Fresh water tank leak

[edsmax]

Yesterday I climbed into my bilge very determined to find the source of my water in the bilge. After much crawling around, found that my 20 gallon fresh water tank was leaking from the bottom somewhere, puddling on top of my fuel tank, and then making its way into my bilge. It is a fairly steady drip. I emptied the tank via the sinks and then wet vac'd the water out of the bilge. The plan is to return tomorrow and check the bilge status.

Has anyone else ever have their fresh water tank fail? I didnt have time to remove it last night but plan to this weekend. There are no fittings on the tank in that area so I am thinking there is a crack?

Ed

 

[AKBASSKING]

I found the fitting leaking on mine. I pulled the tank, put a new fitting on and 5200 the crap out of it. So far no leaks.

Here was my adventure:

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/21358-Restoring-the-Fresh-Water-System

 

[Lazy Daze]

All of your fittings are on the top (they started doing that to avoid having problems when/if the fittings leaked), so I think you've got the right idea with the leak coming from a crack. It's a rather rare occurrence to have a tank crack (unless it was left full of water over the winter?), but weirder things have happened. Sounds like you're on top of things - good luck.

 

[edsmax]

No, wasn't left full of water over the winter. I usually drain it and there is 1 inch or so on the bottom that I can never get out. The board that screws in (facing the rear of the boat) that helps keep the tank in place came loose at one time and I am thinking the tank might have bounced around in heavy seas and cracked? I have tried to resecure this board with new screws but it always eventually comes loose. Thankfully, it appears I have plenty of room to remove it. For now, I plan on bypassing it by just using the "shore" water connection.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I usually drain it and there is 1 inch or so on the bottom that I can never get out.

That is fine. That little bit won't cause the tank to crack. I do the same thing.