Fresh water system leak

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awc4kds

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I own a 2006 Marlin which just came out of winter storage. My marina winterized the fresh water system last fall and as I flushed out the antifreeze solution from the hot and cold faucets I realized that I now have a leak somewhere within fresh water system. When I turn on the fresh water pump, it runs constantly and apparently is pumping water from the fresh water tank into the bilge (but I still do get water under low pressure from the faucets). I've looked around the hot water heater and have tried to trace the plastic water lines that run to the faucets, etc but I have not found the leak thus far. I will have more time next weekend to investigate and am wondering whether anyone has had a similar problem or can offer some tips for tracking down the leak.

It occurred to me that the hot water tank could be cracked. I hope that is not the case, but how would one diagnose that?

many thanks for any assistance. . .
 
awc4kds said:
I own a 2006 Marlin which just came out of winter storage. My marina winterized the fresh water system last fall and as I flushed out the antifreeze solution from the hot and cold faucets I realized that I now have a leak somewhere within fresh water system. When I turn on the fresh water pump, it runs constantly and apparently is pumping water from the fresh water tank into the bilge (but I still do get water under low pressure from the faucets). I've looked around the hot water heater and have tried to trace the plastic water lines that run to the faucets, etc but I have not found the leak thus far. I will have more time next weekend to investigate and am wondering whether anyone has had a similar problem or can offer some tips for tracking down the leak.

It occurred to me that the hot water tank could be cracked. I hope that is not the case, but how would one diagnose that?

many thanks for any assistance. . .
Click to expand...
Are you sure that water is leaking into the bilge? If you are lucky, you may not have a leak but rather a bad or clogged fresh water pump. One way to tell is to open up the output side of the pump and plug that line so that the pump output is blocked. If the pump now shuts off, then it is probably OK. If it cycles, the pump is bad or something is clogged.
Good luck
 
Like the last poster said, check the pump. Also, the hotwater heater should have been drained and by-passed so no way that would crack. check to see if they bypass was taken off and everything reconnected correctly?
 
I would do the following:

1. Ensure your water tank is full to start. Then confirm there is actually a leak. You should be able to see water in the bilge either under the mid berth floor panel or the aft section where the bilge pumps are located. Do either of the bilge pumps run? Does the water pump have a high pitched whine or the normal sound?

2. If you remove the tackle drawers under the starboard bait station sink, you will have access to the pump and hot water tank. Check all hose clamps for tightness. There may be a leak there. Also, you gain a LOT of storage with the drawer removed and you may want to keep this modification.

3. Does the pump get prime? Make sure you run the system with all the taps open to ensure there is no air in the lines. It may take several minutes for the pump to get primed but you will hear the change in pump motor pitch when this happens. Run the water for a few minutes then shut all the taps. The pump should stop when proper pressure is reached.

4. Remove the output hose from the pump and check for water flow. If minimal or none, it is possible the pump is done and needs replacing.

5. When I did this last year, I found: a) rigid and cracked hoses, b) a worn out pump, c) the need to add an accumulator tank (2 gallon from Home Depot) to stop the constant cycling of the pump.

Hope this helps.
 
LastChance said:
I would do the following:

1. Ensure your water tank is full to start. Then confirm there is actually a leak. You should be able to see water in the bilge either under the mid berth floor panel or the aft section where the bilge pumps are located. Do either of the bilge pumps run? Does the water pump have a high pitched whine or the normal sound?

2. If you remove the tackle drawers under the starboard bait station sink, you will have access to the pump and hot water tank. Check all hose clamps for tightness. There may be a leak there. Also, you gain a LOT of storage with the drawer removed and you may want to keep this modification.

3. Does the pump get prime? Make sure you run the system with all the taps open to ensure there is no air in the lines. It may take several minutes for the pump to get primed but you will hear the change in pump motor pitch when this happens. Run the water for a few minutes then shut all the taps. The pump should stop when proper pressure is reached.

4. Remove the output hose from the pump and check for water flow. If minimal or none, it is possible the pump is done and needs replacing.

5. When I did this last year, I found: a) rigid and cracked hoses, b) a worn out pump, c) the need to add an accumulator tank (2 gallon from Home Depot) to stop the constant cycling of the pump.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Regarding item 5: Interesting modification. I assume the pump cycled when you asked for water and not when you didn't. Was that the case?
at the case.
 
Sounds too simple, but check the faucet near the stern. Mine was jamming the thumb button and I emptied an entire tank of bleach shock treatment before I found the simple solution.

Randy in Oregon
 
I have a 330, but have had two leaks due to freezing, even here in FL. The transom faucet and the bait station faucet connection. If your pump runs continuously, most likely a leak. I'd look for places that weren't completely filled with anti-freeze or the marina didn't realize they were there.
 
Guys,

Thank you for your suggestions, I appreciate the benefit of your insights. I'll have more time this weekend to check things out and will let you know what I find.

Thanks again,
 
I found an annoying leak this weekend, No Bail was on the money, it was the fresh water shower on the transom. Water would dribble down the hose into the rear bilge...then down to the bow. I couldn't see the trickle at all...I was in there working and felt it was wet when I shifted the hose ! A trap for all players that one !
 
Glad you found it. I have had that same leak before at the rear transom shower, but also had one behind the panel just behind the aft berth. That leaked a little over time and caused a major outbreak of mold which took a lot of work to kill. The clamp to the hose was loose.
I now listen very carefully when I turn on the pump and it builds pressure. If you hear it cycle on within 20 minutes or so, then there is a leak for sure. Just another way to check for a leak.
 
Found my leaks this weekend too. A fitting on the water line to the bathroom sink had broken and was an easy fix; but in addition, the pressure relief valve on the hot water heater was open and draining water into the bilge. The valve is located in the upper right corner of the h/w heater and one cannot see it unless the tackle drawers and drawer frame are removed (as LastChance described). Everything is working fine now - thanks again for everyone's help.
 
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