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I put vegetable oil in our head on a regular basis. Its not recommended because it interferes with whatever bacterial action is supposed to happening in the holding tank. It keeps the rubber parts working smoothly however.
Rich
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Hey, Rich,
There are additives for that purpose – enhancing bacterial action. But the holding tank is not really supposed to act like a septic tank. It's supposed to act as a temporary storage. However, that said, if you want to enhance said activity, make sure you have a 1″ vent on either side of the boat (preferably one fore and one aft) with no kinks or loops and add Zep Drain Care occasionally. The better vented the tank is the less it will smell and the faster those little bacteria will work their magic.
When I have mine pumped, I run several gallons of fresh water through the vent to clear the bottom and leave fresh water in the tank. Salt water will ensure the tank smells badly if left for any length of time.
There's a really good article on the web somewhere, and I've provided a link before in these discussions, that describes all the thought that should go into head and holding tank installations. I can find it again if you'd like.
Bob
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Bob Fine
s/v Pelican
Pearson 424 Hull #8
http://thesailinglife.blogspot.com
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Bob
I don’t have a holding tank and hope I don’t get forced to install one. I use an Electrosan flow-through treatment system. A little vegetable oil won’t hurt my system, but those who have holding tanks might do a web-search to find that article. I could go on about how stupid and counter-productive the no-discharge zone laws are, but this is the wrong venue.Rich
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Hi Rich,
I agree with you, however, legally, in the U.S., a Letra-San doesn't meet the CG requirements. I had one on Pelican when I bought her but threw it away and installed a holding tank because that's the law. Also, when I removed it, I found it to be installed backwards. I suspect mine wasn't the only one like that.
Here's the real rub, though: If your system was installed before 1978, then a direct overboard discharge is legal *UNLESS* you have changed anything in the system including replacing a hose. At that time you're required to bring it up to current code, which is a holding tank.
The tank system is a requirement inside the COLREGS line. So, legally, you're out of compliance. Morally? Different story – If every one who owned a boat discharged directly into the waters the impact would be less than one rainy day in any large city.
Still, you have to start somewhere, I suppose.
All the best,
Bob
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Bob Fine
s/v Pelican
Pearson 424 Hull #8
http://thesailinglife.blogspot.com
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Bob
I think I’m legal. To my knowledge, there is no federal law that mandates zero discharge in all coastal waters. Various state and local laws have outlawed treated discharge however.http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/reviewpages/boatusf/PDF_files/info4c.pdf
Rich
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Rich, FWIW, this past Summer the CG at Montauk boarded every, and I mean every, vessel that entered the Pond. They would ask, may I come aboard? And if you said no, they cited the appropriate reference and came aboard anyway. Among other things they checked for was your waste system and a holding tank. And emergency equipment. And correct lights.
All the best.
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Well this is NY Long Island, also no discharge.
They asked. I showed. My tank is under a new panel cut in the floor three years ago, prior owner was illegal. I installed a 25 gallon tank, macerator, and legal switches, etc.
I have heard but not seen that they gave out citations in connection with the local NY police and State Environmental types.
I wish you and your family a great holiday, health, prosperity, happiness and full sails in 2010.
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Rich,
If they're being really conscientious, they'll put dye in the head and pump. If the water outside turns colors they know.
Bob
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Bob Fine
s/v Pelican
Pearson 424 Hull #8
http://thesailinglife.blogspot.com
Follow me at: http://www.tinyurl.com/WhereIsBobFinePost generated from Pearson424 Forum using Mail2Forum
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I’ve resisted retrofitting to a holding tank system because of the cost and associated problems with the systems. I occasionally cruise in waters are zero-discharge zones. A small holding-tank system in parallel with my flow-through system would solve the problem. Appropriate valves and locks on them would be required of course. Its on the list but like most things on that list it never seems to make it to the top.
I’ve heard about the dye thing. My electa-san has about a 2-gal treatment tank. If they don’t pump a whole lot, the dye won’t come out.
Regards
Rich
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