Starting Over

[Robert Gist]

I am replacing the head and hoses on my 1990 Precision 27. I removed the holding tank to clean under it. I was suprised how much stuff remained in the tank after several pump outs, flushing with lake water between p/o's. Is this normal or am I not doing something right at the p/o station? I understand that you can't get it completely empty. Will K.O. help to reduce the solids left in the tank? My vent tube is 5/8" x 3' long and runs straight up to a thru hull under the toe rail. Will a 1" vent allow enough air for K.O. to work? P.S. I pump out every weekend.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

It's normal...

There will always be about an inch left in the tank...cuz when the pumpout or macerator draws the contents down to the level where it starts sucking air, it breaks the prime and can't pump any more.It's bacteria that breaks down and emulsifies (liquifies) solids and paper. Chemicals kill bacteria--not only the "bad" odor causing bugs, but the "good" bugs that break down the solids and the paper. K.O. is live bacteria...so it will definitely reduce the solids left in the tank...in fact, should completely liquify them. However...your description of your tank vent doesn't sound like it's gonna let K.O. work aerobically...which means it'll break down the solids (that happens aerobically OR anaerobically), but not without odor. Try it...if it doesn't work, we may have to figure out how to improve the ventilation to your tank. And btw...if there isn't enough oxygen in the tank for the recommended dose to work, there isn't enough for more to work...so adding more will only waste your money.