How do I Install a Head Ventilation Filter??

seadaddler · Apr 23, 2015

Vent

You put the air vent filter in between the holding tank vent hose that
comes off the top of your holding tank and out to the outside vent fitting.
Cut the vent hose some where in the middle of the vent hose and add the filter
and will keep the smell from exiting the stern of the boat,works great.
Nick

Benny17441 · Apr 23, 2015

Understand that any filters are half measures to treat the symptoms instead of adequate maintenance to properly sanitize the holding tank against the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The use of chemicals, perfumes or charcoal filters merely masks the effects of bacteria growth. Periodic maintenance does take work and it requires treating and flushing the tank but does pay off in reducing the incidence of bacteria and eliminating foul odors.

Sailgunner · Apr 23, 2015

Benny17441 said:
Understand that any filters are half measures to treat the symptoms instead of adequate maintenance to properly sanitize the holding tank against the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The use of chemicals, perfumes or charcoal filters merely masks the effects of bacteria growth. Periodic maintenance does take work and it requires treating and flushing the tank but does pay off in reducing the incidence of bacteria and eliminating foul odors.

I agree. I never have head orders. Treat the tank with Odorlos at every pump out.

Stu Jackson · Apr 23, 2015

Sailgunner said:
I agree. I never have head orders. Treat the tank with Odorlos at every pump out.

I agree, too. Worst thing you can do. Buy Peggie hall's book, right here on this site.

Also read these:

Peggie Hall's Top Ten Hits

Head Odors 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.0.html

Head Odors 101.1 - "T" into sink drain: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.msg38216.html#msg38216

Head Leaks and Vented Loops 101.1.a http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5865.0.html

Head Odors 101.2 The Difference between KO & Odorlos (scroll up to Reply #2) http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=890493&highlight=odorlos

Head Odors 101.3 Flix of New Vent http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,8185.msg57288.html#msg57288

Head Hoses 101 http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5738.0.html

Head Pumps 101 Why just pouring water into the bowl is NOT a good idea http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5865.msg40604.html#msg40604

Fresh Water System Recommissioning 101 - Peggie Hall's "Cocktail" http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5836.0.html

thinwater · Apr 23, 2015

Absolutely hysterical.

Benni17. You believe your tank is sanitized. Actually, the class of chemicals that Peggy recommends (nitrates--they work) function by providing an alternate source of oxygen for facilitative bacteria (those that do not produce sulfide). Peggy suggests a helthy culture, NOT sanitizing.

Sailgunner. You agree, though everything he said was incorrect.

Stu. How are you so certain? Have you tested both vent filters and chemicals? If the vent filter failed, was it wisely installed? Or is this simply deduction?

And why chemicals and ventilation certainly work (I've tested them), anyone who says a vent filter cannot work properly is simply ill-informed. I've tested them too, and 2 years is very practical.

Try Ororlos or Camco Ultra (better) first. If that does not work, add a vent filter. Practical Sailor has a good installation guide (it is not as simple as cutting the hose--it must be installed such that neither seawater nor waste can enter).

Because of an unfortunate vent location (near a hatch) I use both a vent filter (4 years?) and light nitrate treatment, and have been very pleased.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2011/04/holding-tank-vent-filter.html

Saying there is only one way, when there are two, suggests narrow experience.

Stu Jackson · Apr 23, 2015

thinwater said:
Absolutely hysterical.

Stu. How are you so certain? Have you tested both vent filters and chemicals? If the vent filter failed, was it wisely installed? Or is this simply deduction?

And why chemicals and ventilation certainly work (I've tested them), anyone who says a vent filter cannot work properly is simply ill-informed. I've tested them too, and 2 years is very practical.

Try Ororlos or Camco Ultra (better) first.

Saying there is only one way, when there are two, suggests narrow experience.

I'm certain 'cuz Peggie said so.

She did "write the book", eh?

And many, many of our C34 skippers have increased the size of their vent lines and removed them from the Catalina stanchion bases and had great success.

Other than that, I know nothing.

I agree, usually more than one way to skin a cat, but the OP hasn't read Peggie's material, yet.

Filters end up essentially covering the real issue which is anerobic, which Peggie discusses in great detail. Rather than a coverup, it makes sense to me to deal with the underlying issue.

But, yes, there's always more than one way.

Your boat, your choice.

centerline · Apr 23, 2015

thinwater said:
Absolutely hysterical.

