Head holding tank

[Steve B]

I found blue fluid, probably disinfectant for the heads holding tank, in the bilge. Not very much, but enough to think the tank is leaking. I have an aluminum tank on my 1991 H28. It seems to have been working fine up to now. Is there anyway to make sure it is the cause and if I have to replace it, how is that done? The opening in the cockpit is very small. Can it be repaired instead of replacing it?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Replace it...

You can pressure test the tank by 1. Mop up any moisture around the tank, and around the tank fittings. 2. block the tank vent, then pumping the toilet till you feel some real resistance. 3. Go away for 24 hours. If it's leaking, you'll find moisture around it when you come back. However, I don't think you're gonna learn anything you don't already know by doing that...the tank is 10 years old, which--if it's actually been in use that long--is about double the average life of an aluminum holding tank...you've already seen blue holding tank treatment (btw, it does NOT disinfect!) in the bilge. I'd bet money it's leaking...and the first leak is ONLY the first one... it's only a matter of time--and not very much time--before more leaks start appearing. The tank is on its way to becoming a collander. Best thing to do is replace it now, at the beginning of the season, with a good quality plastic tank.

 

[the wildman]

bad memories

Steve,Peggy is right, you gotta replace the tank and the sooner the better -- for obvious reasons. I replaced my holding tank on the same model 2 years ago. I went throught the port lazarette hatch. If you're serious about doing this yourself, let me know and I'll share what I learned.

 

[Steve B]

Wildman of Iowa

I am the one that will be replacing the holding tank. Sure looks like they built the boat around it. I would be very thankful for any expertise you might share. Is there really a plastic tank that will fit through the lazaret? I guess I might as well get it done before sailing season starts.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Yes, there is a tank that will fit

Ronco Plastics...they make TOP quality, thick-walled roto-molded tanks, and have more than 400 shappes and size--over 100 of which are non-rectangular--to choose from..and for a VERY reasonable price. I'd bet they have one that will fit your space. And you can spec your own fittings sizes and locations, to be installed by them when the tank is made. About half their catalog is on their website at:http://www.ronco-plastics.comIf you can't find what you need there, give 'em a call for a full catalog. They're great people to work with, and a tank from them will cost you about 1/4 of what it would cost to have a custom tank made.