It leaks a bit when it gets older

Magic_Sailor

Magic_Sailor

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I've got a flexible fresh water tank. I couldn't work put why I kept getting a certain amount of fresh water in the bilge (I plucked up the courage to taste a bit!)

Anyway, I think I've traced the leak to somewhere around where the inlet hose joins the tank - so if I completely fill it up, then some leaks out, or if healed to port. As a new tank will cost about a hundred quid has anybody got any idea how I could seal this flexible joint?

Many thanks in advance.

Magic

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Sealing the leak will be tricky. However, if your tank is a Plastimo, you can buy replacement inner bladders for a lot less than the price of a new tank. Worth checking out.

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I noticed an advert in one of the Mail-Order mags that fell out of either YM or PBO this month. In it there was an ad for a flexible sealer - comes out of a tube. Sorry cant remember the name.

Donald

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i supose any flexy joint like this is liable to crack eventually. First idea is erm not to fill it up, which is a bit too obvious, so not what you are after. Second option is to make the inlet fixed, with a two part solid (metal or plastic) inlet tube, one screwing into the other and clamping the existing (circular, it will have to be) opening, plumbers merchant may have something or chandlery. Third option is possible repair using clever material of the sort i asked/posted about on PBO a week ago "emergency underwater repair kit"
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..and of course for only 100 quid, the replacement ain't the end of the world, i suppose.

The kneadable underwater putty for fixing stuff is a good idea to have on board anyway, i suppose.
 
Yes, I currently do the first! But, it's not a particularly large tank so probably not good longer term when SWMBO wants to wash hair etc.

Magic

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If it\'a a Plastimo....

then the leak is caused by the soft plastic union being distorted. They all do it but not if you take care not to overfill it. Another possible cause of distortion and therefore leakage is when the outlet hose is not free to move as the tank swells due to filling. It ofter gets trapped by the weight of the water and just pulls against the union until (& beyond) it leaks.

You have to get the plastic 2backnut2 really tight but overfilling is the real cause.

Flexibles aren't totally vice free. they are a compromise.

Steve Cronin

<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion
 
um, perhaps suggest she cuts her hair very short (and then praps you shd run away quickly!)

Agreed, probably easiest to get it fixed.

Mind you, some hairdo's cost an absolute bomb, i have discovered. So, whilst some people are in the chandlery thinking they are "getting away with" spending money on boaty things, a whole heap more may well be getting spent under a hairdryer.



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Come on TCM just cos you've got a barnet like a Badgers bum do'nt mean that ladies should'nt respect their appearance, I would think a freshly washed and groomed Magic_sailoress would be a distinct asset to Mr_magic!

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I started off with a flexible tank and then saw a molded one in a boat market for my model of boat (Feeling 920). I invested in the change and have never regretted it. Capacity went from 80 litres to 200 and this makes a great difference when cruising. It has never leaked (touch wood).

John



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Re: hm

Oh that's very nice innit. One minute he's got a hidden sewage treatment plant in the saloon and everyone's hair falls out as a result, next minute he's giving beauty tips! I am continuing to ignore such comments from jimi UNTIL he finally reveals the brand of textured purple paint that he has used to apply an interesting spatter-effect decoration on the deck of his boat.

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Re: hm

We have that in the male toilets around here - stuff doesn't stick to it. Walter the Shite Manager should be able to give me the name if you need it.

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Claymore
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Depth

Donald you must have a massive anchor locker there - I've been watching it for ages and its still coming in - and don't you think the odd coloured band would be a good idea?
Hows the Eye?

<hr width=100% size=1>regards
Claymore
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Your heading sounds like a medical complaint !! Anyways I had a similar problem with a tank. I emptied it, took it out which was a right pain. I ended up using a hair dried to heat the inlet pipe which softened it up. I found that the inlet pipe in the tank could rotate and could also be tightened by the fitting round it ,basically a threaded fitting. I tightened it up as far as I could and it never leaked again.

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If the leak is where the flexible material of the tank meets the hard plastic of the outlet/inlet you could try using a glue called "Aquasure" or similar type I repaired mine a year ago and is still holding fine, you will have to get the tank out and make sure it is completely dry before applying.

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Re: Depth

The eye continues to improve. Sheena has been back at work terrorising the kiddies, and is now driving. About a third of the sight has come back, but she now has a cataract which will have to be removed. Nae luck there.

You can never have enough chain..... though it does seem to be self replicating...

Did you manage to talk to Ian re your windows?

Regards

Donald

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