Slow plumbing water flow

Radiowave

Member
Sep 30, 2012
46
Edgewater, Maryland
Boat Info
2009 330 Sundancer
Engines
496 Mercruiser w/Bravo III drives
The shower in the head has great hot and cold flow. The cold water faucet in the cockpit is fine too. However, the sink in the head barely pushes any hot water and the cold is slow. Same for the faucet in the galley. I noticed the problem last year. The screen at the fresh water pump have been cleaned. There is also an accumulator attached to the water system. When the water leaves the engine room through the manifold the tubing in pretty much out of sight. I can only see the ends of the tubing that appear under the sinks so I can't confirm/see any kinks. Would using a snake be advisable or would that create damage?
 
You should be able to take the faucet handle apart and it will have a screen it it too. I get gunk in there at the beginning of the season and usually have to take apart the sinks and shower outlets. Pretty simple.
 
Another thing to try before you dig deeper. Take the faucet off of the line (mine is a telescoping type, so easy to remove) does the water flow better now? Besides the screen, they have a small aerator in the head that can be clogged. I had to use a pin to unblock the holes once instead of buying new. Looks like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/NEOPERL...erator-Insert-with-Washers-97205-05/203673079
Also check those two faucet's might have water savers in them!
 
Try checking the water connection coming to the faucet as well. I found this in the incoming line on my galley faucet:
IMG_2742.jpeg
 
It was hard, so I assumed some it was some sort of calcium build-up but I really don't know. It had low water flow on the cold side in the galley faucet when I bought it, and that's what I found on investigation. You don't even want to know what the house water filter looked like when I replaced it. PO owned the boat for 3 years, and I don't think he did anything other than put fuel in it and he advertised it as "mint".
 
Get some of those water hardness test strips to see what your water is like. Man, that's wild. I run a water softener either before the tank fill, or even when hooked to shore water. Amazing it's only at 1 faucet though. I wish you could test it. Drop it into a cup of CLR and see what happens...Either way, I'm trying to think of a way to "treat" your entire freshwater system. What can you put in your tank to dissolve any other buildups in the system.
 
Thank you for your suggestions. That pic was from 3 years ago, and this will be our 4th season with this boat. I cleaned all the strainers, and shower heads (some with CLR, and a toothbrush), and we haven't had any water related issues since then.
 

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