bottom out regularly. We don't get much condensation because it's not so humid and hot here in the Bay area.

Good luck.

 

[rpell1@msn.com]

Got it !!

Thanks....and Thanks.....

.....Another great project for the "off season".

Ralph

1. Older boats don't have seals. Mine doesn't. The newer boats with "corian-type" counters have rubber seals. You can install gasketing material, either rubber automotive window or trunk gaskets or window/door weatherstripping from Home Depot or a hardware store. Do a dollar bill test: if it moves when the lid's closed, you have an air leak. You'll never seal it like a commercial fridge.

2. I think you've got it backwards. Here's how from outside: hose, fridge wall, screwed on connector through fridge wall with opening inside fridge, insert copper tube into this hole inside fridge, seal the copper tube to the opening since the opening is bigger (i.e., foam, duct tape, etc.), bend copper tube to fit to curve and slope down into bottom of fridge; slice end of copper tube at an angle to lay as flat as possible to the bottom of the fridge box to catch as much of the water was possible.

3. Yes, the Whale Gusher foot pump was installed at the factory to do just this (obviously without the copper tubing) and the pump outlet went into the sink drain. Sounds like you don't have a foot pump. We don't either. What we do is just run the fridge and clean the bottom out regularly. We don't get much condensation because it's not so humid and hot here in the Bay area.

Good luck.

 

[All U Get]

I've cleared the line several times but still find about a half inch of water from what I am sure is condensation sitting in the bottom. The drain hose connects to the sink outlet and all is clear. I've even pushed a snake through to the thru-hull and all is well.

Does anyone else have this problem.......and a possible solution?

Is the water fresh or salty? Is there a check valve before the sink line? Have you loaded your boat enough to lower the sink bottom below the water line?
All U Get