Question on intake odors

[R. Palaia]

Dear Peggie,According to your article "Intake water odors", you say to re-route the sink drain to the head intake seacock if they are close. My questions are, if that is done, you are left with a seacock with no hose attached. Is that dangerous? should a "dummy" hose be attached that is lead above the waterline then plugged shut? Also, since the head intake is now "teed" into the sink drain, when the seacock is open to flush with salt water, will the pump be able to suck the water in even though the line is "teed" with the sink drain which is allowing air to also enter via the drain?Would appreciate your thoughts.Thanks,Roc

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

> My questions are, if that is done, you are left with a seacock with no hose attached. Is that dangerous? >It shouldn't be if the seacock is closed...but if you're more comfortable inserting a plug in it or running a hose above the waterline, do it. Your comfort level is what's important.>Also, since the head intake is now "teed" into the sink drain, when the seacock is open to flush with salt water, will the pump be able to suck the water in even though the line is "teed" with the sink drain which is allowingair to also enter via the drain? >If the sink drain is open, the head will pull air from the sink...which is why we recommend, in that same article, installing a shut-off valve in the sink drain line conveniently located under the sink that should be kept closed at all times except when the sink is in use....unless you're willing to keep a rubber stopper in the sink at all times and can be sure it won't get lost.

[Doug]

Peggy, would a Y-valve work in the sink drain hose? This would allow the sink thru-hull to remain attached and would provide the cut-off when using the pump on the head in-take.