Clean water leak into fwd bilge, 96 3200 SCR

[Speakrdude]

So, when I purchased the boat, the fwd bilge pump and float switch (as well as the aft bilge and the shower sump float switch) were bad. Guess that goes with being a 20 year old boat.

Anyway, the fwd bilge was full of water and even the carpet seams were stained from coming into contact with water.

Replaced float switch, Johnson pump, and all pumped out perfectly. Dried out bilge 100% then used forced air to complete the process.
Life is good.

However, I've noticed that if I leave the fresh water pump system on, over a couple days or week, the bilge will slowly start to get some water back in it.
Not very much. about a cup or two over a week, but any is too much for me.
If I do not pressurize the water system, dry as a bone.

I have visually (and physically?) inspected the pump/strainer, and anything like that in the area. My thoughts are it is coming from the water heater as I have seen a few drips at the front, plumbing area of it. It must be finding it's way into the forward bilge and not the aft bilge.

Any thoughts or previous experience with this?

[biggerseagar]

Can you hear if your water pump kick on sporadically? If so you have a leak somewhere and is the question where?

Use water dye to figure it out?

Roger

[Speakrdude]

Yes, it does run every once in a while. Thats what tipped me off. Have the pink in there now. Guess thats dye

[mmwjr]

Not uncommon for the water heater to rot out and leak. You can try bypassing it or use food color dye to troubleshoot.

[HavaMax]

Water heater is in engine room.....won't leak into mid bilge.....you have isolated it from being a drain by saying it is only pressurized water. Fresh water pump, faucets,water tank connections.....will show up in mid bilge....

[Speakrdude]

"That", my friends, is a DRY bilge! Lets keep it that way!