Fresh water tank

[Captnkev25]

I made a newbie mistake this past fall when readying my Catalina 25 for the winter layup. I used my marinas pump out to empty my freshwater tanks and it started to cause the plastic tank to collapse in on itself. The tank is still water tight but has a big dent in it. Any ideas? Thought of maybe taking a heat gun or hair dryer to it in order to see I I could get the hard plastic to soften a bit where I could get it out.

 

[MrUnix]

Try using an air compressor to pop it back into shape.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[bria46]

The weight of water may also pop it out. It also will allow you to check for leaks

 

[Captnkev25]

I thought of that as well but wouldn't I somehow have to plug the two holes that supply the head and galley sinks? It isn't distorted enough as to where it won't fit under the settee it's more of an I know it's like that type of situation lol.

 

[Ron20324]

This is a good example of why Peggy suggests/demands you enlarge the vent on the holding tanks. You suck stuff out quicker than air can flow in, and it collapses. I hope yours pops back. Maybe blow with a low-pressure shop vac, leaving the faucets turned off?

 

[Captnkev25]

They are the stock manual pump faucets so there is really no way to turn them off.

 

[RON20406]

Capnkev, I would try the least aggressive approaches (filling thetank with water/air) as mentioned above but would add one element: if you have access to the tank, wait for a warm day in Summer and use a hair dryer on low to heat the surface of the plastic. Even molded plastic is fairly forgiving and will probably pop back into shape. I would not worry or attempt the repair when the ambient temperature and plastic is cold as there is a risk of cracking the tank. Good luck and good sailing, Ron

 

[SamLust]

If it was me, I would over fill the tank with WARM water and walk away for a whine. I think your tank would go back to normal. I would be very cautious with air. I've exploded all kinds of neat stuff with compressed air.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I made a newbie mistake this past fall when readying my Catalina 25 for the winter layup. I used my marinas pump out to empty my freshwater tanks....

Oh dear. NOT something you EVER want to do again unless you wouldn't have a problem washing your face or even just your hands--never mind whether you drink or cook with water from your tank--in a toilet bowl! You definitely need to recommission/sanitize the system before filling the tank with any water you intend to use...which you should do every spring anyway, but now you NEED to do it! I've posted directions many times...you should find 'em if you do a search for "fresh water maintenance" or "recommission fresh water."

As for what to do about your tank...I'd leave it be. Various attempts to un-dent it will cause flexing that could turn it into a crack. However I'd check the tank vent and vent thru-hull for a blockage or a kink or a sag where water has pooled (which creates a blockage)...'cuz the vents on water tanks are the same size as the "standard" vent on waste tanks and boat builders also use the same vent thru-hull fittings on all the vents. Which means that if the pumpout didn't also try to implode your holding it shouldn't have tried to implode your water tank unless the vent is partially blocked.

And next year, just turn on all the faucets to empty the tank...or use the manual pump at the sink to empty the tank...or disconnect the discharge line from the tank and let it empty into the bilge...but don't EVER use the pumpout again!--and follow the directions for "Winterizing Plumbing" posted as a sticky in the HM forum. (And it's starting to look like it's time for me to post "Spring Recommissioning" instructions too!)

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

If it was me, I would over fill the tank with WARM water and walk away for a whine.

I know that was a typo, but I think it's actually better advice than you meant to give him!

 

[Steve Dion]

What is going on with his vent line?

We realize that he should not use the pump out to drain the tank, but regardless of that why would the tank "implode" if he has an open vent line and how did the pump out extract the water if no air was getting into the tank. I guess I do not understand.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Neither do I Steve...

But somehow the pumpout suction did manage to suck in ("try to implode") a tank wall in the process of somehow also emptying his tank. I'm not gonna try to sort out HOW both were possible, or even whether that's what's "dented" his tank or something else did. 'm only gonna strongly recommend that he not do that again and suggest that he let well enough alone when it comes to pulling the "dent" out of the tank. It's only dented, it ain't broke...so don't fix it.

 

[Captnkev25]

Thank you Peggie, I had planned on a thorough recommissioning of the entire potable water system this spring. I knew it would be necessary since when I filled the tank up the first time all sorts of black slime came out of the faucets when I first pumped them up. I didn't do it then because the boat was coming out of the water in three weeks. I definitely could use your step by step instruction on it though. The vent line was indeed partially kinked and had a nice clump of aforementioned black glop in it so I'm positive that's what caused it. Believe it or not I'm a plumber and should know better. Although in my defense (cop out) this is my first boat and although I have sailed quite a bit growing up I've never had any responsibility on the upkeep/maintenance end of things. This forum seems to be a wealth of knowledge and I'm already thankful for it . Perhaps you can answer another question for me. Both sinks have the flipper type manual pump faucets. The one in the head has a small leak out of the flipper handle when primed. I took it apart to see if there was any cracked plastic or anything and hadn't noticed any. Does anyone know if I can get a rebuild kit for it. O rings, washers etc? Again thanks to all who have given their advice or opinion to my novice questions and stay tuned for I'm sure there are many many more to come. Lol

 

[Ron20324]

I'd be surprised if ANY water exited the tank considering most water tanks connect to the TOP, not the bottom like a holding tank?

There are small water pumps that fit into the water line- if you have the battery. That was a big inprovement to my O-222. The first mate approved.

 

[SamLust]

Peggy remembers my typing and proofreading talents. Although a good whine often feels good too.