SEILmagasinetvideo
How to find a deck leak.
November 7, 2025 · 2 min · 1K views
What this video covers
A deck leak traced to a fitting caused saltwater corrosion in the copper gas line running from the cockpit to the galley, requiring a full pipe replacement.0:19 The diagnostic process used two methods: soap applied to suspected fittings while water was sprayed over a limited area, and — when soap produced no result — colored chalk, which followed the water path through the deck and left a visible trail to the leak point.0:53 Working from aft forward proved important because water travels backward along the deck before penetrating.0:51 The leaking fitting was bolted through an aluminum reinforcement in the toerail from above, which simplified removal.1:39 After demounting the fitting, the area was cleaned and resealed with MS Polymer sealant; excess was wiped away and the deck sealed.1:59 Colored chalk outperforms soap for locating deck leaks because it leaves a physical trace along the water's path rather than requiring the leak to produce visible bubbling.1:25
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