Forums, Internal Fixtures and Fittings, Heads sink level

Speedwell at 13/02/2016 19:26:02

Was stuck with head in the heads learning about the plumbing this afternoon and got me wondering how high above the waterline is the sink drain in the standard moulded unit (1980 vintage)?

Speedwell’s drains direct to seacock and I’m interested in how susceptible it would be to filling / flooding while heeling?

Is it necessary to close the sea cock at sea to prevent this or is it usually fitted with a non-return valve? or just not a problem?

I see the new boats are fitted with foot pumps as per galley setup.

George Isted at 17/02/2016 16:08:09
It’s rare that water can make it’s way back up into the sink but it is possible so I suggest you keep the seacock closed when not in use. Using a NRV could help but the forward sink doesn’t get a lot of use.

Likewise the heads seacocks should be switched off at sea, and even in-port when not in use. I find that the swanneck on heads inlet is a bit low and when the boat is loaded up with a lot of cruising gear the heads can fill slowly via the inlet. The shelving unit outboard of the heads make it difficult to have the Swanneck any higher.

Edited: George Isted on 2016-02-17 16:10:41

moongirl at 17/02/2016 18:29:30
Good Seamanship, when at Sea, to close all Seacocks that don’t need to be open! Same when leaving the boat.