Unfreezing an old thru-hull fitting for a head

[Velero64]

Frozen fitting

Here's the fitting. It's a ball joint (I think) but it's completely frozen. Want to install my head. It's an above water thru-hull.

Thanks all!

[Neo]

I'm just guessing, but it looks like a tapered cone valve to me. See this link for a protocol on servicing this type of valve. Is there a nut opposite the handle for removing the cone?

Servicing Tapered Cone Seacocks Photo Gallery by Compass Marine How To at pbase.com

[Velero64]

Woah! This will be a ton of help, thank you. Would you recommend anything to clean the old pieces with? Wire brush and CLR?

There is a nut opposite the handle, so I guess it is a cone valve. I appreciate it Neo.

[ssanzone]

Predicated on the assumption that this is discharge from your head... Are you sure you want this above the water line?

Maybe you can elaborate a bit on what you intend on using this thru hull for once you follow the link NEO provided.

OH YEAH... Welcome.

-steve

[Cheechako]

I think that is a tapered seacock. It looks greased so may come apart easy. The opposite side of the handle should have one or two nuts on it. Loosen these, protect the end of the threads with the nut and rap it hard with a hammer... it should pop loose toward the handle. That white hose looks dangerous. Are you out of the water?
Clean the grease off the old tapered portion (and inside the seacock) If crusty build up take some really fine sandpaper to it. Grease it good (or use Lanolin/Lanocote so it wont freeze up again) and reinstall it tightening the first nut so there is just a bit of resistance when turning. Install the second jam nut against the first.
If you are in really cold water lanolin will make it a bit harder to turn...just takes more effort. Lanolin will also cure it if the taper is not perfect anymore.

[Velero64]

Here's where the hole is

I think it will be slightly below the water line normally. The mast is off right now and it's spruce, so it's pretty heavy. I have a feeling when it's stepped it will sink the boat down a little. I think the stripe is normally where the water line is, but I wanted to take a crack at this before the mast is back on. Yes, the hole is for dumping waste. The head will only be used for... going "#1".

Thanks for the welcome!

[Rhapsody-NS27]

if you can get the thing off the boat, I'd probably stick it in a bucket filled with regular vinegar to clean off any corrosion. On the exterior, a light wire brush to help the cleaning. Inside the cone area, just use lapping grease as in the instructions.

[ssanzone]

Pictures are worth 1000 words. :P

This is certainly at or blow the waterline and does not need to be reconsidered.

When you said 'above the water line' and 'head' I pictured the middle of the hull and that is not where you want to discharge head waste.

-steve

[seacottage]

The fitting seems to be badly corroded and probably needs to be replaced. I am not talking about the valve. I am talking about the thru-hull part. I certainly won't go to sea with a fitting in such condition.

[marlinmike]

I guess they do things different in Honolulu, state side you would have a hefty fine with that design.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by marlinmike

I guess they do things different in Honolulu, state side you would have a hefty fine with that design.

And why would that be?

BTW: Honolulu is part of the United States.

[marlinmike]

Direct overboard discharge, look it up.

Yes aware, stateside mean the continental US. Any other silly comments?

Originally Posted by rwidman

And why would that be?

BTW: Honolulu is part of the United States.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by marlinmike

Direct overboard discharge, look it up.

Yes aware, stateside mean the continental US. Any other silly comments?

Same laws apply.

We don't know that it's a direct overboard discharge, just that it's a seacock. And if it is connected to the head, it would be perfectly legal if he closes it and removes the handle.

As for silly comments, your suggestion to look it up is pretty silly. I know this stuff.

[marlinmike]

Then I suggest to the OP to print your post out and he can show the boarding officer that rwidman said its legal. There you have it case closed.

Originally Posted by rwidman

Same laws apply.

We don't know that it's a direct overboard discharge, just that it's a seacock. And if it is connected to the head, it would be perfectly legal if he closes it and removes the handle.

As for silly comments, your suggestion to look it up is pretty silly. I know this stuff.

[Rubikoop]

When did they change the laws that one can't direct discharge 3 miles or more off shore? Could someone guide me to that, please?

From a single photo how can so much be determined as to the entire waste plumbing system?


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