I own a 1985 Hunter 31. This model has a built in Fiberglas holding tank built into and under the vee berth. The outlet fitting for this tank appears to be a piece of fiberglass tubing that has been glassed into the bottom of the tank. I believe that this is the original factory design. The outside diameter of this tubing is just slightly smaller than the inside diabeter of the Sealand odor-free hose that attaches to it and secured by two Hose clamps that have been tightened down hard. The hose slips over the discharge hose with the slightest if any resistance. I have had no leaks over the last three years since I installed the Hose. Although the tank was emptied and flushed several times before winter storage this winter (possibly due to temperature changes) the hose began to leak perhaps a gallon or two into my bilge while in Dry storage. (Could'nt get the last gallon out of the tank while she was in the water and then when the boat was blocked it was blocked wih a slight bow up). As spring came the bilge started warm up and things started to cook up. Thats when I discovered the leak. While I am still in the yard I am trying to remedy the terrible odor problems that have ensued by repeatably filling up the bilge and the spaces under the liner with a water/Bleach/Pine Sol mixture and pumping overboard (and disposing of properly). Progress is happening here. The smell is at least 90% better, (Hopefully its not just being covered up by the Pine Sol.) Fortunately all cushions and fabrics were removed from the boat so they have not been ruined by odor permeation/absorbtion. Question: The tank discharge tube/pipe has no barbs on it. It appears to be just a smooth fiberglass pipe. Is there anything I can wrap the pipe with like a piece of thin neoprene that will insure a tight seal in the future. Perhaps slipping a collar over the tube made from a piece of bicycle tire inner tube? (may be too thick). I understand that I should not use any cauking or silicone sealent between the tube and the hose. As I said the outside diameter of the tube appears to be just a tad smaller than the inside diameter of the hose. I don't want to go through this again. Any suggestions?
Holding Tank Outlet Tube Leaks
- Thread starter Bill Ebling
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Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften up the hose then tighten up the clamps. It was that last last gallon that froze up and loosen the hose. Use anti freeze next year.
Use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften up the hose then tighten up the clamps. It was that last last gallon that froze up and loosen the hose. Use anti freeze next year.
If you don't have enough hose to cut off a piece
a "sleeve" INSIDE--not outside--the hose is what you need to get a tight seal again. Or, build up the discharge pipe with a bit more fiberglass. How to get rid of your odor: Buy a bottle of Raritan K.O. (holding tank treatment)...it's a live bacteria product that "eats" odor-causing bacteria and spores. First flush out every trace of the bleach, PineSol etc...and dry out the area--at least get rid of all the excess water...it can still be damp. Put the K.O. in a spray bottle and liberally spray it full strength (do not mix with anything else) on every surface that was affected. Do NOT rinse...leave all the hatches open so that plenty of fresh air can circulate--even put a fan in the bilge if you can--for 24 hours. If that doesn't get rid of the odor completely, you missed a spot.
a "sleeve" INSIDE--not outside--the hose is what you need to get a tight seal again. Or, build up the discharge pipe with a bit more fiberglass. How to get rid of your odor: Buy a bottle of Raritan K.O. (holding tank treatment)...it's a live bacteria product that "eats" odor-causing bacteria and spores. First flush out every trace of the bleach, PineSol etc...and dry out the area--at least get rid of all the excess water...it can still be damp. Put the K.O. in a spray bottle and liberally spray it full strength (do not mix with anything else) on every surface that was affected. Do NOT rinse...leave all the hatches open so that plenty of fresh air can circulate--even put a fan in the bilge if you can--for 24 hours. If that doesn't get rid of the odor completely, you missed a spot.
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