Holding Tank Maintenance

[George H260]

There is about 1-2 inches of clearance between the bottom of the pickup tube in our holding tank and the bottom of the tank itself, so it is never pumped out 100%. Sludge develops at the bottom of the tank. How do you suggest we deal with keeping the sludge to a minimum? Thanks.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

All holding tanks should be rinsed out 2-3 x year

After pumping out, put several gallons of water--enough to cover the bottom to a depth of 4-6"--into the tank via the deck pumpout fitting...'cuz that sends the water into the tank at the bottom to stir up the sludge. Pump that out...repeat...repeat...till you're only pumping out clean water. If you have a macerator to dump the tank, do it one more time while running the macerator to clean the sludge out of it and the line to the thru-hull.This should be done at least 2-3x year...and especially before winterizing. I suggest you check out the link below for this and more tank--and tank vent--maintenance information.

 

[Terry Cox]

Peggie, there is one more step that I do ...

that seems to help keep things well rinsed. When I repeat rinse until clear water comes out after each pump out I squirt water through the vent line while I run the pump out partially closed. This seems to stir more things up in the holding tank thus getting more of that last drop of sludge removed from the tank. It may not amount to much but I feel better about getting as much of the stuff out after each pump out.Terry

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Tank vent should be flushed out every time...

you pump out and/or wash your boat--and especially immediately after any tank spill out the boat...not just when you thoroughly flush out the tank, 'cuz it's very important to make sure the vent never becomes clogged. A blocked vent can have disastrous consequences, up to and including a cracked tank.