Wastewater Problem

[Bill Bailey]

I am a relatively new (2 years)owner of my first sailboat, a First 235. I humbly admit that the boat has more potential than my present limited skills use. Having dipped out my holding tank at the end of the two sailing seasons in Indiana, I determined to find out why it would not pump out. Obtaining a long glove from a friendly vet, I discovered that the previous owner had plumbed the hoses from the holding tank incorrectly. The line from the directional valve was connected to the pump out fitting. I would never have created enough suction to draw out the waste. The fitting that connected to the pipe that goes to the bottom of the tank was incorrectly connected to the line from the valve. Now,however, the fitting angles needed to correct the situation don't match up and I cannot find the supplier of the correct fitting. There is no name on the valve or the fittings. The straight, inch and a half fitting I need is not threaded but has an o-ring and a grove above the o-ring that, when inserted into the valve, has a metal u-shaped connector that inserts through the collar and into the valve to hold it in place. Can anyone help me with a supplier of these type fittings?

 

[Larry W.]

pump out woes

Bill; Have you tried your local hardware or building supply outlet? You may find that common PVC plumbing parts and a hose clamp or two will work.

 

[Bob]

New hose

Bill-In Indiana you don't need a y-valve anyway, so just eliminate it. It just provides a bunch of places for things to get caught on during a flush and unclogging them is no fun (I know)I got rid of mine last year and have no regrets. When I did, I replaced the hose from the head to the tank with a single piece so it's a nice smooth run all the way. Also, the SeaLand fittings are worth the price when it comes to getting the hose on the fittings.You'll also have to cap off the (former) outlet hose to the thru-hull, but that's no big deal either. I'm thinking about converting it to an intake for a washdown pump.