Never had a holding tank before. Bought a Yamaha with one this summer. Used the holding tank pumped out when full and now I cant get rid of the smell of methane down below. The tank has a 4" hatch with an "O" ring and a 1" hatch with a sealed plug, an electric pump to pump out and a pipe that goes up to a screw in plug on deck (similar to fule filler cap and water filler cap). The 4" and 1" dont seem to seal too well - when I filled the tank up by pumping seawater and toilet cleaner through the head they were blowing little bubbles. What are you meant to do to maintain these things? And should I open the filler type cap on deck to let it breathe?
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First of all...methane is odorless
So that's not what you're smelling. What you are smelling is hydrogen sulfide gas. I think you've found the source--the inspection port and plugged tank fitting. Apparently the o-ring on the inspection port cap is either worn out or too small...a new one should seal it. Some Teflon tape on the threaded plug should seal it. I also suspect your tank vent is blocked...'cuz just filling the tank shouldn't put enough pressure in the tank to force anything out the inspection port OR the fitting, even if they aren't well sealed. Check both the thru-hull and the connection on the tank and clean out anything you find. As for how to maintain a tank (and your toilet too)...you might want to check out the link below.
So that's not what you're smelling. What you are smelling is hydrogen sulfide gas. I think you've found the source--the inspection port and plugged tank fitting. Apparently the o-ring on the inspection port cap is either worn out or too small...a new one should seal it. Some Teflon tape on the threaded plug should seal it. I also suspect your tank vent is blocked...'cuz just filling the tank shouldn't put enough pressure in the tank to force anything out the inspection port OR the fitting, even if they aren't well sealed. Check both the thru-hull and the connection on the tank and clean out anything you find. As for how to maintain a tank (and your toilet too)...you might want to check out the link below.
There's a book on it?!?
Good grief - I never realised there was so much to it - you've written a whole book on the subject!
Good grief - I never realised there was so much to it - you've written a whole book on the subject!
get the book
Get her book & ask your questions on the head mistress forum on this same site. As they say, "Peggy knows her s___".
Get her book & ask your questions on the head mistress forum on this same site. As they say, "Peggy knows her s___".
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