A bit of a sti(n)cky problem.....

[JohnRob]

erm, bit of a nasty one....
Nasty niffs from breather when toilet used. "full" warning light on on holding tank indicator. First thought - float switch must be stuck (had just pumped it out the week before), so what about rinsing me thinks? Put water in and overflow starts working accompanied with more nasty niffs. Decide that pump out pump is running but doesn't seem to be pumping anything out.
Possible conclusion - pump out pump/macerator blocked/damaged/worn out, or other blockage

Options:
Get tank pumped out? Ah but no pump out facilities around here
Dismantle pump? Ye gods, think perhaps best just to bolt new one in place, but then.....
Dare I disconnect anything with the tank full? Thought of the boat full of holding tank contents slightly unnerving to say the least.

Other than selling the boat, any ideas on how to tackle this rather sticky problem?

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Plomong]

Since most of the contents are probably liquid, try siphoning??

Or borrow a small pump to get the top half of the tanks contents out before doing any further tests??

 

[paulm299]

If siphoning Do NOT suck too hard . /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Thistle]

Is there a stopcock that needs to be opened in the discharge line before pumping out? Is it open? Apologies if this seems a trivial answer but bitter experience has taught me never to overlook the apparently obvious.

 

[JohnRob]

Plomong, I think your idea of a small pump is infinitely more attractive than sucking a syphon... can't think why???
Thistle, there is a seacock which I can see the open/closed indicator so am ok with that.

Made the mistake last year of taking some non-boaty friends out - goodness knows what she put down the loo but the mascerator was bunged up - had to strip (loverly, lovely lovely) and perhaps more was put down than i thought...

Small pump here I come, and god forgive me for what may enter marina.... perhaps I'd best put up a no fishing sign!

ItS