Livewell plumbing question

[kroppe]

Hey guys,

Problem with the livewell, in that water is backing up through the drainpipe. The drainpipe is a 12" piece of 1/2" PVC that is jammed into the drain hole in the bottom of the livewell, it works as an overflow pipe. When I bought the boat, I didn't have this problem, but it developed over time. The drain line is separate from the fill line. The drain has a black 1" hard rubber pipe that goes from the bottom of the livewell to a hole in the bottom-most hole in the transom. I can see the end of the black pipe in the bilge area. What I *can't* see is where the black pipe connects to the bottom of the livewell.

The fill for the livewell has a separate hole in the transom, through which you can see the livewell pump impeller. I can also see the fill pump when I look into the bilge area.

Is there a check valve in the drain line that isn't working? It is really puzzling, because it's as if there is some suction being developed, pulling the water up the drain line. This happens when I am under power (planing) and when I am sitting still. I've tried using electrician's fishtape to snake up the drain line, but it got stuck and I didn't want to push too hard.

I've temporarily solved the problem with by putting a plug into the drain hole, which I then need to remove to drain the livewell. But this is a weird problem that I would like to get fixed. Thanks.

[double trouble]

i had the same problem and blew it out using an air compressor and my blow gun thru the exit hole. mine was clogged with just gunk and old leaves.blowing it back up works better because the clogs are usually on the upside of the first bend in the pipe.my bilge did the same thing too.10 minutes and it was fixed. your fishtape might have hit a T where 2 lines split if you have a livewell/baitwell
combo.if your blowgun is too small a nozzle to fit than shove a short length of garden hose in there and use water or put the air nozzle inside the garden hose.

[kroppe]

dt,

Thanks. I sprayed some water up there and we'll see if it works. The water did make its way up into the well tank. It wasn't totally clogged, but I'll bet there were a few dead minnows in there. ;)

Just curious, what makes the water get sucked up the drain if it is clogged? When I am sitting at idle, the water gushes up the drain pipe like a fountain. Not under pressure, more like an artesian well.

[double trouble]

there is water pressure even at idle if the weight of the boat is over the hole.since it sits under water the siphon action and pressure will cause it to flow upwards even if its clogged. thats why i had you blow it upwards. the clog was acting like a relief valve.no water going down but partially clearing back up.my bilge was out the side and when i removed the pump it blew out quickly.i think you problem is solved if you blew it out hard enough.

[kroppe]

Thanks again dt. I guess the question is, if water was coming in when the pipe was clogged, how is the water not going to do the same when it is unclogged?

[FishTales]

I have a Tracker, with two livewells and they do the same thing.
When I want to fill the livewell all I have to do is close the drain valve.
When I want to drain it, I open the valve.
If the valve is left open, water will come into the livewell via the drain tube.
Rich