water under forward head

[sam]

Knowledgeable list, I would appreciate your help, I have been fighting a water issue for over a year. Water collects under the forward shower area. (See photo) The area is not the area with the sensors, but the area pointed toward by the white paper arrow, accessed thru the square hole.

I tested all water sources that I could imagine. I added food coloring to the forward water tank. I added food coloring to the shower sump. I changed all three thru-hulls and valves in the forward head. Heck, I even had the area forward of the keel sanded and added an additional layer of glass to the area . I re-bedded the stanchion stbd side just forward of that area to be sure it was not the culprit. Today, after tropical storm Bill I again found about a gallon or two of water in the area. So, I now am leaning toward a rain water intrusion. But where?

I have replaced the sealing gasket on the v berth hatch and it is water tight. Could it be the seal around the frame of the hatch in the head? Could it be the rub rail mounting screws? Could it it be the teak toe-rail seal? could it be the overhead opera window?( no sealant gaps or voids noted)

The area around the mast compression post (under the velcro attached  panels is bone dry. The condensate from the air con has been checked and it is not that.

Ideas to tackle? I ham ruling things out by fixing things that may not have needed to be fixed (yet) such as the thru-hulls, but I am running out of ideas.

By the way, I too have replaced the macerator pump as Mike mentioned.

Thanks in advance for your ideas. All, ALL ideas and theories welcomed.

Sam

LONGHAWK

B43 Hull #9

[Mike Brown]

Sam, water in that area would likely come from either the head plumbing or a leak up,forward. Considering all that you've checked and done, along with the recent rain I'd lean towards a leak. Based on the amount of water you found after the storm perhaps the place to start would be the anchor locker. I'd look on the STBD side, especially around the connection for the anchor windlass control. The harness for the controller runs along that side and then behind the sink locker. A leak would likely drip into the pan you've highlighted. Run a hose down in that area and see if the water collects.

If that doesn't produce results then I'd pull back the foam liner that sits behind the edge of the ceiling panel. You should be able to look or feel the hardware for the stanchions and toe rails. Best if you can do it while it's raining. If not and you can see them look for signs of rust. Also look for signs that water has run down the bulkhead. If it's not raining out have someone run water from a hose over each stanchion while you look from below. The same for the toe rail.

Based on the angle of the bilge up forward I find it unlikely it was coming from anywhere aft such as the mast post or AC unit.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Mike

[Mike Brown]

Sam, BTW regarding the macerator pump, did you use the same pump as original? If so did you change its orientation?
Mike

[sam]

I admit to taking the easier path. I went with the same pump. I was able to lower it just a bit which helped with the re-installation. I moved the electrical junction box out of the way.

I know this is not optimum, but the new / replacement pump has a design change on the studs that may help it live in that service . The last one lasted  almost seven years, so I felt I could "accept" that service life.

Some really nice bruises were earned getting to that pump!

Sam

[Mike Brown]

If mine lasted seven years I could deal with it. Instead it failed after about a year to 18 months. Not sure just what I'm going to do but am leaning towards installing a diaphragm pump designed to handle waste. I'll get that done when I replace the holding tank which has a hairline crack in it. And yes that compartment chews my arms up something terrible.

Mike

[sam]

Ok, one more trip to the yard......

I inserted a garden hose in the chain locker from the top / hatch and let it  flow. Aha, the leak !   Like someone once said, when you hear hooves, think horses not zebras. Look for the most obvious first. I thought I had ruled that out previously due to re-installing the drain clam shell vent and sealing it's screw, but alas.... I allowed myself to be led down the path previously and had tackled other potential sources of my leak. The good news is that those other potential sources are now in great shape and condition. The bad news is that I spent funds prematurely. I emptied the chain locker of the spare rode and bridles and found a gap on the starboard side. Seems the paint and glass need a bit of work.

I will add "after" pictures when back from the yard.

Mike, thanks for nudging me back to the anchor locker. Much appreciated my friend.

[Mike Brown]

Sam, glad to hear you've found the source of the leak. Glad I could help. Certainly looks like you have some glass work to do in the locker. That should be fun reaching in there and working. And you think the cabinet in the fwd head is a bear to work in LOL.
Mike