Y-Valve on FW Tanks?

G

GonzoF1

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31468
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I have two 55-ish gallon tanks on my CHB trawler that fill through a single filler neck. There is a simple (passive) inline Y-valve that splits the filler hose to each tank. Apparently (and thankfully), a previous owner has put homemade inspection access panels in the top of each tank that, even after I have scrapped off about a pound of silicon and made new gaskets, I don't totally trust them not to leak. They've held up so far *whew*, but I'd like to be careful.

In order to fill both tanks, you are effectively maxing out one tank and backing the water up the filler hose and forcing it into the other tank. I just want to avoid unnecessary pressure on those inspection covers with the tanks being slammed full. Perhaps handy for ballast adjustment too. So, I'm looking to use a 1.5" Y-valve inline so I can switch the fill stream manually from one tank to another. A waste diverting valve like the link below.

Is this appropriate? Opinions?

http://www.boatfix.com/shop4/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=8902
 
Are you aware that there are inspection plate cover kits that have split rings with threaded holes which are inserted inside the hole to allow use of bolts for a good seal??

With 1 1/2" line and filling from a 3/4" garden hose I wouldn’t expect much pressure from just filling unless there is a solid connection to the hose.
 
I think the Y valve would be fine. I would be concerned how the output of the tanks is connected to the freshwater pump? Are there 2 valves there or are they Y'ed at that point as well? Bruce is right I have the inspection covers on my sanitation and fresh water tanks.
Bill
 
Either you missed it or I didn't describe well enough because your reply makes no sense to me. Sorry.

What I am saying is that I want to monitor and control the overall amount of water to each tank. I don't want to have to fill one all the way to the top before the other starts to fill. Thus, preventing too much sloshing against the inspection plate cover when underway.
 
I didnt understand your concern was not over filling. I dont see any reason the valve would not work but you will always get sloshing, more so with a partially filled tank.
 
The current plates seem to be working out fine for now and I don't anticipate the need to replace them. I just don't want to minimize the amount of heavy water against them.

Apparently, one of the previous owners has some leaking problems with the covers. They are actually done pretty well, but "you can just tell" they are aftermarket. My first clue was the cover plates, while round, only go on one way. Ask me how I found this out. ;o) Anyway, when he/she had the leak, they decided to use lots of "goo" to seal it up... More than once. There were thick rubber gasket that I wasn't able to salvage when I removed them. Perhaps this was the previous owners problem to begin with... we'll will never know. Nevertheless, I took the time to clean 95% of the old goo off when we cleaned the tanks last weekend and fabricated new gaskets out old tire inner tubes. Like I said, they appear to be holding, but I'd like to just proceed with cation and not put too much water against them if I don't have to.

When I think about it more, perhaps it's just another thing to break. I'll take a look at it again and see where we are. Maybe it's just me being paranoid. Still new to all of this.
 
would'nt it be easier to simply fill both full with the existing filler and then run a few gallons out of both tanks so you know your filler tube is empty if it concerns you? honestly i would'nt worry about the static pressure the fall weight of the filler tubes make on the tank. if the seal can't with stand that marginal pressure they will never survive falling off the face of a wave at sea. if you've already passed the wave test you are home free.
 
Tom: paranoid boaters have fewer problems..

"help, help the paranoids are after me"
 
The fact that we are paranoid, does not mean that everything is not out to get us.
 
yeah, dont' worry about it... there is really very little pressure from teh filler.

if the plates are mechanically fastened (even just a few screws) a simple seal like you did shoudl work just fine.
 
You also said you have a CHB isn't that a trawler? At 7 to 9 knots how much water do you think you'll have sloshing around? Inspection plates turn one way to tighten and the opposite to loosen only about a 1/4 to 1/3rd of a turn. I have the same inspection plates with a rubber gasket and 8 nuts and bolts hold it all together. I can do 30 knots and have been through 8-10 footers with the tanks full and half full and had no leaks. Most boats have the water tanks located low in the bilge so other than the tank breaking all you would loose is water in my boat the bilge pumps could easily remove the water in the event a tank ruptured. Hopefully the tanks are thick poly tanks you shouldn't have any issues.
My waste tank has the same inspection plate, it rarely gets used. Only once a year when it gets blasted with high pressure water before pumping it out for the winter layup.

Bill
 
If it was gasoline I'd get concerned; but a little fresh water, I don't think so.
 
The tanks are stainless and the inspection plates are also held on with eight bolts. I suppose I forgot about the fact that a little leak won't mean much but a little less water to shower with. And even a MAJOR failure could easily be handled by the pumps. Thanks y'all.
 
8 bolts for the plates and you're concerned? a simple rubber gasket will seal that easily compressed by the bolts.

There are far more important things to be concerned about on a boat... starting with how many bilge pumps and what size pumps do you have? or having high water alarms...
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

8 bolts for the plates and you're concerned? a simple rubber gasket will seal that easily compressed by the bolts.

There are far more important things to be concerned about on a boat... starting with how many bilge pumps and what size pumps do you have? or having high water alarms...

Click to expand...


Hey... I told you I was paranoid :D

There are two pumps. Capacity and model unknown. Yes, there is also a high water alarm. Surveyor said he checked and they are working, but one is a bit bodged in place with zip-ties.
 
quote:
Originally posted by GonzoF1

.... There is a simple (passive) inline Y-valve that splits the filler hose to each tank. .......
Click to expand...


Stop right there. What is a "simple (passive) inline Y-valve" ?

Is it a valve that directs the flow to one tank or the other or is it a "Y" fitting (or a "T") that directs the flow to both tanks equally?
 
quote:
Originally posted by GonzoF1

quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

8 bolts for the plates and you're concerned? a simple rubber gasket will seal that easily compressed by the bolts.

There are far more important things to be concerned about on a boat... starting with how many bilge pumps and what size pumps do you have? or having high water alarms...

Click to expand...


Hey... I told you I was paranoid :D

There are two pumps. Capacity and model unknown. Yes, there is also a high water alarm. Surveyor said he checked and they are working, but one is a bit bodged in place with zip-ties.

Click to expand...


only two pumps on that boat? unknown capacity? not checked since survey?

now that's something i'd worry about!!!
 
I'm more worried about the one installed (bodged) with wire ties? Never seen that and if I did I would worry about that more than some small capacity water tanks. To be honest I hope the surveyor noted that in the repairs recommended.
I agree with Pascal that is something you should rectify and worry about.
Bill
 
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