When using a Pumpout Station should the discharge valve to the ocean be opened or closed. How exacetly does the pumpout device work? Does it create a negative to positive pressure to move the head contents up the pipe? Are plastic holding tanks subject to pressure collapse while being pumped out? Thanks in advance, Barrie
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Answers (I hope)
1. Never open the overboard discharge valve. You're possibly breaking the law. 2. Pumpout stations suck out the contents of your holding tank. 3. Properly installed holding tanks are vented, so they will not be collapsed by the suction. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
1. Never open the overboard discharge valve. You're possibly breaking the law. 2. Pumpout stations suck out the contents of your holding tank. 3. Properly installed holding tanks are vented, so they will not be collapsed by the suction. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
Not bad, Paul 
The tank discharge seacock should ALWAYS remained closed--inlcuding during pumpout--except when dumping the tank at sea beyond the "3 mile limit." A pumpout attaches to the deck pumpout fitting and pulls the waste out of the tank through the hose...no negative or positive pressure...just suction...like sucking a soft drink out the can throught a straw--your mouth is a "pumpout." The tank vent allows air into the tank to displace contents being pulled out, which prevents the pumpout from pulling vacuum that could implode any tank, no matter what it's made of. The vent also allows air displaced by incoming waste when the head is flushed to escape, which prevents the tank from becoming pressurized and even bursting--which has even happened to stainless steel tanks...so it's VERY important to make sure the vent never becomes blocked. Since you're obviously unfamiliar with marine saniation systems, I suggest you check out the link below.
The tank discharge seacock should ALWAYS remained closed--inlcuding during pumpout--except when dumping the tank at sea beyond the "3 mile limit." A pumpout attaches to the deck pumpout fitting and pulls the waste out of the tank through the hose...no negative or positive pressure...just suction...like sucking a soft drink out the can throught a straw--your mouth is a "pumpout." The tank vent allows air into the tank to displace contents being pulled out, which prevents the pumpout from pulling vacuum that could implode any tank, no matter what it's made of. The vent also allows air displaced by incoming waste when the head is flushed to escape, which prevents the tank from becoming pressurized and even bursting--which has even happened to stainless steel tanks...so it's VERY important to make sure the vent never becomes blocked. Since you're obviously unfamiliar with marine saniation systems, I suggest you check out the link below.
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