Common Boat Drainage Issues and How to Solve Them

While water needing to stay outside of your boat is a prerequisite to boating, somehow it always finds a way in. Without a proper boat drainage system, you could end up needing some expensive repairs to your vessel or performance problems. In a worst-case scenario, your boat could end up on the seafloor. At Gemlux, we carry drains, valves, and other high-quality components to keep your boat deck drainage system working properly. Here are some common issues and how to solve them.

Understanding Boat Drainage Systems

A boat drainage system can have three components:

• Bilge

• Scuppers

• Deck Drains

The bilge is the lowest compartment in the boat. Water naturally builds up here through condensation, splashing, and leaks. A bilge pump is needed to remove this water.

The scuppers are drainage holes on the boat's sides or transom. They allow water to flow overboard from the deck and are usually equipped with valves so water can only flow in one direction.

Deck drains are similar to a floor drain in your house. Water flows into a deck drain and gravity pipes it out of the boat.

Plastic parts for your boat drainage system are the cheapest but the least durable. Metal ones are better, but depending on what they're made of, they can break down due to rust (stainless steel is best)!

Common Boat Drainage Issues

Clogged Drains or Scuppers

Everything from seaweed to fish parts and bottle caps to "gunk" can get stuck in your scuppers or deck drains. If water isn't flowing properly, it may start to pool on the deck. The drains and scuppers might even start to smell if the problem isn't addressed and you've docked your boat in a warm place for a few days.

Leaking or Damaged Drainage Hardware

Everything on a boat wears out over time due to exposure to the sun and the elements. It's a part of life when you own a boat. That wear and tear can happen to the components of your drainage hardware as well. If you notice more water seepage than normal in the bilge or unusual dampness, it could be a sign that you have some damaged hardware.

Improper Drainage System Design

Scuppers on many boats are designed to deal with small amounts of water at a time. If three people go to one part of the boat to help with a big fish, water can come back through the scupper due to improper sizing. Sometimes drains are positioned in suboptimal positions on the deck. These problems can make it more difficult for your boat deck drainage system to do its job.

Bilge Pump Failures

Bilge pumps are designed to turn on automatically when the water in the bilge reaches a certain height. Sometimes an electrical issue can cause a bilge pump to malfunction. If the intakes get clogged it can cause the pump to overheat and shut off. Sometimes the pump wears out and just needs to be replaced. If you're out to sea for a fishing adventure and your bilge pump stops working completely, it's time to head for shore.

Backflow Issues

Water shouldn't be backflowing onto your boat's deck if the drainage system is working correctly. Sometimes a check valve can fail and let water back into the boat. Poor installation can cause this, too.

Solutions to Common Drainage Problems

Preventing and Clearing Clogs

Do a visual check of your boat drainage system for debris and obstructions regularly. It's a good idea to flush the drains out with a freshwater hose every time you get back to shore.

Repairing or Replacing Drainage Components

It's one thing if water is not draining properly. That could be a simple clog. But if water is leaking back into the boat through its drainage system, it may be time to replace something. We offer long-lasting, stainless steel boat drains and other components that are designed to provide long-lasting performance in your boat drainage system.

Upgrading to High-Quality Hardware

If you find that you have to replace drainage system components every year or two, it's probably time to bite the bullet and pay for some corrosion-resistant materials. Our stainless steel drains and fittings are guaranteed not to rust!

Maintaining Bilge Pumps and Preventing Backflow

It's a dirty job, but you should clean the bilge regularly. Test the pump every time before you head out on the water, so you don't get any nasty surprises when you're out to sea. Look for any debris around the pump and the float switch and remove it. Check the electrical connections. Soak up any oil that leaks out with absorbent pads and dispose of it properly. Use a bilge cleaner periodically to give the entire bilge a good scrub. Remember that installing check valves in the drainage system can help prevent backflow into the bilge.

Trust Gemlux for Boat Drainage Solutions

You'll never be able to keep all the water out, but a properly functioning boat drainage system will keep you afloat and keep your feet dry at least most of the time. Be sure to check out Gemlux's boat drainage products to see if they will help solve any of your boat drainage problems. When you own a boat, proactive maintenance like keeping your drainage system open and running smoothly is always going to save you time and money in the long run!