Why is my C-27 galley drain not....?

[Patrick]

....draining, that is.I'm in the process of winterizing and got all the way to running the pink anti-freeze through the system. It drains fine in the head, but the galley sink just stands there.I've checked the through-hull and it's open and unclogged (as far as I can tell with a screwdriver). It's not exactly clear how the plumbing runs for this sink (which is part of my problem, obviously!). It appears there is a drain hose from the icebox and both run to what looks like a filter device prior to the through-hull. There is also a toggle switch under the front of the sink. Does that control a pump that helps drain it?Thanks for any advice you can give me.Patrick

 

[Gene]

Sink

Need some more information in order to help you. On my 27 the sink and the ice box drain lines join together (T) just before the seacock valve/thru hull. Don't understand your "filter." Your filter couldn't be the seacock? Assuming it isn't can you give some more informationl does it have wiring attached, a handle, or a removable plate? The best way to get more information about your toggle switch is just follow the wires and see where it goes. One will go back to the panel, the other goes to ? Sounds like an addition, could be bilge pump, etc.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Check Valve?

What you describe as a "filter device" could be a check valve. One downside of having the icebox T into the sink drain is that, when heeled over, sea water can rise up into the icebox. It's possible that a previous owner installed a one-way check valve in the line to prevent this. If so, it could be clogged. I should be an easy fix. Of course this doesn't explain the switch unless, instead of being a check valve it's some sort of electrically operated valve, in which case there would be wires going to it.

 

[Patrick]

What the "filter" looks like

Gene -In answer to your question, the "filter" device has a green plastic top and a honeycomb-like interior. The exterior of it is clear and there appears to be water trapped inside. The bottom has a screw device but I can find no wires leading to that, which means the switch must have another purpose.I'll have to go over it more carfully and trace out as best I can both the hoses and the wiring.

 

[Bob Camarena]

One More Thought

OK, it sounds like a filter and not a check valve. Here's another idea:In my previous response I mentioned the need to prevent backflow into the icebox when heeling. Another way of addressing this problem (instead of a check valve) is to use a sump with a pump. In this set-up, the icebox drain hose empties into a sump (container) that has a small bilge pump in it. When the sump is full, the bilge pump empties it into a drain, or in some cases, into the cockpit. Backflow through the bilge pump into the sump would probably be prevented by a vented loop (preferable), a check valve or possibly even just by looping the hose up high enough to prevent backflow. This would explain your switch and wires. I think you're going to have to carefully trace all the wire's and hoses to be sure as to what's going on.