Not for mealtime discussions

[Paich]

Hello all: I just acquired an older, neglected Valiant 40 and am having more trouble with the holding tank and mascerator than I have had on prior boats.
Including, apparently, settlement and calcification over the winter of residual tank contents. Does anyone have suggestions for anything that could be put in the tank to ameliorate this, that is, to make it so the hardened contents might become soft enough to pump out? And any thoughts on the least disgusting technique for removing and repairing or replacing the macerator pump?
This particular boat seems to have hard PVC plumbing for the tank.
Thanks for any answers on what can't be one of the more charming topics about cruising.

Paich

[Tayana42]

Ive used this enzyme with good results.

Noflex Digester

http://hopkins-carter.com/nodisetr.html

[JPA Cate]

Hi, Paich,

Welcome aboard CF. Good question.

We are fortunate to have a CF Member, Peggy Hall, who just might be the most knowledgeable person in the world about everything to do with marine sanitation devices. If you don't get more input soon, you could send her a Personal Message, she is routinely quite forthcoming.

Ann

[GordMay]

Greetings and (belated) welcome aboard the CF, Paich.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

Two words. Composting toilet.

[roberthowell]

vinegar lots of it

[taxwizz]

Dynamite !

[guyrj33]

I would think that muriatic acid would dissolve the mineral deposits.

[Scrimshaw4]

I second the recommendation of muriatic acid to dissolve the calcium buildup in the septic system. Make sure the system is vented outside and that the acid is diluted to about 1.5 pts. acid to 3 gal. water. (these are the numbers from Lectrasan). Macerator pump removal is a bear that you just have to deal with. Gloves, rags and a bucket! JMHO

[sailorbobdeb]

I agree with Ann. Peggie Hall is not only knowledgeable, but extremely helpful. Recently I contacted her about something in her latest book and she called me to give me explicit instructions. Contact her!

Debbie

[sailm8]

Buy Peggy's book
The New Get Rid of Boat Odors

[buzzstar]

I am not Peggy Hall, or Peggie Hall either. Pending her reply, I suggest not expecting to accomplish everything in a single step. Do try the enzyme approach as a start, I have no particular brand in mind. If that makes progress, try the some water, and if you are still getting solid progress try again. Then the vinegar, followed by, you guessed it, more water. Then evaluate. [Dynamite, and praying for a reply from Ms. Hall before it goes off could help.] You could also call your local construction site portable toilet company for advice, but I suspect more feasible ideas will come on this forum. Oh, did I mention water and time, with repeats?

[type_57]

I'm wondering about the products used for clearing buildup in land based septic systems.
or maybe even the root remover type stuff used for clearing clay sewer pipes.

Perhaps asking at your marina's pump out station - as nothing anyone has mentioned (other than vinegar and water) should get into the ocean.

Vickie

[Deltasailor]

Originally Posted by Paich

Hello all: I just acquired an older, neglected Valiant 40 and am having more trouble with the holding tank and mascerator than I have had on prior boats.
Including, apparently, settlement and calcification over the winter of residual tank contents. Does anyone have suggestions for anything that could be put in the tank to ameliorate this, that is, to make it so the hardened contents might become soft enough to pump out? And any thoughts on the least disgusting technique for removing and repairing or replacing the macerator pump?
This particular boat seems to have hard PVC plumbing for the tank.
Thanks for any answers on what can't be one of the more charming topics about cruising.

Paich

When you run a charter company you need lots of rubber gloves!

[Seas the Day]

This subject is on the nose and a total waste! Sorry couldn't help myself, he he!

It's not often I am humorous so please 'bare' with me.