Winterizing the Macerator

[Steve McGill]

Folks,

I purchased my boat in April; prior to this its home port was Norfolk. VA.
It was not hauled in the winter as freezing was not an issue and the holding tank was
usually dumped at sea past the 3 miles.

I am currently in the mid Chesapeake, what is the best way to winterize my macerator
and the plumbing between the pump and thru hull?

Thanks,

Steve M.

[tonywright]

I plan to winterize mine the same way I do all other plumbing, including the airconditioning, engine, shower drain etc. Use non-toxic plumbing antifreeze, and pump it through the system. In the case of the macerator, this will mean putting a bucket under the through-hull to catch whatever comes out. Dispose of the bucket contents into a toilet on shore. Once all is clean, you should smear some lanacote into the through hull and work the valve back a forth a few times to lubricate.

I use a cradle for winter storage, and there is a pad in the way.  I use a jack stand and remove the pad temporarily to get at the through-hull. 

Tony

[Steve McGill]

Tony,

Thanks, sure makes sense,

I just have to determine who will open the thru hull and who will
hold the bucket for this one.

Steve M.