Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
Hi,
I baby our head/holding tank to keep everything running smoothly and to avoid/minimize odour. I periodically fill the holding tank with water, let it slosh around a bit while sailing and then empty it. But I have a hunch that emptying it does not get rid of any "sludge" or deposits in the bottom of the holding tank, below the pumpout hose.
We are planning a two to three week cruise in more remote areas where we will be relying on the head/holding tank more than usual. We do use Odorlos and similar products to keep it functioning well and odour free.
In order to ensure that it gets cleaned periodically and to enable inspection for any clogs or even back-flushing for any clogs, I am considering installing an inspection port in the top of the holding tank--like the 4" white plastic deck plates with a rubber O-ring to seal it. My question is whether these are a tight enough seal to ensure that no odour can escape the holding tank (it is under the V-berth where we sleep).
Is my plan a good idea, or overkill (given that I'm not really having any trouble now), or is this asking for trouble?
Thanks for any comments or advice.
Frank
I baby our head/holding tank to keep everything running smoothly and to avoid/minimize odour. I periodically fill the holding tank with water, let it slosh around a bit while sailing and then empty it. But I have a hunch that emptying it does not get rid of any "sludge" or deposits in the bottom of the holding tank, below the pumpout hose.
We are planning a two to three week cruise in more remote areas where we will be relying on the head/holding tank more than usual. We do use Odorlos and similar products to keep it functioning well and odour free.
In order to ensure that it gets cleaned periodically and to enable inspection for any clogs or even back-flushing for any clogs, I am considering installing an inspection port in the top of the holding tank--like the 4" white plastic deck plates with a rubber O-ring to seal it. My question is whether these are a tight enough seal to ensure that no odour can escape the holding tank (it is under the V-berth where we sleep).
Is my plan a good idea, or overkill (given that I'm not really having any trouble now), or is this asking for trouble?
Thanks for any comments or advice.
Frank
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