Holding tank

[Ken Juul]

Has anyone found a way to minimize the smell from the holding tank vent that wafts downwind when the head is flushed?  I've tried RV products, KO and the other products that Peggy Hall mentions, but nothing seems to work.  I don't mind spending money on something that works, but so far the boat units I've spent trying are wasted.

[Stu Jackson]

Ken, the solution is found in Peggie's book: increase the size of the vent and get it off that silly stanchion.  The routing of our holding tank vents is one of the worst.  The kinks found in the factory installed hose are notorious.  We've installed a 90 degree elbow above the nav station where the vent goes up to the stanchion, but that's not a good fix.  The idea is to get as large a vent line to the tank to promote aerobic action in the tank which will itself make the smells go away.  Peggie's discussion of heads and holding tanks was earlier posted on our FAQ section, but had to be removed when she published her book.  I've emailed you the article.

[Tom Soko]

Ken,
I've had very good results with a carbon filter in the vent line.  There is no longer that god-awful odor when someone flushes the head.  Actually, no odor at all.  WM and others sell it for around $70.  I've heard that you can achieve the same results with HD plumbing parts cobbled together for 1/3 the cost, but haven't done it myself.  Hope this helps.

[Ed Shankle]

I tried the carbon filter a few years back and didn't have much luck with it. In addition, any water that trickles into the vent got trapped in the filter rather than flowing down the tube where it can be coaxed into the tank.
The concern I have with Peggy's solution is that the gas from anaerobic activity is there regardless of the vent size. It seems to me if you want the aerobic activity to dominate, a greater airflow in the holding tank must be achieved, and that's not going to happen passively thru the vent tube.
My theory is, the more you use the head, the better, as it introduces more oxygen to the tank, supporting aerobic growth. I think using the head only intermittenly, is the problem. Last season, as an experiment, I started pumping air into the tank via the waste pump outlet on the weekend, using the dingy footpump. It seemed to help going from weekend to weekend.
So I think the solution is to figure out a way to introduce air to the tank in a better manner than the footpump. Maybe an aquarium pump? then the amps issue....

Ed

[Larry Robertie]

So I think the solution is to figure out a way to introduce air to the tank in a better manner than the footpump. Maybe an aquarium pump? then the amps issue....

Ed

Ed, I think you are right on with this.  In fact West Marine has started selling something very similar to the aquarium pump, albeit obscenely priced! 

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/70875/0/0/holding%20tank/All_2/mode+matchallpartial/0/0

I think there is a better way, by combining a cheap battery powered aquarium pump and a solar panel.

This is the pump I bought - http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?R=7204&Nav=1&N=0&Ntt=battery+pump&sku=144100&familyID=7400&

I still need to get the solar power, hook the two together and run it for a good long wile as a test before I poke a hole in the tank and snake in that tube 

[Roc]

I increased my vent size, per Peggie's suggestion and used KO and that helped.  But I did get a foul odor on a port tack coming out of the stanchion vent (I kept that vent and added another one going forward and leading out above the sheer stripe below the port side v-berth port).  It wasn't until I started using Odorloss that it completely stopped the odor.  I know use Odorloss, which is also recommended by her if KO doesn't work.

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

For me it seems to help if I flush the tank with fresh water at a pump out station and then pump it out again. My macerator quit pumping last weekend so I will be using the pump out station anyway until I get around to fixing it. It makes noise like it's trying to pump bot I don't get the high pitched squeal that I normally get when it's empty. Could the macerator be clogged and is it fixable? Any ideas? I'm sure this could be a messy job.

Mike

[Gary]

Mike,

I have done a macerator repair...very easy and not too messy.  The motor and pump seperate quite easily.  The pump is actually a brass plate with two vertical prongs.  I found an obstruction there, removed it and the macerator was fine.

[Stu Jackson]

MACERATOR MALFUNCTION

Mike

One simple trick for the macerator pump is to REVERSE the power wires and run the pump again.  The wire switch makes the pump run backwards and may clear out your problem (or clear it IN! ).  Some folks use quick connects on their wiring to be able to do this more easily.

[Bob K]

If it's the standard Jabsco, there is a hex key (or some type ) fitting at the end of the pump that allows you to manually rotate the pump  - that will sometimes free it up. 

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

Great ideas! Thanks guys, I will give them a try.

Mike

[Gary]

Mike,

I should add to my previous post about macerator pump repair.  The obstruction was a paper towel...not very easily chewed up.  It sure was nice to have the easy fix but a lesson about being careful about what goes into the head.

Be sure to let us know what method ends up working to solve you're problem.  It is good to have feedback!

[reedbr]

I like the bubbler idea better than drilling another hole in my hull for bigger vents.  Power is a question through.  The Tetra Whisper 100 (for 100 gallon fish tanks) draws 4.8 watts and costs about $30.  Unfortunately it is set up for 120v, so a converter would be necessary.  Smaller models might draw even less.  That's .4 amps at 12 volts assuming an efficient conversion.

I did stumble across this solar unit, all pre-packaged for $50:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/Solar-Oxygenator-p-16155.html

I'm sure it is not as good as the 120v models, but it might be worth drilling a hole in the inspection port for the air line to test this out.  If it doesn't work, the inspection port can be replaced or plugged fairly easily.

[Larry Robertie]

I did stumble across this solar unit, all pre-packaged for $50:
http://www.siliconsolar.com/Solar-Oxygenator-p-16155.html

Well, at $14 for the pump I posted, then the wiring, and having to buy a separate solar panel, then the setting everything up - I think this solution is better.  As for it not being as good as the AC, well who knows how much air it takes?  For $50 I think it a worthy experiment    In fact, I just ordered one.

[Jim Price]

Larry, please keep us posted on your installation efforts (pictures) and results.  I know the results could take a little time but summer is upon us again, so things are getting "sweet" in the old tank again.