As any sailor knows, a clogged sink drain on a sailboat can put a damper on your maritime adventures. Whether it’s caused by food scraps, soap residue, or hair, a blocked sink can lead to inconvenience, a stinky sink and potential plumbing issues.
Assessing the Situation
Our galley sink has gradually been draining slower and slower. And every once in a while a stinky smell emanates from the sink. We’ve had this problem before and the culprit last time was gunk that had collected at the check valve. We have a check valve on the sink to prevent water from getting pushed up the drain when on a starboard tack. But we plan to remove it when we haul the boat out and change the thru-hull.
Prior to pulling the whole thing apart we did try soaking the drain in vinegar and using boiling water. Nothing seemed to work. If you can stick around to the end of the video you’ll hear Rich’s gag reflex in action. I wasn’t on the boat when he cleaned the check valve and was shocked when I reviewed the video.
Preventative Measures
We’ve always been careful of what we put in the sink. To avoid future clogs, we’ll be even more mindful of what goes down our sink. We use a sink strainer to catch food scraps and hair, and always avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain.
A clogged sink drain on your sailboat doesn’t have to throw your plans off course. By following these simple steps and using basic tools, you can effectively clear most sink clogs and restore proper water flow in your galley. Regular maintenance and mindful usage can help keep your sailboat’s plumbing in tip-top shape, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying your maritime adventures without the worry of clogged drains. Happy sailing!