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Topic Title: HOLDING TANK VENT HOSE
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Created On: 06/09/2009 01:44:28 PM
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 06/09/2009 01:44:28 PM
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BENMURPHY
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Joined: 11/02/2006

A year ago I had a new holding tank installed.  Now, every time we go to the boat we have to undo the holding tank vent hose and blow it out with water and then air.  The hose does not go in a straight line to the side of the boat. It goes down to the hull and then back up over the old holding tank and then down to go out the boat.  Does it need to be in a straight line?  We took the little screens out like Peg advised.  Don't think it is spiders,we spray for them often.
 06/09/2009 08:11:49 PM
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Ej
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Joined: 05/15/2005

Ben when we replaced our tanks we made sure the vent hose was always higher than the tanks and with a 1 1/2 vent lines. I believe you will need at the least a loop higher than the tank as soon as it comes out of the tank.

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 06/13/2009 12:10:21 AM
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peghall
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"It goes down to the hull and then back up over the old holding tank and then down to go out the boat. "

Oh dear...what genius came up with THAT nightmare???

Holding tank vent line should be straight...no sags, no twists and turns...and no loops (arches) either...UNLESS the vent thru-hull is too close to the waterline, allowing water to get into the vent, which sounds like it may be the case on your boat. If so, you'll want a loop that's about a foot above the thru-hull. Otherwise, just run the vent line straight to the thru-hull and cut off the extra hose--at least 10' extra, from your description. If you do need a loop, you should have plenty of hose for it!

Btw...why was the old holding tank left in the boat when you installed a new one? If it's too big to get through a hatch, take a Sawzall to it.

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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]

Edited: 06/13/2009 at 12:11:32 AM by peghall
 06/13/2009 09:17:11 AM
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theROOSTER
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Can you add on of these to your tank??? My thinking is if you're helping push air out all the time, then lake water might not feed back into the tank!!! Just make sure the pump is as high as you can get it, like sitting on top the tank...
http://www.water-garden-shop-relaxingdecor.com/items/pond-filtration/pond-aeration/list.htm

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0-100mph
 06/13/2009 10:35:41 AM
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peghall
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Interesting idea, but it wouldn't solve this problem 'cuz it doesn't push air hard enough to keep the vent clear.

Re-routing the vent line is the only cure for this one.Aeration IS an excellent solution to holding tank odor, though. But again, this pump wouldn't be a good choice because it needs 115v power...and holding tank aerators have to run 24/7/ 365 to work, so only boats with generators would be able to supply power to it away from the dock.

I suggest you check out the Groco Sweetank aeration system...the complete manual for it is here:

http://www.groco.net/SVC-MAN-07/Sec1/pdfs/STK.pdf

It wouldn't solve solve Ben's problem, but when installed operated and maintained according to instructions, it eliminates 100% of odor out the vent without the need for any tank product.

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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]

Edited: 06/13/2009 at 10:36:40 AM by peghall
 06/16/2009 08:51:11 AM
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BENMURPHY
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Joined: 11/02/2006

Thanks for the info!  Will run new vent line over the July 4th weekend. The vent I now have had screens that have been punched out.  Do I need to go with a larger thru hull like one for the bilge pumps or another small metal one with the screens?  Also, when they installed the new holding tank the new hose runs from the crown head  down to the hull for about 7 feet and then up and through a bulkhead and into the holding tank. Should this big hose be run as close to level so the waste will just run into the tank?  As it is there is always waste in the hose.
 06/16/2009 07:51:59 PM
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peghall
Admiral

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Joined: 10/20/2002

Go with open thru-hulls...screens cause more problems than they solve. And as for your toilet to tank plumbing--ANY plumbing actually, with ANY toilet...the shorter and straighter the hoses are, the better. So feel free to start cutting...and btw, a serrated knife works best.  

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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]
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