Grey tank crud

[rafiki_]

I emptied the grey tank today, the final couple of gallons that the pump can't scavenge, and found the bottom of the tank covered in small grit-like lumps. I got much of this out, but not all. Any other experiences out there?

 

[Dockhead]

I recently did this extraordinarily disgusting job, after which the float valve for the Whale pump which empties it began to work again. I don't know what to advise other than reduce the quantity of nasty things that get down your galley sink (a sink drain screen, anyone?). Perhaps there is some kind of chemical treatment which breaks down that nasty residue and makes the tank-cleaning festivals less frequent.

 

[rafiki_]

I recently did this extraordinarily disgusting job, after which the float valve for the Whale pump which empties it began to work again. I don't know what to advise other than reduce the quantity of nasty things that get down your galley sink (a sink drain screen, anyone?). Perhaps there is some kind of chemical treatment which breaks down that nasty residue and makes the tank-cleaning festivals less frequent.

Interesting thought, although we don't send much other than dishwater down the trap.

 

[Dockhead]

Interesting thought, although we don't send much other than dishwater down the trap.

"Only dishwater"?! Oh, that's a good one. Dishwater is one of the dirtiest substances known to man. That's the source of your crud.

It's a good argument for grey water systems which discharge directly overboard, instead of through a tank like mine and that of the OP. The grey water tank is a natural settling basin, where all the food particles suspended in the dishwater can settle out to form a nasty residue.

I am thinking there must be some enzyme or some other substance which can be used to gently dissolve all that crud.