Holding Tank waste coming back

[garethreeves]

I plan to replace the old aluminum holding tank in my Legend 375 with a plastic tank from this site fairly soon, before disaster strikes, but in the meantime I have a problem with waste from the tank slowly making it back to the toilet. I used to think it was just from sailing but it now appears when left overnight at the dock.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what could be happening?

Thanks

Gareth

 

[Sailvayu]

In theory the waste should go into the top of the tank, meaning the only way for it to come back would be a full tank. Ok so I know that is the obvious answer but also hoping you checked that. if the "inlet" is in the bottom of the tank it could be a check valve in the head but I would not want that setup myself. just make sure when you replace the tank the inlet is in the top of the tank! Good luck

 

[kjretlaw]

I had to replace my tank and hoses as well. make sure you plug the ends well I used wooden plugs and double clamps.

The backflow is probably a bad Joker valve, you may need to dry flush a bit more to clear the hose before leaving the boat.

 

[dtalent]

i had the problem last year. Replaced the joker valve and all is well. A lot of people in other posts elsewhere recommend a Raritan joker valve vs a Jabsco saying it lasts longer. I used a Jabsco as that what was at the marine store.

 

[garethreeves]

i had the problem last year. Replaced the joker valve and all is well. A lot of people in other posts elsewhere recommend a Raritan joker valve vs a Jabsco saying it lasts longer. I used a Jabsco as that what was at the marine store.

Thanks guys. I ordered the jabsco service kit which includes a joker valve.

Gareth

 

[ben solomon]

Depending on how long the jabsco pump valve has been in place, you may have to replace the actual hand pump. I had a similar problem, and when I went to put the new joker valve in, the "cement lining" on the inside of the elbow would not allow the joker valve to seal properly. So, i replaced the elbow and the pump handle, too. Now, i use fresh water, not raw water, to flush. Keeps the odors down, and keeps the marine growth out of the joker valve and pump elbow.


Ben

 

[garethreeves]

Depending on how long the jabsco pump valve has been in place, you may have to replace the actual hand pump. I had a similar problem, and when I went to put the new joker valve in, the "cement lining" on the inside of the elbow would not allow the joker valve to seal properly. So, i replaced the elbow and the pump handle, too. Now, i use fresh water, not raw water, to flush. Keeps the odors down, and keeps the marine growth out of the joker valve and pump elbow.


Ben

How did you plumb for fresh water?

G

 

[ben solomon]

I didn't for fear of connecting the black water to the water supply. I just use the sink sprayer for each flush. I have bleach or hypochlorite in my fresh water to keep it clean, so this really helps keep the stink away.

Ben

 

[garethreeves]

I didn't for fear of connecting the black water to the water supply. I just use the sink sprayer for each flush. I have bleach or hypochlorite in my fresh water to keep it clean, so this really helps keep the stink away.

Ben

Interesting. My sink doesnt have a spray head, the shower does but I dont think it would reach...

Replaced the joker tonight and all is good again!

Thanks guys

 

[ben solomon]

Although the acute stink comes from hydrogen disulfide, the chronic smell of marine heads comes from the marine growth on the inside of the tank and hoses. This marine growth comes from the raw water used. It's the same smell we experience at low tide, but on a smaller scale inside the boat. This is why I started using fresh water while inland. I keep the raw water switch closed. On a long passage, I will use raw water. As long as I have access to water (on the dock or marina) I use fresh, and put those hypochlorite tabs i the water tank or 30 ml of bleach.

Ben

 

[garethreeves]

Makes sense. Which brand of tablets do you use and where do you get them?

Gareth

 

[ben solomon]

I got the ones from either west marine, or ace hardware. Can't remember. The key to the tablets is to dissolve the tablets in a smaller amount of water first to assure they get into liquid form, THEN pour that solution into the tank. Then what I do to slosh it around is either go sailing, or.....get on the dock with the mainsail halyard and "rock the boat"

Ben

 

[ben solomon]

After more thought, any camping supply will have the tablets.

 

[thinwater]

* Hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide, and many mercantans.

* Add the bleach solution while filling and there will be no need for further mixing.

* Over chlorination can be rough on the plumbing is several places. Pre-filter the water and use only just enough chlorine. EPA says no more than 4 ppm for tap water.