Benni17. You believe your tank is sanitized. Actually, the class of chemicals that Peggy recommends (nitrates--they work) function by providing an alternate source of oxygen for facilitative bacteria (those that do not produce sulfide). Peggy suggests a helthy culture, NOT sanitizing.

Sailgunner. You agree, though everything he said was incorrect.

Stu. How are you so certain? Have you tested both vent filters and chemicals? If the vent filter failed, was it wisely installed? Or is this simply deduction?

And why chemicals and ventilation certainly work (I've tested them), anyone who says a vent filter cannot work properly is simply ill-informed. I've tested them too, and 2 years is very practical.

Try Ororlos or Camco Ultra (better) first. If that does not work, add a vent filter. Practical Sailor has a good installation guide (it is not as simple as cutting the hose--it must be installed such that neither seawater nor waste can enter).

Because of an unfortunate vent location (near a hatch) I use both a vent filter (4 years?) and light nitrate treatment, and have been very pleased.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2011/04/holding-tank-vent-filter.html

Saying there is only one way, when there are two, suggests narrow experience.

Regarding any filter on a vent hose i will have to say its kind of a bad idea... any effluent that makes its way to the filter, no matter if its due to not pumping out soon enough or because the boat has heeled and let the effluent up into the vent line, it will plug the filter...
maybe on some boats the vent line "filter" can be mounted far enough away or high enough to prevent any effluent from ever getting to it, but its unlikley to ever be that way on any boat other than a marina queen..

I have dealt with the effects of plugged tank vents, and its usually sewage in the bilge due to a ruptured tank, and a tank replacement...

And oderlos is good,but i use the the thetford supreme green powder... it absolutely does stop any strong offensive oders from forming in the holding tank... without a vent line filter.

seadaddler · Apr 23, 2015

Vent Filter

My 2007 H-36 has had a vent filter on since 08 and never had a problem with
plugging and the best thing is no smells coming out the vent.
If and when I need to change it I have seen info on rebuilding it with out a new filter and I will keep using a filter and this way can use any chemicals I have handy and pump out as I can and not have any odor out the vent.
We all use our boats different and I have been very happy with my systems
Nick

thinwater · Apr 23, 2015

Stu:

Stanchion bases are a mistake several custom builder made too.
Peggy is very experienced, but just short of omniscient. I recall I tested a few major brand chemicals she had not heard of (Camco, for example), and hoses she had not used. I think she also has a great deal of experience troubleshooting bad installations of all types, and there is NO QUESTION that the big vent/Odorlos approach is the most fool proof and easiest to explain, even with ingenious fools.
The OP would be very well to read her stuff. Lots of good experience and thinking in there.
I actually use nitrates too, since they help calm the situation in the tank, even with the vent filter in place. They still help with pump-outs and sludge. Belt and suspenders.

Center Line:

It is NOT inevitable that waste will get in the filter; I went >3 years to a carbon change, though a few gales, without any splash. Then again, I installed a by-pass. As I said, you can't just cut the hose. They sell them with that understanding, which is false.
I am by no stretch of the imagination a marina queen... but then again my boat does not heel much, ever. The filter is ~ 2' higher than the vent outlet. On the other hand, if the vent were mounted on the center line, heel should matter little. Gotta use common sense.
Any vent filter must be installed with a by-pass and/or pressure relief. All of them either include this in the device (Big Orange) or reference that it is needed (Dometic). If the installer skipped this, shame on them.
Yup, Thetford really stepped up after their blue stuff started getting panned.

(the loop is filled with water, like a sink trap. If the tank fills, it by-passes but does not go into the filter. The white T is the vent outlet.)

Interesting that those that have filters seem happy with them, and those that have not tried them are positive they will not work. On the other hand, I have tested open vents and chemicals and know that certain chemicals work well. I'm just sayin' there are 2 paths, and that they can even be combined. Facts based upon extensive lab and full scale testing.

Stu Jackson · Apr 23, 2015

thin

I KNOW that stanchion bases are bad and wrong. That's why I said what I did about many of our skippers removing that "monstrosity."

It was a "standard" that was dumb, dumb, dumb.

Levin · Apr 24, 2015

I'm with Thinwater on the filter thing. Tried every chemical under the sun including what I called the "nuclear option" of the blue goop made by Therford (which worked for a time but didn't work during the summers). Finally installed the "Big Orange Filter". First time ever the problem was completely solved. Took a bit a work to install correctly but the results are well worth it.
Definitely more than one way to solve a problem. Filters work. And your not covering over a problem because the problem is it smells. However you solve the problem it is solved.
Take care,
-Levin