head odors

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by westerly33

Thank you for that.

"CL tab and a piece of a CL with Teflon" - that is what I do not undertand. What is the name of the product and where to get it?
Why to use two tablets if one of them has Cl and Teflon?

Thank you.

The first looks just like the Teflon and Cl tabs. They say on the cover: With Teflon! I have found them harder to buy lately, so wonder if they are phasing them out? At any rate, this one will work:




I also break a piece of this one up and drop it in the strainer.



Research your tanks, etc to make sure you will not have any adverse effects with this system.

- CD

[westerly33]

Thank you CD,
I cannot see pictures but have got product names from the links.
So, adding Cl you simply killing any flora in the tank.

Thanks again.

[Triquetra]

I would be very careful about putting chlorine-containing products, such as bleach, in the head, though it will sterilize the area well, since the high ammonia content of the waste in the holding tank will react to release chlorine gas, which is dangerous, particularly in confined spaces, like holds. I inadvertently forgot this basic chemistry once while cleaning up a nasty holding tank spill (actually an overflow ) and almost gassed myself. This topic was discussed more in another thread "Acetone, bleach, lamp oil. Where/how to stow?"

Is it necessary to encourage microbial breakdown of the holding tank contents, since they just get pumped out? Antimicrobials would help prevent odor from breakdown products, but not odors of the chemicals there originally, like ammonia. Or should the holding tank be handled like a septic tank for a house, and have microbial breakdown of the contents encouraged?

[mikchil]

Seems like most boats have collections of odors. A small ozone generator can make a big difference. Not a substitute for eliminating all reasonably fixable leaks and the like but it is pretty effective. Put one in our 38' Catalina and my wife no longer complains.

[sailingdog]

Not a big fan of Ozone generators on a boat. Ozone can damage a lot of plastics and rubber hoses, like those used in a boat. Good way to sink a boat if you're not careful. IMHO, it is better to get rid of the causes of the odors, than to install a ozone generator to get rid of the odors.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by westerly33

Thank you CD,
I cannot see pictures but have got product names from the links.
So, adding Cl you simply killing any flora in the tank.

Thanks again.

In my opinion, I think the point of this is not killing what is in the tank, but what is in the intake line. I think that is the source of most smells on the boat.

We also add a chemical treatment, in addition to the tabs.

My opinion is that it is the intake that is the issue on many boats - not the holding tank itself. You get a nice little flora buildup in there too. I have not done a micro study on this, but it seems logical to me that what happens is that you get a colony of microorganisms living in your intake line. THere is little/no air, so as the die and decay, they are being digested by the same anerobic bacteria that would live in your tank in an anerobic environment. Thus, when you pump (especially if you have not used the head in a while), you get a strong sulfur (ie, stink) that is horrid.

THe inlind Cl tabs prevent that from happening. They release in a relatively low concentration. I guess you could probably put vodka or rubbing alcohol in there with the same benefit - just costs more (smile) among other issues.

This option is not a traditional option. I am still reseacrhing the effects of it, which is why I have not written this up in Mainsheet. I very cautiously suggest it.

HOWEVER, 2 years running... and no issues.

Regarding the Cl gas, you would think that if it was truly doing that in sufficient quantities to produce a toxic gas, when you popped the pumpout, you would get a nose full. That has not been the case. Perhaps because of the ventilation outside you do not get it?? I am not sure. I gues if you had a major leak down below, it could become a problem. Of course, with a major head leak down below you would have to abandon ship anyways!! (smile).

[RAGTIMEDON]

Thanks for the suggestion. The idea of using a Chlorox toilet treatment tablet seems sound, but it will not work for me at present. The problem is that I currently sail on the Mississippi, and "ol' man river" smells worse than the ocean. Consequently, although I have a thru-hull to take in flush water for my head, I flush instead with a gallon bottle filled with water from the city water supply at the dock. (we carry 4-5 plastic bottles for this use.) I guess I could put a piece of that treatment tablet in each bottle as I fill it, but the automatic feature of the slowly dissolving tablet in the intake line would certainly make it easier! Meanwhile, I shall install the filter housing on the flush water intake line so that when I get to the Great Lakes next year, I can use that suggestion. I will use that intake then, because Lake Michigan doesn't stink! O K you Chicago sailors, don't tell me it does, I used to live near the east shore of that big puddle!

[NauticalFishwife]

RagtimeDon... I'm from Columbia MO! But we keep the boat in Annapolis. Just this week a J42 arrived at our dock and the owner is from St Louis! MO does have sailors! I was taught to use vinegar and also flush a bit of mineral oil from time to time. Mineral oil to lubricate the rubber gaskets and to assist the "movement" through the hose to holding tank. Vinegar to break down salt and uric crystals. You can purchase from a camp supply store the poop in the woods kit. Which for some reason I thought would be a good idea to have on the boat in case the head malfunctioned. The bags that came with the kit turned to dust over a years time-thank goodness we didn't need them. I also put one of those clip on toilet cleaners on our head bowl. I don't use the ones with bleach in them. And I agree with above about flushing fresh water through the head before leaving the boat.

[CalebD]

if you stop using clorox and other harsh chemicals to your holding tank. Yes, vinegar and mineral oil are not harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia and they are ok to use to lubricate and clean out the pipes.
I had the opportunity to go to a friends new (to him) Endeavor 32' and at first I could not stand the smell of the cabin without keeping the companionway, hatches and several ports open. Once we finally pumped out and flushed the tank (there was a clog in the air vent) and I treated the tank with "KO" I kept the door to the head open. It almost smelled sweet but was much better than before.
If you need to clean the bowl use whatever product you must but immediately pump it out and re-dose with the "KO" on an empty tank. You will be amazed at the transformation of odor.
The best thing you can do is flush your holding tank with fresh water (under pressure) a few times to get rid of as much crap (?) that was coagulated there with all the 'miracle additives' former PO's put down there and pump all that stuff out. Then start a new regimen with "KO". You will be amazed.
I read Peggy Hall's book and she got it right. Anaerobic sulphurous stink is way worse than the sweet smell of the aerobic bacteria doing its job. It helps to have to air vents if you can swing that too.
This thread started a few years ago but it is still valid for those not in the nose.

[westerly33]

Does anybody have any experience with this product?

"BIOLOGIC™ RVM - An environmentally safe, fast acting blend, used to eliminate odors and liquefy solids in marine and recreational/caravan holding tanks. Each application contains a formulated concentration of natural active ingredients to provide effective long lasting odor elimination for as long as it takes to fill the tank."

I tried it last summer and it improved the situation some how but in winter with the holding tank empty and the boat on the dry, the odor is still very strong.

I think it is not from the tank but from the rubber parts and hoses.

Last year I replaced joker valve in the heads and put an old one in plastic bag in the car trunk. Next day I was surprised by the nasty stench in the car but forgot about the valve. Until I removed the bag from the car the nasty smell was there.

Now I am planning to replace hoses and the head all-together.