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Tori · 11-07-2011, 14:18

Same rv head as previously mentioned. Odor is minimal and head is vented correctly and pumped out twice weekly. It is not rinsed after pumpout because we are rarely home and the tank is too small as it is so if we rinsed it the pumpout boat would have to come out twice in one day. But we are using odorlos which is working well and marine/rv toilet tissue, the tissue is not breaking down and there are still
Some solids left after every pump out?

peghall · 11-07-2011, 15:04

Please refresh my memory...What IS "the same RV head?" What size is the tank? And what do you mean, "the head isn't pumping out completely?" The pumpout is leaving waste in the tank? The toilet isn't flushing? You're experiencing back flow? I need more details!

Tori · 11-07-2011, 15:36

Sorry lol there is another thread title head is stinky in which it is discussed. It is a older RV type portable toilet with a 2.5 gallon holding tank. After pumpout there are still some solids and tissue in the tank. I am unsure if this is a problem with the head or pumpout done incorrectly?

peghall · 11-07-2011, 19:58

I don't think it's a problem with the toilet, but a blocked tank vent COULD prevent the pumpout from removing all the waste.

However, even if the problem IS a blocked vent, I suspect the real problem is incorrect USE of the toilet and lack of maintenance by the owner(s).

Portapotties have a flush water reservoir that adds at least enough to rinse the bowl with each flush...do you put any water in it? If you don't, that would certainly explain why solids and TP aren't dissolving...urine alone doesn't provide enough liquid in the tank for 'em to dissolve IN! You HAVE to start to putting some water in the tank. If you don't want to fill the reservoir, add it directly to the tank. Not a lot...a quart should be enough.

As for maintenance, the tank vent should be checked regularly and the vent thru-hull cleaned out as needed. And you also need to start rinsing out the tank at least occasionally, just as a matter of hygiene! Use a shop vac to remove the rinse water.

And fwiw, a 2.5 gallon tank holds so little that it actually makes more sense to turn it back into a portable that you can carry off the boat and pour into a toilet, which would also enable rinsing it out after each dump. Otoh, a 5-6 gallon marine "MSD" portapotty will fit in the same footprint, but holds 50-60 flushes, compared to the 20 your 2.5 gallon tank holds and is actually designed to be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout. A google search for "Thetford 365 MSD" Porta Potti 365 MSD turned up a whole BUNCH of retailers who have it for as little as $117.

Tori · 11-07-2011, 20:05

We add water to the top reservoir per manufacturer instructions and flush it each use.
I will check the vent but do not think it is blocked.
We plan on replacing the head when money allows

Tori · 11-07-2011, 20:20

We know this toilet is too small for a permanent live aboard but our home was foreclosed on and we had to move onto the boat three months sooner than planned...sooo for now we have to make it work and that is the next purchase item on the list

peghall · 12-07-2011, 05:44

If solids and TP aren't dissolving, it means there isn't enough liquid in the tank, so try adding a quart of water to the tank after each pumpout.

Tori · 12-07-2011, 05:51

Ok we will try adding more water until we can replace the toilet

Want to sail · 12-07-2011, 06:26

Hi Peg,
We have the 5 gal porta potty that is set up to pump out at sea. Our other head is an electrasan system. This works fine for us since most of the time we go out past the 3 mile limit to sail or just use the facilities at the dock in Ga. We would like to spend some time down in Marathon this winter and they require the ability to pump out. My question is can we add a deck pump out lline and fitting to the porta potty?

peghall · 12-07-2011, 13:45

Yep...it's easy. In fact, you'll just be doing the reverse of what's usually done to have it both ways, 'cuz most people can already PUMP out, they want to also be able to DUMP out.

Just put a y-valve in the existing discharge line between the tank and the discharge pump (BEFORE the pump, not after!)...run a line to a deck pumpout fitting. If you already have one, great...job's done in all of 10 minutes. If not, you'll have to install one, which will be the hardest part of the job. That's all there is to it.

Btw...buy a Whale y-valve (actually ANYthing but a Jabsco...they leak!)...and if there isn't already a hole in the handle that you can run a wire tie through, drill one. 'Cuz potty police in the Keys will check. Might be a good idea to remove the handle from the seacock while you're there too.

As for "securing" the ElectroScan, just locking that head door is all that's required in federal regs (33 CFR 159.7)