Odor when flushing or pumping out

[43SabreAlegria]

Peggie,

First let me say that I have learned a lot about sanitation systems by reading your book and this site. Although I don't own a sailboat, since the builder of my boat also builds sailboats (Sabre), I hope I can post my problem here.

My troubles began this spring. After pumping out, I noticed a bad odor coming from the area of my aft holding tank. I should mention that I have two vacuflush heads on my boat. I traced some of the odor to the vent lines. I ran compressed air through the lines and replaced the vent filter - which I now know doesn't solve the real problem. Flushed the heads, and pumped out and I still have that awful odor.

My aft holding tank has a "tanksaver relief valve". After my last pump out, I noticed that some of the smell is emanating from that valve. Now, I'm wondering if this is a clue that says my vent lines are still clogged?

I might add that last year I used only KO and CP. Last week I switched to Odorlos based upon the "no air in tank" strategy.

Is there something else I should check or do? I'm running out of ideas. Thanks.

Steve

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I think you've figured it out...

My aft holding tank has a "tanksaver relief valve". After my last pump out, I noticed that some of the smell is emanating from that valve. Now, I'm wondering if this is a clue that says my vent lines are still clogged?

That's a strong possiblity. Or, that valve has failed and is leaking air with every flush.

There's no way that K.O. could ever work in your tank(s)...the filter wouldn't let it even if the vent line could. Odorlos should help...IF you use it according to directions, which CAN mean every day or two in especially hot weather.

There are mods to the vent system that can improve things--a larger diameter, shorter straighter vent line, an open thru-hull instead of a "vent" thru-hull only has a slit or pinholes in it, eliminating the d'd filter. Or, the solution may be an aeration system--the Groco Sweetank...you can read all about that here: Groco Sweetank installation instructions When installed, operated and maintained according to directions it completely eliminates holding tank odor without the need to use any tank product.

Btw, you're welcome here even as a "stinkpotter"...mine is a non-denominational forum. You're also welcome to contact me directly.

 

[43SabreAlegria]

Thank you. I'm going to examine the relief valve and replace it and then look at the vent lines following your suggestions. I know from some preliminary looks, that the vent lines are not straight but look like an "s" with a "t" that takes the two lines into the filter and then out to the thru hull vent. Regarding the relief valve, I'm assuming it's a simple replacement based upon my observation from the exterior. Not sure if you are familiar with it or if anyone else is. I can upload a photo if so.

Regarding the use of Odorlos, the directions recommend 4 oz with one gallon of water per 40 gallon tank (which my tank is). During this (smelly) period, we've stopped using the heads until solved. So, do I need to add another 4oz with another gallon of water to my tank? Btw, the Odorlos directions leave a lot to be desired......

I will be at the boat tomorrow and will follow-up with status and findings. Thanks again.

Steve

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'd wouldn't replace the valve...

I'd get rid of the d'd thing! 'Cuz it only has ONE function: to protect the tank from being imploded by a particularly strong pumpout if the vent is blocked. It wouldn't be needed if you didn't have a convoluted vent line, a vent thru-hull AND a filter that makes it impossible to do the maintenance to keep the vent open. That valve doesn't solve any problems, it just adds one...so let's correct those problems and get rid of the valve.

Send me an email--which you can do by simply clicking on my name at the left of this post...let's find a mutually agreeable day/time to TALK...'cuz we can accomplish more in 20-40 minutes on the phone that we'd be able to accomplish by swapping 20 emails apiece. Since you're heading for the boat tomorrow, we could talk tonight if we can connect to do that.

 

[bauer5152]

My aft holding tank has a "tanksaver relief valve". After my last pump out, I noticed that some of the smell is emanating from that valve. Now, I'm wondering if this is a clue that says my vent lines are still clogged?

That's a strong possiblity. Or, that valve has failed and is leaking air with every flush.

There's no way that K.O. could ever work in your tank(s)...the filter wouldn't let it even if the vent line could. Odorlos should help...IF you use it according to directions, which CAN mean every day or two in especially hot weather.

There are mods to the vent system that can improve things--a larger diameter, shorter straighter vent line, an open thru-hull instead of a "vent" thru-hull only has a slit or pinholes in it, eliminating the d'd filter. Or, the solution may be an aeration system--the Groco Sweetank...you can read all about that here: Groco Sweetank installation instructions When installed, operated and maintained according to directions it completely eliminates holding tank odor without the need to use any tank product.

Btw, you're welcome here even as a "stinkpotter"...mine is a non-denominational forum. You're also welcome to contact me directly.

Thanks you for the post.