Galley Faucet Repair - Part 1

NO easy way to get to it - sorry for  the blurriness

It has been leaking at the base for awhile now.  Lately it has been getting progressively worse.  Yank it out and repair it, right?  Yes, but being a boat, NOTHING is that simple.  Access is always a problem and it was a big obstacle on this repair.  Tom had to unhook the supply lines and cap them in order to even get to faucet. 

The right tool makes a ton of difference

While he was finally able to get it off with the help of a plumbers wrench, we decided an access panel from the backside would definitely be the way to go for any future repairs (my idea thank you very much).  Although, hopefully we won't have any future repairs.  Yeah right!  I will have to check with the Caliber owners group and see if anyone else has cut such a panel and how that worked.

The guts of the thing

Once it was off, nothing was glaringly wrong.  However the cartridge for the cold water seems suspect.  We will order a new one as well as extra O rings and a few other parts while we are at it...just in case.

For anyone else with this faucet (Grohe #31735 with Arabesk handles) , we used a 2x4 piece of wood and a whack on the base (upside down) to get the handles to pop off.

Striped down

So now we wait until we get the parts in.  I did the dishes in a bucket on the dock.  Ugh!

Propane System Repair

The stainless steel part was completely rusted and leaking

We discovered on our last trip that there was a leak in our propane system.  It was localized in the tank locker area so we continued to use it - carefully.  We just turned the tank off immediately after use and left the locker open to fully vent for a while after.  Additionally our tanks are located at the back of the cockpit with a vent hole in the bottom.  Tom started troubleshooting and soon discovered the culprit - a bad solenoid. 

Big difference

Off to West Marine - the FIRST trip of the week...( are you impressed that I was able to hold off this long?)  Luckily they had one.  Unfortunately it was $120 bucks.  Fortunately we had a West Marine gift card for $100 that we had been saving from my brother and sister in law.  *Never, ever underestimate the value of West Marine gift cards to sailors!  We LOVE them!! 

"What's for dinner tonight?"

 So we paid our $7.50, Tom installed it and we were able to eat that night without worry.   

Central Hardware in Brunswick GA

Two blocks from the marina

There is nothing like an old school hardware store.  Love these places! Finding one is like finding sea glass.  Usually there are hidden gems in amongst the standard items. 

Queue the heavenly music

The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable albeit quirky but in a kewl way.  Be sure to ask if you don't see what you need.  Chances are it might be "in back."