Just bought 1973 Nauta-line houseboat that appears to be in good shape and well taken care of. I'm looking for any advice and suggestions people have to offer, but I feel like I really don't have a clue when it comes to sanitation- What can go in the holding tank? How do I know when it's full and I need a pump out? Do I need to put chemicals in the tank? Thanks for your time, and obviously no bit of info is too basic for me

It's not just what can go into a holding tank, it's what CAN'T go through a marine toilet...they have nothing whatever in common with household toilets. Nothing should go into a marine toilet that hasn't passed through you first except quick-dissolve toilet paper. Facial tissue, paper towels, wet wipes, even toothpicks and worst of all tampons will clog a marine toilet and/or sanitation plumbing.

Never use household chemical toilet bowl cleaners, bleach or any product that contains bleach, Lysol, pine oil cleaners or ANY household chemical products in a marine sanitation system.

How to know when the tank is full: If it's plastic and accessible, you can check it visually. However, itt can become a major PITA to keep checking it regularly, so if your tank does not have a gauge, I strongly recommend you install one.Yes, you need to use a tank product to suppress odor. I recommend either Raritan K.O. or Odorlos. Both are non-chemical--and therefore non-toxic--and outperform the toxic chemicals products.

At the risk of appearing to try to sell you something (I do get a whopping $2 royalty from  my publisher for every copy sold), you'll save my having to do a LOT of typing if you'll check out the link in my signature below...it'll take you to a vendor who carries my book, which is a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that answers all the basic questions and should help you understand how marine sanitation systems work and how to operate and maintain 'em to prevent 99% of problems instead of trying to figure out how to solve 'em. And I'm always glad to answer any questions it doesn't.

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Peggie Hall, Moderator
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987, Author: "Get Rid of Boat Odors--A Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor."
[L=http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books/detail-books.htm?sku=66438&cat=1304[/L]

Just bought Peg's book. Love it. Great reference manual for the HB. THanks Peg.

Get the book by peghall, it's a great resource. A tip in the latest Houseboat Magazine on checking the level on your holding tank was to use a stud finder, I tried that last week and it works. Tank gauge would be best, but expensive.

I dunno what you consider expensive, but IMO $300 for a system that can monitor the level in up to 8 tanks--fuel, water AND waste--is a bargain. Just about every houseboat mfr now installs a version of this system as standard OEM equipment: http://ferriellosales.com/default.php A LOT less expensive than other comparable systems, and also the most durable reliable.

Thanks for ordering and recommending my book...the two of you have made me a whole  $4 richer!

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Peggie Hall, Moderator
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987, Author: "Get Rid of Boat Odors--A Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor."
[L=http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books/detail-books.htm?sku=66438&cat=1304[/L]

Flatstick, thanks for passing that tip along about using an electronic stud finder as a tank level indicator. I don't get Houseboat Magazine, and wouldn't ever have thought of that if you hadn't passed it along. That's really a clever application for a stud finder!

Thanks Vic, I think it only works on plastic tanks. Mine is easy to access, but hard to see the level. Now the stud finder stays on top of the tank and I can do a quick check anytime. Takes all of about 5 seconds.

Peggy, I agree the cost of the monitors is not that expensive. They even have a single one for about $135. That will go on the project list for this winter.