Sea Cock Open or Shut

[Mr T]

Please forgive me for my stupid question but I need to understand if I can get underway with the sea cock which supplies water for my toilet in the open position.

Mr T?

 

[sarabande]

Yes; in effect the pump acts as the valve. A problem with leaving open on a mooring is that critters will come and take up residence, so close it when leaving.

 

[Mr T]

Thank you

 

[sogood]

Another problem with leaving it open when on a mooring or unattended, is that the water is getting into your boat, as far as the pump. So you are depending on not having any leaks up to that point. Clips and hoses have been known to fail! With the sea cock closed, you only have the actual thru- hull to consider as a weak spot. If this does leak, it's likely to me more of a drip or dribble, as opposed to a split hose.

 

[benchmark]

I take no chances as regards sea cocks, i have 3 of then ; inlet + outlet to the head (toilet) and one for the motor cooling.
if i am on the boat for a few days, i leave them open as any leak will be quickly noticed but close all 3 when i leave the boat uninhabited completely.

Edit: i also try to make it a habit of closing the toilet seacock while i underway, even though i have sailed with them open without any problems.
Its a bit extra work but worth the rest of mind.

 

[Boatbore]

Ditto the above.

Open when on board, closed when off board.

Underway is a matter of choice....... safety conscious says closed, confident, possibly lazy, (or both) says open.

 

[Boat2016]

Close for winter when drained down, open at all other times, I turn them every couple of weeks when in commission