Head Troubles

[dbkismet]

So I have a leaking aluminum holding tank that must be replaced. Ugh

Before the leak, I was thinking about installing a Raritan ElectrScan MSD I.

The tank is under my teak sole floor, so I have to cut up the floor to replace the tank. $$$$

The question - should I just install the ElectraScan and not worry about the tank? I guess I'm worried about resale not so much about a leaking holding tank ( I think I can more or less flush it to the point where there is not much if any waste left to leak).

IF i do replace the holding tank - how would you install the ElectraScan - directly from the head or discharge after the holding tank?

Many Thanks,

David

[IdoraKeeper]

Oh Boy,

You need to get that smelly disgusting thing outta there. Ultimately it's health hazard. If you elect to go with electra san you may find yourself regulated into changing it. Lots of folks have elected to use a composting head. In my own case I went with a new plastic holding tank and very little hose (mostly pvc pipe). The only trouble I have had since is a failed hose clamp. No stink except from the raw sea water line on initial use. I carry lots of fresh water so I use that to rinse and flush...no stink at all.

I did terrify two elderly ladies when I was staggering up the dock carrying a filthy stinking leaking calcified old holding tank. I was covered in excrement and wearing a hood and goggles and a respirator. They took one look at me and ran the other way. I used lots of bleach to clean up the mess. It was not fun but it was well worth it.

Todd

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

I did terrify two elderly ladies when I was staggering up the dock carrying a filthy stinking leaking calcified old holding tank. I was covered in excrement and wearing a hood and goggles and a respirator. They took one look at me and ran the other way. I used lots of bleach to clean up the mess.

TMI!

Good post. Just kidding.

[FrankZ]

Since you have not mentioned where you are, or where you cruise, the first thing you need to do is have a look and see if you are in (or cruise in) an area with NDZs. That would rule out a treatment system.

If you are in salt water the LectraSan makes more sense, if you are in fresh or brackish I think the PuraSan makes better sense.

You don't put either after a tank, toilet straight to the unit with as short a run as possible.

[dbkismet]

I cruise in the Chesapeake mostly - not to worried about NSZ's.

I'm pretty sure LectraScan is an older version of the Electroscan/

[FrankZ]

There has been talk about making the entire MD portion of the Chesapeake an NDZ, though for now it is tabled.

Yes.. the LectraSan is the older version. I keep considering swapping to the PuraSan so I don't have to make the salt water anymore.

[dbkismet]

Peggy do you agree with the advice to replace the tank?

Also where in the system would you locate the electro scan?

Thanks,

Davud

[peghall]

I thought I'd posted to this...a rather lengthy one, in fact. Ok...you get the short version now...

Yes...REMOVE THE TANK! However, if you opt for a treatment device--which I totally encourage!--I would not recommend eliminating the tank altogether.

where in the system would you locate the electro scan?

Immediately after the toilet...with a y-valve that provides a choice between going overboard through it--which is the way it's designed to work--or into the tank IF you absolutely must.

And, since north end of the Bay is so brackish as to be almost fresh, I'd go with the PuraSan Raritan Purasan instead of the ElectroScan...'cuz the PuraSan doesn't need salt.

I'll be glad to help you spec out a system. If you'd like my help, email me.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by dbkismet

The tank is under my teak sole floor, so I have to cut up the floor to replace the tank. $$$$

I'm having a hard time believing this is true. Honestly, a teak sole isn't that hard to pull up. Figure out how they installed it, and then reverse the process.

You're looking for shortcuts that suggest you might not really be cut out for boat ownership. Would you really leave a leaky holding tank aboard once you've switched to a different sanitation system? If so, it's time to take up a different hobby.

[dbkismet]

Bash,

Nice!

Why didnt i think about that. My bad. Maybe i am an idiot as my wife sometimes says.

Maybe i know from other owners that to replace the holding tank on my boat is an exensive repair. typically 5-7 k depending on the replacement tank costs.

Sure its just a cut thought teak and fiberglass, and of course as you suggest i dont know much so i certainly dont care how it looks or how seaworthy he repair is.

You know nothing about me, what type of boat i own, nor any idea about its construction. Why would you post such a negative post?

Others have offered me valuable advice, and i thank them for their help!

You not so much.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by dbkismet

Sure its just a cut thought teak and fiberglass, and of course as you suggest i dont know much so i certainly dont care how it looks or how seaworthy he repair is.

I have not commented on aesthetics or seaworthiness. What I've stated is that you will not have to cut through teak and fiberglass to remove an aluminum holding tank.

[ShaunJ]

Originally Posted by Bash

I'm having a hard time believing this is true. Honestly, a teak sole isn't that hard to pull up. Figure out how they installed it, and then reverse the process.

You're looking for shortcuts that suggest you might not really be cut out for boat ownership. Would you really leave a leaky holding tank aboard once you've switched to a different sanitation system? If so, it's time to take up a different hobby.

Nice Bash,

Why don't we just slam every new poster that has a question?

[senormechanico]

I didn't read Bash's post as a slam at all.
Read it again.

[ShaunJ]

Maybe it was the hobby reference... I think the original poster thought the same way I did.

[peghall]

Maybe i know from other owners that to replace the holding tank on my boat is an exensive repair. typically 5-7 k depending on the replacement tank costs.

Anyone who's paid anywhere NEAR that much just to replace a tank has been seriously ripped off! $500 would be closer to reality....$1000 if you're so mechanically challenged that you can't do any of it yourself and have to pay someone to do it. It's NOT rocket science! Anyone with just a little more mechanical ability than it takes to turn a door knob, who can also read and follow directions can replace a tank and replumb a sanitation system.

And I will be glad to walk you through doing it.