Ice Chest wont drain

[SecondWind30]

My Ice chest on my 30-2 Ericson won't drain and I cant find the plumbing for it...Does anyone know where it drains to or any info on this problem???

[Minnewaska]

I suspect that little bits of stuff have just accumulated in the drain line and choked it off like cholesterol in an artery. They can, however, be tee'd into a drain line for a sink or sump, so be sure those thru hulls are open. I am not familiar with the typical setup on an Ericson.

[elvishessler]

I would try using a plunger before cutting any drain lines.

[HUGOSALT]

Not good idea, but some boats drain into bilge or
shower if nearby.

[CaptainForce]

Originally Posted by SecondWind30

........I cant find the plumbing for it...

Certainly, you can find the drain opening at the bottom inside the ice box if a drain exists. A length of tygon tubing (aquarium tubing) can be placed into the drain and you can simply blow into this tube to clear a blockage. This was my easy and ocassional solution when I had an ice box. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[tommays]

If its anything like Cal 29 good luck as the hose is NOT able to be reached without a saw

[RichH]

The 'usual' blockage in refrig. / air conditioner drain lines are plugs of bacterial colonies. Try some 'caustic' such as mild lye solution, TSP, etc. to DISSOLVE the bacterial Scums. Then push a thin wire through to clear.

[travlineasy]

The one I had on my Catalina 27 had a small "Y" valve, which was situated nearly out of reach. The "Y" valve connected with the sink drain. I eventually removed the valve and replaced it with a "Y" fitting--problem solved. The job, however, required someone with arm-length longer than normal, thus it took three hours to remove the old valve and replace it with a "Y" fitting.

Good Luck,

Gary

[SecondWind30]

Thanks to all Will look again my next time aboard!!

[OceanPearl]

The Ocean Pearl is a 1969 Ericson 26'. The Access to my Ice Chest Drain is really hard to reach. One of the few ways to get at it is to remove the Drawers in the same ( Starboard ) side Cabinet and reach in as far as possible. The tube in this case is just within a finger tips reach. I've used broken jaw pliers to extend my reach but if I by accident I break the hose it's very difficult to refit.

Use Caution before pushing any wire down the drain vent as you may poke a hole in the drain pipe or just a rubber hose in some cases. Also if your drain like mine is of a similar type a mild "caustic" might burn or melt the material. My suggestion is look first, ask around your Marina and at Marine Stores to ensure you have replacement hose available if you risk damaging the existing one. Blocked or not it's hopefully not going to leaking "lovely stuff" into your bilge like the mild "caustic stuff" if you attempt that.

Good Luck