Sealant question

[Chris & Lenore]

Hi there,

I posted this on another forum and was directed here. I didn't know there was a forum devoted to head issues!

My post was:

"Our ten year old Sanipotti started to leak and replacement only cost a few dollars than new seals for the old one. I purchased the identical model but not the "MSD" variant. The only difference is two holes in the holding tank (bored not molded in) and the pickup pipe and vent fittings.
My question is around what type of sealant to use on these fittings? The original had a rubbery caulking that was still pliable after ten years. It's not silicone but closer to a butyl caulk.
I'm only asking becasue I only want to do this once while it's unused!
If there is a specific product I need to use because of the chemicals etc. I'll gladly use it. "

Thanks, Chris

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

What you need isn't a sealant...

It's a li'l gadget called the "Uniseal"...check it out here: UNISEAL (Read ALL the pages to see how to use and get to the size and price list). You can buy 'em direct from the company...or you can spend 3-4x as much for a "fittings relocation kit" that uses 'em. The only other thing you need is some PVC pipe to use as hose fittings and pumpout pickup tube and some hose clamps--two for each connection, with screws on opposite sides of the hose.
.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

Thanks for the speedy reply.
I have the fittings/pickup/etc from the old tank.
These are the same components that the new tank would use if I had purchasd the "MSD" model.
They are flanged fittings with thread on lock rings.
I'm just wanting to know what type of caulk/sealant to use between the flange inside the tank and the tank wall.
The original looked like some form of butyl caulk.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Napa Ed]

"with screws on opposite sides of the hose"
Learn something new here everyday.

 

[Chris & Lenore]

Except for what sealant I should use.
The uniseal fittings are cool - but I merely need to re-assemble the holding tank fittings as per OEM - and I need it in service tomorrow. No chance to order, wait and have to drill out the existing holes.

It looks like a pliable butyl caulk was used on the old tank.

Chris

 

[Stephen K]

Vent line fitting

It's a li'l gadget called the "Uniseal"...check it out here: UNISEAL . The only other thing you need is some PVC pipe to use as hose fittings and pumpout pickup tube and some hose clamps.
.

Peggy,

This is a related question. My holding tank currently has a 90 degree fitting for my vent line. I have been planning on changing this and going with a straight exit piece and attach the vent hose. Are you recommending this UNISEAL as the way to mount the new vent fitting? I was planning on some type of screw in fitting with sealant. Thanks for your advice.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Chris and Stephen...

Chris, if the original sealant appears to be a pliable butyl caulk...then use that for these fittings. Worst case, you MIGHT have to do it over in a few years.

Stephen, why do you want to replace the 90 with a straight fitting...what do you expect to accomplish?

 

[Stephen K]

Re: Chris and Stephen...

Peggie,

My vent line path is almost straight up from the holding tank and out a vent on the port side...I thought it would improve the air exchange by eliminating the 90 degree bend at the top of the tank and going with a straight piece...

 

[Ron20324]

My vent line path is almost straight up from the holding tank and out a vent on the port side...I thought it would improve the air exchange by eliminating the 90 degree bend at the top of the tank and going with a straight piece...

Not to answer for Peggy, but I recently up-sized (1.25") my vent line, and to make it doable I had to put an elbow on top of my tank. It is a short downhill run to the thruhull, which , as I found out in the rain with the deck plate (higher than the vent) off, can drain off the top of the tank contents via the vent. So, I imagine if you pumped the potty hard enough, it could force fluids out of the vent. Be aware/advised of this... ummm... situation...