Holding tank blockage...urrgh-thoughts?

[stefan_r]

I seem to have a blockage somewhere in my holding tank system.

The boat is 8 years old and I know she was standing for around a year before I bought her a few weeks ago.

Symptoms are as follows:

Pump out pump cycles fine but discharges nothing.
When pump cycles the sides of the stainless holding tank bend slightly so the pump is definitely creating pressure.

Therefore I know pump works and the breather is blocked...where else is also blocked I have no idea!!!!

I can release the pressure on the breather temporarily by opening the shore pump out connection (unless that is blocked too).

Question is then what?

Is this a job for Mr Muscle or some other drain cleaner?

Problem there is I am afloat now...

Also all the pippework is sanitary spec and says "no corrosives" or something on the side...though I assume household stuff would be okay...especially if heavily rinsed through? but what if I leave the stuff in for 24 hours like it says on the tin?

What are the chances whatever the previous owner left me as a gift has just evaporated and hardened over the last 12 months and filling with fresh water through the deck fitting and leaving to stand will loosen it all up? Or do I have to get chemically enhanced...and if so, what?

Tank has limited access, boat is a 1999 Sunseeker Superhawk...so the fittings and materials are good at least.

Cheers
Stef

 

[mithril]

Hi Stefan

The breather is only for equalising daily pressures, fermentation etc, or when you pump the loo. But when you pump out the breather is usualy totally insuficient to meet the flow rquirments. You should always open the deck flush as well to allow air to enter.

Use whatever you want in the tank. Most hosehold stuff is so ineffective but it gives you a good feelng to buy it.

Have you tried rodding down the pumpout aperture?

Might be good to let it soak as well.

 

[Lakesailor]

Disconnect the inlet pipe and blow down it.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[iangrant]

have you checked the sea cock arrangement for discharge into the sea, normally there is a Y valve that directs the waste from the heads into either the tank or straight o/board.
It' rare that they block completely unless some one has flushed away a wet wipe or something like that.
Unfortunately it sounds like it's a messy job ahead! Take the pipe off the outgoing sea cock and rod up it!

Ian

 

[stefan_r]

sea cock, Y connection etc all set right - though the previous post about having to open the deck filler / emptyer thingie will be tried tonight!!

goodness knows what is up there...messy job, oh yes!

 

[ms1]

it may be that because of long time standing there is some solid matter in the system. Soaking, pumping, gentle rodding may the answer.
Bulging stainless may of course be slight air pressure & not due to pressure of pumping water/ waste. Manual pumps left long time can be a bit slow to recover. I did see one forum thread solution which was to fill the bowl with water and allow to soak and then give a good pumping.
If there any chance of previous frost damage perhaps check around for cracks thet might interfering with pump priming.

 

[stefan_r]

[ QUOTE ]
Disconnect the inlet pipe and blow down it.

Let us know how you get on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Surely sucking is a better idea???

 

[stefan_r]

[ QUOTE ]
it may be that because of long time standing there is some solid matter in the system. Soaking, pumping, gentle rodding may the answer.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hope so!!!!!


[ QUOTE ]

Bulging stainless may of course be slight air pressure & not due to pressure of pumping water/ waste.


[/ QUOTE ]

Definitely the pump, the tank walls flex in and out with each pump cycle.



Sounds like undo deck fitting...add water, leave to stand and serve with a good rodding!!!!!!