Leaky Fresh Water Tank on our Liveaboard Sailboat #ourladydefiant #liveaboard #cruisinglife

Leaky Fresh Water Tank Issue on Our Liveaboard Sailboat

The problem surfaced as the polypropylene fresh water tank began filling up beyond capacity, and even though we had repaired it using a heat gun and a knife to fix a crack in one of the baffles before, it appeared that there might be a more serious underlying cause.

Exploring Possible Causes

To better understand why the tank continued to overflow, we looked into the functioning of its vents, which are essential for allowing air and water to exit the tank as it fills up. Despite testing the vents, we discovered that they were not working effectively, preventing the tank from releasing excess water properly.

The Need for a Comprehensive Plumbing Overhaul

With the existing problem in hand and another concerning issue with our bathroom sink’s mysterious water workings, we decided that upon returning to the Bay, a massive plumbing overhaul was necessary. This not only included rectifying the vent situation but also reinforcing the fresh water tank’s security.

Securing the Tank

We recognized that the current straps holding down the tank were inadequate for the weight it needed to carry. Therefore, we proposed securing it with additional support using pieces of wood on both sides to prevent further deformation and overflow occurrences.

Comparing With Our Previous Boat

Considering our previous boat, the Catalina, which did not have any similar problems, we questioned whether it was due to the tank being smaller and lacking complex baffles like the current one. This made us think about potential design differences that might lead to these complications.

Current Fixes

In our quest to resolve this, we’ve done what we can in the meantime. This includes using a shop vacuum to remove accumulated water, applying heat from a gun to the cracks for repair, and looking for any check valves or similar issues that could be impeding the vent’s efficiency.

The Future of Our Boat’s Plumbing System

While we continue to make temporary repairs, our plans involve a comprehensive plumbing review and potential adjustments once back at the Bay. This includes addressing issues like the check valve in the bathroom sink, as well as other water system complexities that could save us from future headaches.

This adventure in boating life isn’t without its surprises and challenges. Our approach is to tackle these issues head-on and learn continuously to ensure a smoother sailing experience moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on our next steps and keep an eye out for more exciting episodes of #OurLadyDefiant.