bleach!

[MedMan]

Re: A simple solution to smelly loo

Why do you store gray water? Most places, it goes directly overboard.

I was frightened of horror stories of £1,000 fines for tipping teeth-cleaning
water over board in Turkish harbours. We are cruising Turkey this year. I will let you know in November if the installation was worthwhile!

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.yachtretreat.com>http://www.yachtretreat.com</A>

 

[HeadMistress]

Re: A simple solution to smelly loo

I hope you put y-valves in the plumbing that will allow you to send gray water overboard when you leave Turkey (or find out that they aren't as strict as you've heard).

In addition to the odor control products you use in the gray water tank, put some low suds detergent down all the drains into the tank at least once a month to emulsify the grease and fats that are in galley and shower water. Not only will it keep the plumbing and tank cleaner, but if you're determined to use your gray water to flush the toilet, it will also help to keep your sanitation plumbing clean.

The Turks require you hold gray water, but there are no regulations pertaining to bilge water? Why is it that the mere thought of a little organic matter going overboard can send environmental extremists into spasms...while bilge water, which often contains oil. never even enters their minds? Not only politicians, but boat owners...the very same ones who would string you up by by your fingernails for flushing your toilet directly overboard in an anchorage aren't even aware that their own bilge pumps are putting out REAL pollution.

<hr width=100% size=1>Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987

 

[ianwright]

Re: A simple solution to smelly loo

Dear Old Peggie old pal,,,,,,,,,,,,
This last week I have stripped, cleaned and reassembled FOR THE FIRST TIME my fifteen year old Baby Blake. I replaced the inlet and outlet hoses but otherwise used all the old parts, seals valves etc. A little dab of Wilcox-Critenden oil on re-assembly and bingo........... good as new!
Why am I telling you this? Because no one else cares and I had to tell someone, that's why.

btw Dilute acetic acid is often used on food instead of malt vinegar. Malt vinegar is white until caramel colour/color is added.
Lots of love,
Ian.

<hr width=100% size=1>Vertue 203, Patience

 

[HeadMistress]

Re: A simple solution to smelly loo

Hello, Ian...Lovely to have you pop in here! Though I think you may have been penny-wise and pound-foolish not to replace 15 yr old rubber seals and valves as long as you had it apart. For most people, it's the taking apart to replace them they dread worse than the cost of the spares. Blake heads, especially older ones, are incredibly durable, but nothing lasts forever, especially anything made of rubber. The head may be working smoothly, but I doubt as efficiently as it once did...and would again with seals and valves that aren't worn.

But you knew I'd say that, didn't you?

Btw, YM sent me a copy of the Feb issue with Libby Purves' article...I loved it! She certainly has a way with words...I didn't stop laughing for a week!

<hr width=100% size=1>Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987

 

[ianwright]

Re: A simple solution to smelly loo

"But you knew I'd say that, didn't you? "

Well lets say I thought you might...

Truth is I did replace the shaft seals but the other parts measured (with a vernier caliper) so close to optimum that I figured it a waste not to use them again... even though I have the full spares kit on board. Oh yes, I didn't feel like sanding down the new discharge bucket rubber.Just plain mean, that's me,... but I do have a smoothly working BB and a full set of spares still.
But as always your advice is sound, replace everything you don't know to be up to spec. And if you don't know you don't know replace everything 'just in case'.
One other thing. I found a phosphoric acid/detergent mix just the job to clean the parts once I managed to seperate everything... and seperating the parts requires a Blakes tool kit.
Glad you liked the Libby Purves piece, she writes well,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

TTFN

Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>Vertue 203, Patience