Pumpout Problems

[Gary Scheir]

We installed a new Raritan Cricket head in our 1991 Hunter 28 last year, and all seemed to work fine (it was done by a professional boat yard). This weekend, the pump lever would not flush on the second day out, which led me to believe that the tank was full. I pulled into a pumpout station and pumped out what I could. I ran the water hose back into deck fill outlet, and it filled up very quickly, like it was not reaching the tank and merely filling the hose between the deck and the tank. I pumped it out again, which did not yield much in the way of sewage. At this time, I experienced an occasional banging sound, like the suction was causing the sides of the metal tank to bow in and out. The head pump did free up, but I am concerned that there may be blockage in the system, which is causing it to be less than optimal.My questions are this:1. Shouldn't I be able to fill the tank from the deck fill opening?2. Does it sound like the tank vent is plugged?3. Is it advisable to run some vinegar through the system?Gary ScheierS/V "Serenisea"

 

[Sam Morris]

Check The Vent!

Most likely it's the tank vent line that is clogged.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

It definitely sounds like a blocked tank vent

You couldn't flush the toilet because the tank was pressurized, creating backpressure. You couldn't pump out because the pumpout was pulling a vacuum...which is why yu heard the tank flexing as the suction from the pumpout tried to collapse the tank walls. Clear the tank vent (start at the thur-hull 'cuz that's where 99% of vent blockages occur) before you even think of using the head again or trying to pump out again. And in the future, check it regularly to make sure that doesn't become blocked again.My new book has an entire chapter on tank vents and vent maintenance.The answers to your questions:1.Shouldn't I be able to fill the tank from the deck fill opening?Not if the vent is blocked because air displaced by incoming waste or water has be able to escape to make room for waste or water in the tank.2. Does it sound like the tank vent is plugged?I'd bet real money on it.3. Is it advisable to run some vinegar through the system?A cupful of white vinegar down the toilet once a week is a good idea to prevent mineral buildup in the head hose, but it won't solve your current problem.