Clogged drain

[Jeffreyi]

I have a 1989 16' Maxum Outboard. There is a closed drain canal that runs from the water catch area mid ship to the collection area in the stern where the bilge pump is located. This canal or tube is intergrated as part of the hull. It is clogged. I tried to clear it by pushing a firm tube from bow to stern but is solid. I was even able to reach into the collection area and push a firn piece of cable from stern to bow. It only went in about 6". What ever is stuck there is a solid piece of matter. I know this because when I push the cable with small tapping movements (that's all the leverage I have) it makes a sound (as opposed to say a rag would make).

 

[JB]

Re: Clogged drain

Well, if it is a solid object it got there somehow, presumably from the fore.

I would start with water pressure applied at the stern end of the passage to try to dislodge it and shove it out the fore end. There are gadgets made that use a short burst of water under high pressure to clear plumbing. That might work.

If it is a concretion of sand or something like that I think I would try to break it up with a small diameter rod and a mallet.

Good luck.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Clogged drain

Might also try high pressure air.

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Clogged drain

I had the same problem. There was something in my drain that was solid and didn't want to budge. After a considerable amount of work with a plumbers snake I finally pulled a cap from a tube of suntan oil out. Keep working at it, hard to tell what's in there.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

First of all, I tried many of the suggestions posted...thanks. I spoke to the previous owner and he told me something that confuses me and may complicate things. He said that when he is on the water and accelerated the water then drained through the "clogged drain" to the collection area. What might that mean??:^

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Clogged drain

Just a hunch, but before you "punch it out" that clog might be a check ball in the line. Its a one way valve that lets water drain out of the forward area to the rear when the bow is high, but prevent backflow to that area when stopped or on level plane.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Thanks Silvertip for your very interesting feedback. I've assumed that it was clogged and attempted to "get it out" (see previous reply, which may still be the answer) but your answer opens up a whole new area of investigation. I will contact the mfg. for a parts list for my boat.
Thanks again.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

You were right!!

Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Clogged drain

Sometimes we get lucky! 8)

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Clogged drain

Is there anyway for me to remove this check valve so the water beneath the deck can drain into the bilge and be removed by the bilge pump?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Clogged drain

He said that when he is on the water and accelerated the water then drained through the "clogged drain" to the collection area.

Have You tried This,..??..??....

If it drains while underway,...... It's working as it Should.....

It Sounds like the Pumpable Bilge is Higher than this other area in Your Boat, when at rest.........
To remove the Check Valve would cause More Water in the Other Area..........