Some bilge water is normal. A lot is an emergency. Here's how to tell the difference and what to do.
What to Check
1
Find the source
Taste it — salt = seawater (through-hull, shaft seal, exhaust leak). Fresh = fresh water tank, AC condensate, or rain.
2
Check shaft seal / packing gland
Drips are normal at 1–2 per minute when running. A steady stream needs immediate attention.
3
Check seacocks and through-hulls
Cracked through-hulls or failed seacocks are emergencies. Close the seacock if you can identify the leak.
4
Check exhaust
Wet exhaust hose failures dump cooling water into the bilge — dangerous and damaging.
5
Verify bilge pump
Float switch test: lift the float, pump should run.
When to Call Us
Any active inflow you can't stop — call us immediately. We'll dispatch to your slip or coordinate emergency haul-out.