Cleaning a dirty bilge drain
#1
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: OK CIty, OK
Anyone have tips on how to clean a slow draining bilge?
After some unexpected life events (gout can go **** itself) the bilge was left exposed to the elements and is not draining properly. I imagine its a mixture of oil (hatch was off to fix an oil leak), dirt and probably a few leaves.
Is there something that woll cut the grime, dissolve the leaves but not eat thr fiberglass?
After some unexpected life events (gout can go **** itself) the bilge was left exposed to the elements and is not draining properly. I imagine its a mixture of oil (hatch was off to fix an oil leak), dirt and probably a few leaves.
Is there something that woll cut the grime, dissolve the leaves but not eat thr fiberglass?
#2
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,129
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From: Rockford, IL
First pull the plug and stick something in to clear any obstructions and drain. Put plug back in.
Mix Dawn dish soap and any mild degreaser detergent with a couple of gallons of hot water and pour in bilge.
Use a long handle brush to scrub as much as you can. A toilet bowl brush works good.
Drain again, or use a shop vac to suck out everything.
Take the long handle brush and wrap a towel or rag around it and wipe up any residue.
Drink a beer and finish cussing .
Mix Dawn dish soap and any mild degreaser detergent with a couple of gallons of hot water and pour in bilge.
Use a long handle brush to scrub as much as you can. A toilet bowl brush works good.
Drain again, or use a shop vac to suck out everything.
Take the long handle brush and wrap a towel or rag around it and wipe up any residue.
Drink a beer and finish cussing .
#3
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,775
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From: Lakewood, NY, USA
Ryobi 18-volt pressure washer works well. I set it up to suck warm soapy water from a 5-gallon bucket. does a good job blasting dirt but isn't so powerful that you will damage things.
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/RYOBI-...7-EdgeBingFlow
Padraig
https://www.homedepot.com/pep/RYOBI-...7-EdgeBingFlow
Padraig
#4
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Joined: Mar 2020
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Try this for clearing the plug hole.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-20-i...0830/324601746
You can try pre-treating by pouring warm water and simple green into the bilge with the plug in. Drive the boat/jet ski on the trailer down some bumpy roads for a bit and pull the drain plug.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-20-i...0830/324601746
You can try pre-treating by pouring warm water and simple green into the bilge with the plug in. Drive the boat/jet ski on the trailer down some bumpy roads for a bit and pull the drain plug.
#8
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Joined: Feb 2013
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I've used Dawn and hot water in the past. If it's really oily, I'll first hit it with mineral spirits using an air powered chem sprayer, then follow-up with Dawn/water.
Getting the leaves out will help prevent the drain hole from getting blocked over and over again. If you can get a shopvac under the eng, great. If not then maybe a leaf blower or an air hose to move them somewhere they can be picked up/vacuumed.
Getting the leaves out will help prevent the drain hole from getting blocked over and over again. If you can get a shopvac under the eng, great. If not then maybe a leaf blower or an air hose to move them somewhere they can be picked up/vacuumed.





