Page 1 of 1

The Head

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 7:11 pm
by angilmartin
Even though we put in the necessary chemicals and changed the hoses from the head to the holding tank, it STINKS.
The vent hose may be the problem, because I have seen residue come out when it was full.
What do I do !!
Frank

Re: The Head

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 11:01 am
by midnightsailor
The vent hose is critical to proper holding tank function. You need to be sure it is not blocked. Try back flushing it from the vent opening where it exits the boat. You don't say what boat you have but on My Freedom33 it is at the stern, and most likely that is where yours is. Also be sure to check BEFORE youdo this that your boat isn't fitted with some type of vent filter device such as a carbon filter or such. If this has been added(perhaps by a previous owner?) you have to remove this first or bypass it otherwise you will either ruin it or have difficulty flushing the vent hose. Also check for any kinks in the hose, or compressed hose..anything that might restrict it. If it is blocked and you cannot unblock it you may have to then replace it. By the way , if you are getting any type of discharge from it then you need to be surte rto empty the holding take before it gets to full, other wise you WILL force tanks contents up that hose and run the risk of blocking it...small piece of toilet tissue etc. will do that !
Rick

Re: The Head

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 4:05 pm
by GeoffSchultz
Your hoses may also need to be replaced. I replaced all of ours a few years ago.

-- Geoff

Re: The Head

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 5:50 pm
by wcwcwc
If replacing hoses and freeing up the vent does not work get a copy of Get Rid of Boat Odors by Peggie Hall. She is a scientist and explains all of the odor causing "things".

Re: The Head

Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2012 6:07 pm
by AlanK
I had my vent line clog and when I realized this was a problem it still took me a while to find and remove the clog. On my F-33 the tank was so I'm not sure if the arrangement it is the same (the vent line no longer goes to the transom) in that to fit under the settee there was a 90 degree elbow on top of the tank with small internal diameter. Being on a port tack it had clogged. Was a bitch to force a wire through to unclog. Later I added a second larger vent more to stbd on the tank with a t to the original figuring both would be unlikely to clog at the same time.