Pump out

[JustJeff017]

This is my first year with my EC and I really need to pump out the holding tank as it is full. The marina hasn't turned the pump out pump back on but say it will be in service this week. Is there a way to deodorize and really "clean" the inside of the holding tank? :smt089

 

[Big Island Lifer]

empty. fill with fresh water and deodorizer let sit. empty. repeat as necessary.
Do you have a vacuflush or is it a manual pump? Does it rinse with fresh water or lake/ salt water?

 

[JustJeff017]

It's a vacuflush and it uses fresh water from the marina.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I'd modify BIL's method slightly by adding blue stuff and not quite filling the tank, then taking the boat for a ride. I've also used mild dish detergent like Dawn and done the same thing. This isn't like a septic system where you have to worry about about killing the bacteria that digests the waste.

Henry

 

[alnav]

Jeff, here's the procedure I use, it's right out of my Vacuflush manual:


1. Fill toilet bowl with water and add 4 oz. (120 ml) of biodegradable laundry detergent (should NOT contain bleach).

2. Flush toilet, holding pedal down for about two minutes. Close flush ball.

3. Turn off water supply to toilet.

4. Flush the toilet without water, allowing the vacuum pump to shut off after the flush. Repeat three times. (This procedure will minimize any remaining water in the sanitation hoses.)

5. Turn off power to the vacuum pump.


6. Completely pump out holding tank.

Works well for me. I try to let the detergent slosh around for a day or two before pumping out and/or do the pumpout after a ride. Doesn't hurt to flush as much as possible at the pumpout if they will let you do multiple pumps.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Something to think about if this boat is new to you and the tank is full, is how long it's been since the tank was pumped, and how thick is the layer of solids that has formed on the bottom of the tank.

I'd suggest after you get it pumped that you get an emulsifier and use it. That dissolves the solids and turns them back into liquid. If you don't do that, the layer of solids on the bottom of the tank just keeps getting thicker and thicker.

With most emulsifiers you pump out the tank then fill it about 1/2 way with clear water and add the emulsifier. Let it slosh around for a couple of weeks as you use the boat. It may take a couple of hits with the emulsifier before the tank is pretty well cleaned out.

Also, each time you pump out, fill the tank about 1/4-1/3 with fresh water and pump it out again. That way you get most of the sludge that builds up.