We purchased a 1983 O'Day recently, had the tank pumped out. Recently I poured about a half bucket of water in the head to test it, pump flushed and it came spewing out of the deck plate and vent. What may be the casue of that?
deck plate spew
- Thread starter captaincurt
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Tank vent is blocked
Count your blessings that it was only water!
Your tank wasn't empty...a blocked vent caused the pumpout to pull a vaccuum that prevented it from removing more than a very small amount. If the bucket of water really spewed out the vent, the pumpout suction may have cleared the blockage...but if it only seeped out the vent, the vent is blocked and must be cleared before using the toilet or pumping out again.
The two most common locations for a vent blockage are the vent thru-hull and the vent line connection to the tank--both the tank vent fitting and that end of the vent line. Use a screwdriver blade--or whatever works--to scrape out the vent thru-hull...if there's a screen in it, knock it out...screens cause more problems than they solve. After opening the deck pumpout cap to relieve any pressure, remove the vent line from the tank and scrape out whatever you find in it. Also check the vent line for any sags where water can collect (shorten the vent line to eliminate the sag) and/or any kinks.
You might check out the link in my signature...it goes to a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that explains how to operate and maintain your system to prevent 99% of problems instead of having to fix 'em...prevention is always easier and cheaper than cure!
Btw...what's the make/model/age of your toilet? It prob'ly needs at least some preventive maintenance...or if it's anywhere near as old as the boat, maybe even replacement.
Count your blessings that it was only water!
Your tank wasn't empty...a blocked vent caused the pumpout to pull a vaccuum that prevented it from removing more than a very small amount. If the bucket of water really spewed out the vent, the pumpout suction may have cleared the blockage...but if it only seeped out the vent, the vent is blocked and must be cleared before using the toilet or pumping out again.
The two most common locations for a vent blockage are the vent thru-hull and the vent line connection to the tank--both the tank vent fitting and that end of the vent line. Use a screwdriver blade--or whatever works--to scrape out the vent thru-hull...if there's a screen in it, knock it out...screens cause more problems than they solve. After opening the deck pumpout cap to relieve any pressure, remove the vent line from the tank and scrape out whatever you find in it. Also check the vent line for any sags where water can collect (shorten the vent line to eliminate the sag) and/or any kinks.
You might check out the link in my signature...it goes to a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that explains how to operate and maintain your system to prevent 99% of problems instead of having to fix 'em...prevention is always easier and cheaper than cure!
Btw...what's the make/model/age of your toilet? It prob'ly needs at least some preventive maintenance...or if it's anywhere near as old as the boat, maybe even replacement.
Thanks for the advice and link. There was a guy topsides and he said the deck plate had drainage and the vent as well. There was standing water on my deck, and the dribble down the hull from the vent. I'll have to check the model of the toilet. The boat is an "83.
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