Here's a simple question I have been embarrassed to ask - When pumping out the holding tank, do you leave the vent open, or close it? What about the valves between the toilet and holding tank?
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Vent MUST be open
The tank is the source of air needed to replace tank contents as they're pulled out...otherwise the pumpout will pull a vaccuum that prevents anything from being pumped out. A really strong pumpout pulling against a blocked vent can even implode a tank. The vent also is the escape route for air in the tank displaced by incoming waste...if the air can't get out, the tank will pressurize. That's why it's very important to make sure the vent never becomes clogged...so check it regularly and keep it cleaned out. It doesn't matter what position any y-valves in the line from toilet to the tank are in while pumping out...only that any y-valve in the TANK discharge line is open to the deck pumpout fitting. However, since it's illegal in the Bay to flush a toilet directly overboard OR dump a tank--you'd have to be in open ocean at least 3 miles from the other side of the Easter Shore to do either legally--any y-valves in either line must be permanently secured in the closed position. You might want to check out the link below... it's a pretty complete "how to operate and maintain a sanitation system 101" course that should help you prevent most problems.
The tank is the source of air needed to replace tank contents as they're pulled out...otherwise the pumpout will pull a vaccuum that prevents anything from being pumped out. A really strong pumpout pulling against a blocked vent can even implode a tank. The vent also is the escape route for air in the tank displaced by incoming waste...if the air can't get out, the tank will pressurize. That's why it's very important to make sure the vent never becomes clogged...so check it regularly and keep it cleaned out. It doesn't matter what position any y-valves in the line from toilet to the tank are in while pumping out...only that any y-valve in the TANK discharge line is open to the deck pumpout fitting. However, since it's illegal in the Bay to flush a toilet directly overboard OR dump a tank--you'd have to be in open ocean at least 3 miles from the other side of the Easter Shore to do either legally--any y-valves in either line must be permanently secured in the closed position. You might want to check out the link below... it's a pretty complete "how to operate and maintain a sanitation system 101" course that should help you prevent most problems.
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