Plumbing and Toilets

The onboard plumbing system includes everything that handles water, fuel, and waste: pipes, fittings, rigid tanks, pumps, pressure pumps, showers, and toilets, along with their respective spare parts. To make the right choice, you should start with the diameter of the pipes and the existing onboard outlets, then check the supply voltage and required flow rate for the pumps and pressure pumps. Leggi la guida

Tanks, faucets, showers, fittings

Pumps and autoclaves

Toilets and spare parts

Le marche di Plumbing and Toilets

Osculati Trem Jabsco Whale Aqua Fni Rule Tecma Attwood Finnord Marco Tmc Schenker Guidi Plastimo Flojet

How to choose plumbing and toilets for your boat

Pipes: diameter, construction and use

Marine pipes differ in internal diameter (in millimetres), construction and intended use. Spiral-wound pipes resist collapsing under suction and are used for bilge and discharge systems; corrugated pipes withstand higher pressures and are suitable for pressurised systems. Engine exhaust pipes must withstand the heat of exhaust gases mixed with cooling water. Always check the internal diameter required by the system before ordering a length.

Fittings and valves: how to choose the right parts

T-fittings, 90° fittings, male and female push-in fittings (Riviera system and similar) must match the pipe diameter exactly. Non-return valves and flap valves prevent backflow in discharge circuits and bilge pumps; stainless steel or composite ball valves (such as those from Trudesign) are used for through-hull fittings. Always match the thread — imperial or metric — to the connection already installed on board.

Tanks: capacity, shape and contents

Rigid plastic tanks, such as those from Can-SB, are available in many capacities and in versions for potable water or fuel: the two ranges are not interchangeable. The rectangular shape makes better use of the space under a berth or in the lockers; check the external dimensions and the position of the fittings before purchasing.

Pumps and pressure pumps: flow rate and voltage

Bilge pumps (Rule, Attwood, Marco) are chosen based on their flow rate in litres per hour and the boat's voltage (12 V or 24 V). Pressure pumps pressurise the water system and are sized in litres per minute: an insufficient flow rate results in low pressure in the shower. Manual pumps (Ferrari Group, Jabsco) do not require electrical power and remain useful as a backup.

Toilets, showers and spare parts

Marine toilets — manual or electric — differ in discharge pipe diameter and maceration system. Keep the exact model of the installed toilet (Jabsco, Tecma and others) to order compatible membranes, valves and spare parts kits. Onboard showers (Whale, Aqua) are chosen based on the type of mixer and whether or not there is an enclosure; spare parts such as showerheads and telescopic support pipes are available separately.

Domande frequenti

Come si misura il diametro di un tubo per sostituirlo?

Misurare il diametro interno con un calibro sulla sezione tagliata del tubo, oppure rilevare il diametro esterno dell'attacco su cui si innesta. Nei dati tecnici dei tubi nautici il diametro indicato è quasi sempre quello interno, espresso in millimetri.

Qual è la differenza tra un tubo spiralato e uno retinato?

Il tubo spiralato ha una spirale rigida incorporata che lo mantiene aperto anche sotto depressione, adatto per aspirazione e scarico. Il tubo retinato ha una trama interna che lo rinforza contro la pressione interna, più adatto agli impianti in pressione come il circuito doccia o l'autoclave.

Come scelgo l'autoclave giusta per la barca?

I criteri principali sono la portata in litri al minuto — sufficiente ad alimentare i punti d'uso contemporanei — e la tensione di alimentazione (12 V o 24 V). Va considerata anche la pressione massima erogata, che deve essere compatibile con i raccordi e gli accessori già installati.

Posso usare un serbatoio per acqua al posto di uno per carburante?

No: i serbatoi per carburante sono costruiti con materiali e trattamenti specifici per resistere agli idrocarburi e prevenire permeazioni. Usare un contenitore non idoneo per carburante è pericoloso. Verificare sempre l'indicazione del produttore sull'etichetta del serbatoio.

Nella stessa sezione

Blanket and leg warmers Onboard comfort Mooring and anchoring Electrical system Engine Electronics Maintenance and hardware Inflatables, trolleys and sports Onboard safety