Water collecting in forward bilge

[Sailor Jerry]

I have water collecting in my forward bilge (Carver 355). I thought it was condensation from my A/C but I replaced the drain hose, and throughly dried out the area and see that is not the problem. I suspect there may be small leak in the hot water tank. I find a small wet area along the bottom of the hot water tank, but really minor so I don[t know that i want to replace it; Anyone have any other ideas? I found a drain plug in the hole that connects the mid-ship bilge with the forward bilge, so I don't think the water is coming from anywhere but within the forward bilge area.

[km1125]

Did you check the temperature/pressure valve on the water heater? Those are known to be an issue, especially if they are not exercised periodically.

[Viper]

+1 on KM's suggestion. If you leave your fresh water pump turned on and it cycles periodically without opening any taps and ice maker is off, you likely have a system leak. Hot water tanks are notorious for that after so many years. If it's leaking, don't leave it like that, you'll just end up with a rotten floor that'll be way more problematic to replace than just a leaking tank, especially if she's under the dinette.

If it's been raining, you may be getting some in through the anchor locker. I believe they're supposed to be isolated/sealed in the 355 and drain overboard but I have seen the odd one with a hole in the floor that I suspect were just not sealed properly at factory. This lead to rain water in the forward bilge, or sea water every time the anchor was hauled up or a trip in rough seas.

Also check your shower sump and ensure it's not leaking.

[Sailor Jerry]

I appreciate the feedback. I did check the shower sump (no leak), and I always turn off the water pressure pump when not on board. This morning I found 5 gal of water in forward bilge, and the area along side the water heater is dry. I am trying to determine whether a small amount of water is leaking back through the bilge pump line. Maybe a boat wake causes some sloshing at the loop?

[Viper]

Try what I mentioned above; next time you're staying on the boat for a while, turn on your fresh water pump, if you hear it cycling without you opening a faucet then you have a system leak somewhere. Or pressurize the system then turn the pump off. If you don't have a system leak, it should maintain pressure for a long time. If you return to the boat the next day and the pump cycles when you first turn it on again, then the system has lost pressure due to a leak.

[Sailor Jerry]

It's starting to look like the pressure relief valve. Good call.

[Bandit]

Sounds like you found the issue. Just a note if not, in my 404 I had water collecting in the front (I could see a stream coming from under the forward black water tank) while my mid section was dry however after pulling my hair out looking for the leak in the front section discovered it was actually a loose clamp on my exhaust hose in the stern that was leaking and water ran down the hollow stringers to the front. Rudder stocks and thru hulls in the stern would have the same effect.

On that note I have a new leak as well that have yet to find

[Sadey]

I ran a hose connected to the relief valve into my shower sump box, cut a hole on the top cover. Bildge has been dry ever since.

[mjk1040]

Dave are you going to replace the 1/2" relief valve. If so may I suggest that if you have a plastic drain valve, that you replace that at the same time with a brass one. The plastic ones seem to fail, mine did right after I found the leaking relief valve.

[Sadey]

Mine is brass so the PO must have done that. If it were plastic I most definitely would have replaced it with brass.