I recently by my first boat (a Hunter 34) and have some issues with successfully pumping out the waste tank at a pumping station. It doesn't seem to get suction. I've tried all kinds of position changes with the nozzle. Also, I can't find the owners manual.
Sewage pumping out
- Thread starter Paramattic
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It happens
Follow posted direx. Pumping stations are notorious for breaking down. Try another marina, or ask at the ship's store.
Follow posted direx. Pumping stations are notorious for breaking down. Try another marina, or ask at the ship's store.
It also depends on how you tank is plumbed. Sometimes there is a Y valve that determines which way the sewage is diverted. Check under the Vberth and see if you have a valve and if it may be in the wrong direction.
The other issue is your vent. This needs to be clear for the suction pump to pull from the tank. Try back flushing the vent pipe. If you tank is overfilled it can sometimes get plugged with toilet paper or critters sometimes get into the vent preventing air from getting into the tank.
The other issue is your vent. This needs to be clear for the suction pump to pull from the tank. Try back flushing the vent pipe. If you tank is overfilled it can sometimes get plugged with toilet paper or critters sometimes get into the vent preventing air from getting into the tank.
"Position changes with the nozzle"...???
I think you just told us the problem. The pumpout nozzle has to seal the deck pumpout fitting...if it's not sealed, you won't get any suction....and if you can move it around into different positions, that has to be the problem.
You--or the pumpout facility--should have a nozzle that threads into the pumpout fitting on your boat and locks onto the end of the pumpout hose using a cam coupler. There's also a "universal" neoprene nozzle...it's not threaded. It has to be locked on the pumpout hose, then jammed into the deck fitting and held TIGHTLY into it to keep a good seal.
I suggest you ask a dock mate who's an experienced "pumper outer" to accompany you to the pumpout and show you how to do it...and MAYBE tell you what if any parts you may be missing...which is possible if owners have to supply their own nozzles at your marina and the PO took it with him.
Meanwhile, make sure that a blocked vent or a y-valve in the wrong position isn't also contributing to you problem.
Boat owners manuals aren't likely to include "how to pump out" instructions in much detail...and they definitely don't include much in the way of toilet and holding tank maintenance instructions. But the "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" guide at the link in my signature below does...you might consider checking it out.
I think you just told us the problem. The pumpout nozzle has to seal the deck pumpout fitting...if it's not sealed, you won't get any suction....and if you can move it around into different positions, that has to be the problem.
You--or the pumpout facility--should have a nozzle that threads into the pumpout fitting on your boat and locks onto the end of the pumpout hose using a cam coupler. There's also a "universal" neoprene nozzle...it's not threaded. It has to be locked on the pumpout hose, then jammed into the deck fitting and held TIGHTLY into it to keep a good seal.
I suggest you ask a dock mate who's an experienced "pumper outer" to accompany you to the pumpout and show you how to do it...and MAYBE tell you what if any parts you may be missing...which is possible if owners have to supply their own nozzles at your marina and the PO took it with him.
Meanwhile, make sure that a blocked vent or a y-valve in the wrong position isn't also contributing to you problem.
Boat owners manuals aren't likely to include "how to pump out" instructions in much detail...and they definitely don't include much in the way of toilet and holding tank maintenance instructions. But the "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" guide at the link in my signature below does...you might consider checking it out.
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