Scupper Plug Installation and Care
Installation
Our scupper plugs are designed to fit tightly and are slightly oversized. Installation should be possible without any tools and by simply using the palm of your hand to push them in. The plugs should not be able to be pushed through the scupper holes during normal installation. It is normal for some installations to not be totally flush with the deck of the kayak since the plugs are slightly oversized for a tight seal and to hold in place. They should not be overly tall when installed either and we will cover what to do if that is the case in the tips and tricks below.
Over the years we have used customer feedback and our own field installations to make our kits as accurate as possible. We encourage customers to use our 25% off discount for kit verification and we use that information to adjust the kits, sometimes including extra plugs in a kit to cover variations we find along the way. It is also not unusual for there to be variation in kayak manufacturing which can lead to plugs that do not fit as intended. Kayak manufacturer’s also update and improve production molds which can lead to changes in how our plugs fit. By design our plugs are made to fit within a very tight tolerance of hole size and slight changes in how a kayak is molded can and will change how a plug fits. We always encourage customer to reach out to us if they believe there is an issue with how the plugs are fitting by contacting Customer Care.
Tips and Tricks
Do not use a mallet or hammer to force the plugs into place.
Heating the plugs slightly in the direct sun-light or with a hair dryer will soften the rubber and make them install further.
Lubricating the plugs may help them install easier but it can also make them pop back out easier and is not recommended.
Plugs that fit but then later pop out can usually be resolved in a gentle wash with dish soap.
Be sure the knot on standard pull loop scupper plugs is pulled tightly against the rubber plug bottom to help with sealing.
The self-draining plugs can be effected by debris getting into the plugs and may cause the valve to stick. Normally debris will flush itself out as water passes back and forth but twigs, grass and mud may require actually cleaning. Swishing them back and forth in a bucket of water will usually do the trick. Disassembly is not recommend.
If we can help with any other questions or concerns please contact us. Plugs that are too small or too large can easily be resolved by going up or down a plug size and we are committed to doing everything we can to make the plugs fit as well as possible.