Through-hull fittings are located mostly below the waterline. These skin fittings function as seawater inlet (i.e. for engine cooling or toilet flushing) or wastewater outlet. Thru-hull fittings like external intake strainers or sieves or sieve baskets for mounting onto the hull prevent foreign bodies from blocking the inlet. Sea valves or seacocks are installed as shut-off valves behind the thru-hull fittings. These prevent the ingress of water in case of defects or work on the piping system. For safety reasons the valves should be kept closed when not in use. Commonly used types of sea valves are ball valves, sleeve gate valves, tapered cone sea valves or cylindrical sea valves. Just as thru-hull fittings, marine valves are made of various materials - seawater resistant cast bronze, bronze, gunmetal or brass. In the yacht sector, sea valves are often made of modern plastics. For connection to pipes or hoses, we offer standardized pipe-to-hose fittings, reducers and hose adaptors which can be connected to the stopcock with an appropriate sealing material. Check the area of through-hulls regularly for damage. For damaged components, it is recommended to replace them as soon as possible. If things get critical leakage plugs can help to calm the situation. Don't forget to freeze-proof the valves in winter.
Thru hulls, valves & fittings
