Can’t expel my dark/brown water tank.

[Plymouth Sailor]

Not sure why I can’t expel my waste tank. I’m currently on the hard, have checked my valves to ensure they’re opened. Has anyone had issues with this? Could it be blockage at the throughhull? Could I use a coat hanger to unblock (of course being careful not to puncture the line. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

is it designed to discharge through a macerator or a suction pump-out or gravity?

 

[Tally Ho]

Are you dumping it into a garbage can or something? If you are talking about a thru hull, I assume the system is designed to allow overboard discharge? Is there any other “equipment” in line ( as Don asked).

If it was me, I would try the coat hanger thru the thru hull, or a drain snake may work better.

Greg

 

[JoeWhite]

Is the vent blocked?

 

[higgs]

Is the vent blocked?

That is my first question.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

is it designed to discharge through a macerator or a suction pump-out or gravity?

Not sure, I usually open two valves and then use a pump handle and move the handle back and forth. This seems to be clogged.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

Are you dumping it into a garbage can or something? If you are talking about a thru hull, I assume the system is designed to allow overboard discharge? Is there any other “equipment” in line ( as Don asked).

If it was me, I would try the coat hanger thru the thru hull, or a drain snake may work better.

Greg

Discharging right on the ground. Most likely clogged and I’ll carefully try a coat hanger, thanks.

 

[dlochner]

Discharging right on the ground. Most likely clogged and I’ll carefully try a coat hanger, thanks.

What's in the tank? I hope not sewage.

Saltwater and urince cause calcification in the sanitation system. This will clog pipes and seize valves. A coat hanger may not work. What does work is Muriatic acid. This will dissolve the calcification and allow the valve to open or unclog the pump. I had this happen with my direct discharge through hull. I injected some Sew Clean into the hose and the valve loosened up and worked. It did take a few to work.

When I bought the boat the Y-Valve was almost completely calcified. I soaked in a bucket of Muriatic Acid and it cleaned up nicely.

What happens when a calcified Y-valve is placed in muriatic acid?

Cleaning a calcified Y-valve with 30% muriatic acid. The reaction is quick!

youtube.com

Sew Clean | Descalers | Drew Marine Trac Ecological

Sew Clean® is the best and most proven method of removing any clogs, oders, and build up of uric scale in black water systems.

www.trac-online.com

 

[Tally Ho]

Discharging right on the ground. Most likely clogged and I’ll carefully try a coat hanger, thanks.

Glad I don’t live nearby!

Greg

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Discharging right on the ground. Most likely clogged and I’ll carefully try a coat hanger, thanks.

The pharmaceuticals thank you for spreading hepatitis, multiple other pathogens and contributing to groundwater contamination. Hope you were joking…

 

[LLoyd B]

I think I may scratch off 'visit Plymouth Rock' from my bucket list.

 

[American_Mainsail]

Crack into your macerator pump and see what you find. There might be something solid in there (TP/wipe/etc.) that's preventing it from pumping.

 

[Plymouth Sailor]

What's in the tank? I hope not sewage.

Saltwater and urince cause calcification in the sanitation system. This will clog pipes and seize valves. A coat hanger may not work. What does work is Muriatic acid. This will dissolve the calcification and allow the valve to open or unclog the pump. I had this happen with my direct discharge through hull. I injected some Sew Clean into the hose and the valve loosened up and worked. It did take a few to work.

When I bought the boat the Y-Valve was almost completely calcified. I soaked in a bucket of Muriatic Acid and it cleaned up nicely.

View attachment 231582


View attachment 231581

What happens when a calcified Y-valve is placed in muriatic acid?

Cleaning a calcified Y-valve with 30% muriatic acid. The reaction is quick!

youtube.com

Sew Clean | Descalers | Drew Marine Trac Ecological

Sew Clean® is the best and most proven method of removing any clogs, oders, and build up of uric scale in black water systems.

www.trac-online.com

Thank you!