The manual head system on our 1990 Hunter 33.5 has only been used at sea with overboard discharge by the previous owner. The holding tank system had NEVER been used. Nothing (water or anything else) had gone into it. Question: What problems, if any do you forsee in beginning to use the holding tank systems? Any specific precautions or initializing procedures to follow? Thanks in advance for any assistance. Dick Carey
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Unused holding tank
A thorough visual inspection of the tank itself, all fittings, hoses, and connections. I would then certainly first test the system for leaks by flushing fresh water added directly to the bowl! If watertight, I would then flush some marine toilet paper to test that solids are passing properly to the holding tank. If everything seems to be working properly, I would add more more water to fill the tank to your pre-determined full level, and again check for any problems after actaully sailing in your boat. If everything checks out, empty the tank to test it's emptying hose, etc. condition. Add some K.O. to the 1", or so, left at the bottom of the tank, and have a go at a "real life" usage. Good luck!
A thorough visual inspection of the tank itself, all fittings, hoses, and connections. I would then certainly first test the system for leaks by flushing fresh water added directly to the bowl! If watertight, I would then flush some marine toilet paper to test that solids are passing properly to the holding tank. If everything seems to be working properly, I would add more more water to fill the tank to your pre-determined full level, and again check for any problems after actaully sailing in your boat. If everything checks out, empty the tank to test it's emptying hose, etc. condition. Add some K.O. to the 1", or so, left at the bottom of the tank, and have a go at a "real life" usage. Good luck!
If it's never been used...
You can expect to get 2-5 years out of aluminum tank before it starts to leak at a seam or a fitting. So I'd just hook it up and use it. However, I would recommend that you pressure test it at the beginning of each season--including immediately after you connect it now. It's easy to do: just fill it up with water...block the vent...make sure all the tank surfaces are dry and that it's dry under it....pump the head till you start to feel some real resistance. Let it stay that way overnight. If it's leaking anywhere, you'll find wet spots the next day. If it's not, empty it and use it. But after the first year, keep an eye on it.
You can expect to get 2-5 years out of aluminum tank before it starts to leak at a seam or a fitting. So I'd just hook it up and use it. However, I would recommend that you pressure test it at the beginning of each season--including immediately after you connect it now. It's easy to do: just fill it up with water...block the vent...make sure all the tank surfaces are dry and that it's dry under it....pump the head till you start to feel some real resistance. Let it stay that way overnight. If it's leaking anywhere, you'll find wet spots the next day. If it's not, empty it and use it. But after the first year, keep an eye on it.
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