Pump Out Procedure

[play dough]

I had a manual head in the last boat. The boat I've recently purchased has a vacuflush system. One thing I noticed on several boats I inspected during my search for a 330DA was that the holding tank had been crushed. I assumed that was from pump out suction. Is there something unique to the vacuflush system that creates that risk? If I had to guess, it was due to a clogged vent? Just curious and trying to prevent that happening to me.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Partially clogged, anyways, yes. In '97, Sealand//Dometic was not yet using a "Tanksaver relief valve" on their holding tanks. Essentially, a one way valve to prevent the issue you are wondering about. If your tank was replaced somewhere along the lines, you most likely already have it as it became standard equipment. However, you can buy the valve and install it (unless a previous owner already installed it). Google for that - you'll see what I mean.

 

[sbw1]

The vent to the outside can become clogged from overfilling the holding tank. Vacuum is created in the tank from the pump out. Make sure you don't flush when the tank is too full.

 

[electricaldoctor]

Simply put, if you overfill the waste tank, the charcoal filter media in the "fart filter" can become compromized to the point where it can no longer breathe through the exterior hull-side vent fitting. This can cause a negative preasure within the waste tank resulting in a collapse of the same. When you are pumping out your waste tank, you should be able to feel the suction if you place a finger over the vent fitting. Although a "Tank Saver Relief Valve" will prevent a collapse, you still want your vent line clear to the outside to allow the tank to breather through the "Fart Filter" to prevent odor.
Mud daubers can also block off your hull-side vent fitting. A visual pre-launch + periodic inspection of this is highly recommended.

 

[play dough]

Thanks. That all makes sense. Since I have no history of the previous owner's pumpout habits, perhaps replacing the "fart filter" is the best course of action for prevention.

 

[Stee6043]

Do a quick search here for that filter. You can get a quality filter from Amazon for half the cost of the OEM brand...

 

[Little Ducky]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S2ZXE56sc0v2VnDbVVGWErm7_ljPnzEK/view?usp=sharing

Check this out for a good general procedure on pump out.

 

[Mittens]

what year did this one way valve show up?

 

[CliffA]

what year did this one way valve show up?

your tank probably has the overflow valve....my 2001 does....you can see it in this pic....it is the round thing on the back end of the tank....this pic was before i cleaned the ER up....

 

[play dough]

your tank probably has the overflow valve....my 2001 does....you can see it in this pic....it is the round thing on the back end of the tank....this pic was before i cleaned the ER up....
View attachment 69582

This is the best pic I have. I remember seeing the vent filter tucked up under the deck (to the right in this photo).

 

[Lazy Daze]

My '99 did not have it. I think it was very soon after that it started being used. It's easy enough to figure out by taking a gander, though. It may also depend on the particular model and the style of holding tank used. Best to look.