Holding tank level???

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peters.carl

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Can someone tell me how do you tell the level of sewage in the holding tank? How do you know if it is nearly full? I had a bad experience where I pumped the toilet and it overflowed and sewage came out the vent line. Woops. :) Is there a way of have some sort of level meter or something to tell you its full? I found this the following but have no idea what it does or how it works:
http://www.jabscoshop.com/marine/marine-toilets/toilet-accessories/38235-0000-holding-tank-top.htm

Many thanks all.
 
you could use a washing machine level valve from a local washing repairs place theres an article about how to do it in an old PBW

on iom at min but i will look for the article when im home to tell you what issue its in
 
After a couple of bad experiences I I bought a float switch from rs components and connected it in line with a warning lamp. This is installed to switch about 90% full. Total cost around £10.
 
FirstAway said:
After a couple of bad experiences I I bought a float switch from rs components and connected it in line with a warning lamp. This is installed to switch about 90% full. Total cost around £10.
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I have just been looking on RS components. Looks like an easy, good, cheap solution using float switches. They have ones made from Nylon, Polypropylene, or PPS (I dont know what this is??). Which one should I be using? I assume polypropylene?? Could you recommend one of them that would wire up to a simple LED disply. Many Thanks.
 
Porta-Potti chemical loos have a holding tank by definition, and a guage showing how full...Contrary to some belief, they don't smell either, and nowadays one can use 'green' environmentally friendly chemicals; seems better than a couple of big holes in the hull bottom and trying to fit a holding tank !
 
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We have tank level display sensors from Offshore Systems. Tank levels are displayed on the plotter and alarms sound at user defined levels. Ours go off a 80% for holding tanks and 20% for fuel and water.
 
SolentBoy said:
We have tank level display sensors from Offshore Systems. Tank levels are displayed on the plotter and alarms sound at user defined levels. Ours go off a 80% for holding tanks and 20% for fuel and water.
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Solent Boy,

that must be brilliant for a first date if when using the loo at threshold level a klaxon and flashing lights go off ! :D
 
prv said:
Does assume you run the plotter 24/7 when aboard though, which plenty of us don't.

Pete
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Sorry, simple answer.

The tank level is transmitted via NMEA 2000. So, it is on the plotter at the helm, the plotter at the chart table, the garge instruments, the dedicated Offshore Systems tank display instrument, the iPhone, the iPad.

You can choose to turn all or some or none of them on. My point was that if you use a NMEA 2000 sensor, the data can be on whatever display you re running.


Alterntively, for the no power solution you can always try a dipstick with calibrated level markings. :eek:
 
SolentBoy said:
The tank level is transmitted via NMEA 2000. So, it is on the plotter at the helm, the plotter at the chart table, the garge instruments, the dedicated Offshore Systems tank display instrument, the iPhone, the iPad.
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Heh - I know it's not how you'd actually have it configured, but that list gave me a wonderful image of displays lighting up and hooters going off all over the boat as someone pumped the last little turd into the tank :). Also the idea that one might dedicate one of the multi-function displays above the hatch to the constant display of critical toilet-tank level information :D

SolentBoy said:
Fair point, but surely you need to check where you are and where you are going more often than you need to check the level in the holding tank?
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I guess my thinking was that, rather than proactive checking, you really want an alarm as the level approaches full. And if the only instrument connected was the plotter, but it was turned off, that alarm would not happen. And that the majority of heads use in coastal sailing probably (and if not coastal there's no need for the tank) happens in port morning and evening when the plotter's turned off.

With your further information about the system I withdraw my objection, milud :)

Pete
 
FirstAway said:
I used this float switch http://uk.rs-online.com/mobile/p/level-sensors-switches/0845976/ connected to an led lamp which I got from Maplins. Straight forward installation, only problem is you need to hose off the switch occasionally to make sure it doesn't get gummed up!
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The switch you suggested is horizontal mount, which means you have to mount on side??? Would that not be a potential source for leak? Would I not be best with one on the top? How often do they get clogged/need cleaning? Seems like a hassle.
 
I have a float guage which the manufacturer claims is suitable for holding tanks. It works fine for me and isvailable in various lengths to suit different tanks. Top fitting and Mrs Maxi's supersensitive nose has yet to complain, so the seals do work.
 
peters.carl said:
The switch you suggested is horizontal mount, which means you have to mount on side??? Would that not be a potential source for leak? Would I not be best with one on the top? How often do they get clogged/need cleaning? Seems like a hassle.
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Well yes I would have preffered to have used a non intrusive method, but that was beyond my budget and confidence levels. We have had this in place for a couple of years now with no problems, the switch is at the top of the tank where there is little or no hydrostatic pressure.

We wash the whole tank tank out a couple of times a season just to prevent too much build up. I would also advise using the special dissolving toilet paper otherwise this might cause some problems.
 
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