I have a situation where I can route my pump out hose from the bottom of my holding tank. Not the bottom on the side, but literally, the bottom of the tank. I've not seen this done before. An advantage is that all waste would be pumped out instead of an inch or two of waste for seed. Is this a good idea or should I come out the side of the tank?
Pumpout hose from bottom of holding tank
- Thread starter gybeho99
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Ideally, neither location would be my choice...
The best location for all the fittings is the top of the tank, with a pickup tube inside the tank on the discharge. However, because that requires at least 5" clearance above the tank, that's not always possible. Although the discharge fitting on all "off the shelf" tanks is on a wall AT the bottom, your idea to put the discharge ON the bottom isn't original. Check this out: http://www.sailcopress.com/editorial%20MSD.htm I don't like the idea much, 'cuz although it does allow the last ounce of waste to be pumped or dumped, unless you're scrupulous about flushing out the tank after almost every pumpout, any sludge in the tank will dry out and turn to concrete, or be packed into the discharge hose to clog it. But there's nothing horribly wrong with it. So where you put the discharge fitting is up to you.
The best location for all the fittings is the top of the tank, with a pickup tube inside the tank on the discharge. However, because that requires at least 5" clearance above the tank, that's not always possible. Although the discharge fitting on all "off the shelf" tanks is on a wall AT the bottom, your idea to put the discharge ON the bottom isn't original. Check this out: http://www.sailcopress.com/editorial%20MSD.htm I don't like the idea much, 'cuz although it does allow the last ounce of waste to be pumped or dumped, unless you're scrupulous about flushing out the tank after almost every pumpout, any sludge in the tank will dry out and turn to concrete, or be packed into the discharge hose to clog it. But there's nothing horribly wrong with it. So where you put the discharge fitting is up to you.
Another reason I would not have it on the bottom
If a clamp or fitting ever fails, you got poop all over the bilge. I would prefer a tank with "NO" holes on the bottom or sides, only on top. Maybe top of the sides wouldn't be too bad. It is the same reason to have a few holes as possible on the bottom of your boat. Above the water line is ok.
If a clamp or fitting ever fails, you got poop all over the bilge. I would prefer a tank with "NO" holes on the bottom or sides, only on top. Maybe top of the sides wouldn't be too bad. It is the same reason to have a few holes as possible on the bottom of your boat. Above the water line is ok.
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