homer
Well-Known Member
Last night we returned to the boat to be welcomed by the sound of the automatic bilge pump spewing water out of the side. We like to keep the bilges crispy dry and so this was not normal. The ship’s cat had been left on watch but, typically, had nothing to say on the matter. So, floor hatches were raised (glad I installed those!), below floor stores removed and it was revealed that the bilge pump (glad I installed that) had been doing its job. There were only a couple of centimetres of water remaining in the well. (Although the float switch had jammed up (another important piece of kit that looks to be faulty) and the pump was still whirring to no effect.)
So, Sherlock time – what was the source of the water? The taste test indicated fresh. Not entirely conclusive as here (Finike, Turkey) springs and rivers give a 20cm layer of fresh over the salty stuff in the harbour. However, most potential hull leaks are below that level and I had re-filled the water tanks just that afternoon and that may have triggered a problem. Also, there had not been much rain lately it was time to focus on the water system. The tank gauge still read full but you can take out 100l before that moves. The water pump was not blipping so it had to be (lord forbid) a leaking tank or the unpressurised pipework. A quick look at the most accessible pipework revealed no problem and then the torch caught a gleam of wetness leading from an under-floor side compartment. What was in there? Aha – the Whale Tiptoe foot-pump! The relevant floor panel was unscrewed and lifted and there was the culprit – dripping wet - again! Still not 2 years old this is the second time this pump has failed.
So, turned off the tank outlet valves (glad I installed those), disconnected and plugged the foot-pump inlet. Sponged out the bilges and turned the water valves back on. All secure for the night.
I suppose I now have to strip down the pump and fit new seals – again! I am just unlucky? Do I happen to have a rogue, duff pump? Or do you know different? Bear in mind that, by their nature, these pumps are likely to be installed low down and a leak is liable to empty the tank(s) and fill the bilges which, under other circumstances, could be more than just a PITA.
So, Sherlock time – what was the source of the water? The taste test indicated fresh. Not entirely conclusive as here (Finike, Turkey) springs and rivers give a 20cm layer of fresh over the salty stuff in the harbour. However, most potential hull leaks are below that level and I had re-filled the water tanks just that afternoon and that may have triggered a problem. Also, there had not been much rain lately it was time to focus on the water system. The tank gauge still read full but you can take out 100l before that moves. The water pump was not blipping so it had to be (lord forbid) a leaking tank or the unpressurised pipework. A quick look at the most accessible pipework revealed no problem and then the torch caught a gleam of wetness leading from an under-floor side compartment. What was in there? Aha – the Whale Tiptoe foot-pump! The relevant floor panel was unscrewed and lifted and there was the culprit – dripping wet - again! Still not 2 years old this is the second time this pump has failed.
So, turned off the tank outlet valves (glad I installed those), disconnected and plugged the foot-pump inlet. Sponged out the bilges and turned the water valves back on. All secure for the night.
I suppose I now have to strip down the pump and fit new seals – again! I am just unlucky? Do I happen to have a rogue, duff pump? Or do you know different? Bear in mind that, by their nature, these pumps are likely to be installed low down and a leak is liable to empty the tank(s) and fill the bilges which, under other circumstances, could be more than just a PITA.
