H410 Waste Vent Access

[stackwalker]

Trying to clear a clogged waste tank vent on my 410. It's extremely difficult to reach. I can see it under the floorboard of the port aft lazarette but accessing it to unscrew the hose clamp is an impossibility. I got stuck in a rather hilarious manner with my legs flailing in the air. It might be possible to access it through the rear bulkhead in the aft cabin but I'd have to do some unpleasant disassembly of the woodwork I think. Anyone else know of a way to access this vent hose? I've tried to spray it out with a hose on the outside but it has a 90 degree chrome cover on the outside of the hull.

 

[stackwalker]

I was able to clear the clog from the tank end. Gross!!! I’m still curious if anyone’s found a way to access the external mount on the inside of the hull

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

The two most common locations for a vent blockage are the the thru-hull and the other end of the vent line--that end of the hose and hose fitting on the tank. You've already found that one...now, clean out the thru-hull--which you'll do on the outside of the boat. Use a screwdriver blade, ice pick--whatever works.
This would be a great time to replace the "vent" thru-hull the builder used--which is actually designed to keep sea water out of fuel and water tanks and is the wrong choice for waste tank vents because it doesn't let the tank "breathe"--essential for preventing odor from being created. Boat builders use them on waste tank vents because it costs them less to use the same one than using the right thru-hull--an open bulkhead (aka "mushroom") fitting. This does two things: allows the tank to breathe and lets you prevent blockages by putting a hose against it to back flush the vent line regularly. Anything trying to set up housekeeping in it will just be washed into the tank.

--Peggie

 

[Windpilot]

I changed the vent hose out on my 410, yes, I got stuck in that lazzeret once also but it is possible. Always have another person nearby in case.

 

[shemandr]

At the very least have a cell phone with while doing boat Yoga. I know someone who got stuck when the lid fell and latched. It was a very uncomfortable for the hours he was in there.