Unlike home plumbing, marine plumbing systems live in a harsh environment. Bronze, plastic, and Marlon fittings and valves are far more reliable than iron or steel.
Supply piping for the water system should be taste-free, non-contaminating clear PVC reinforced with polyester braid. Choose a special low-permeability sanitation hose for marine heads to reduce odor problems dramatically. Secure all hoses with top-quality stainless hose clamps.
Hose Clamps
Hose clamps do everything from keeping pipes secure to preventing leaks. The marine hose must hold pressure, withstand temperature extremes, and contain poisonous gases and odors. Choosing quality stainless steel hose clamps that are the right size will help make sure your onboard plumbing is safe and working as intended.
Stainless steel hose clamps come in many different styles and sizes. They’re available in various materials, but marine grade (304 or 316) with molybdenum is preferred. Molybdenum increases the chromium content and improves the material’s resistance to chloride pitting, which lengthens the lifespan of the hose clamp.
There are several types of hose clamps available, including spring hose clamps with wires for unrivaled speed and simple but effective clamping, continuous perforated band clamps with separate closures for versatility in a variety of diameter situations, and worm-drive hose clamps for high corrosion resistance with fast, easy tightening. To determine which hose clamp you need, measure the diameter of the hose or tubing and match it to a hose clamp sizing chart.
Drain Plugs
Drain plugs are an essential boating supply for individuals who want to protect their investment by preventing fuel, chemicals, and other substances from entering the water system. They can easily wedge into standard drain openings to stop contaminants from leaking.
This particular product from marine plumbing parts and supplies features a twisting design that makes tightening it by hand easy. It’s also made with a rust-resistant material designed to last long. This is another great option for boaters looking for a durable drain plug that is also affordable.
Forgetting to put in or remove the boat’s drain plug is a common mistake that can cause severe damage and create a dangerous situation. That’s why it’s essential to keep an extra pin handy, stored in a glove box by the helm, in a nearby cup holder, or attached to your keys. This will allow you to quickly and easily remove or install the plug in case you forget about it before taking off on your next trip.
Corrosion Inhibitors
Corrosion inhibitors are chemical compounds that prevent corrosion by slowing down the rate of the corrosive reaction. They can be divided into two fundamental types, forming a protective barrier and delaying the anodic and cathodic reactions.
Film-forming inhibitors are chemicals that react with the metal surface to form an insoluble protective film. Examples include chromates, nitrates, molybdates, and tungstates. Mixed inhibitors, on the other hand, reduce both anodic and cathodic reactions by retarding the diffusion of reducing species to the metal surface. This is done by forming precipitates that indirectly block the anode and cathode sites.
By chemical interaction, gas scavengers, such as oxygen and hydrogen sulfide, convert corrosive gases into non-corrosive ones. These chemistries are often combined with biocides like triazine and various amines to inhibit microbial-induced corrosion (MIC). Volatile corrosion inhibitors are injected into oil, water, and natural gas processes to halt the decline of equipment and pipelines.
