Diverter needed between holding tank/macerator/deck pump out??

[FishFinder]

I attached a picture (hope it works) of the situation -- hose comes out from the holding tank, there is a "T" connector (not valved) that leads to both the deck pumpout and the macerator (then overboard).

I'm wondering if this "T" connector Should be replaced with a "Y" valve?? Just seems to me that connected like it is now, pumping out or using the macerator might not be very efficient?? Or worse pumping out could pull seawater in through the macerator??

[brak]

I have the same setup - built it myself. Nothing gets pulled through macerator (just keep macerator outlet seacock closed). On the other hand, if the deck pumpout is closed - macerator seems to pump pretty well.

So, no issues so far.

[sailingdog]

The macerator's output should have a seacock. In theory, the fact that the deck pumpout fitting will be sealed when you're using the macerator at sea, and the seacock should be closed when using the pumpout fitting, you shouldn't need a diverter valve.

[FishFinder]

Thanks, I'll leave it as is for now and be sure to close the macerator seacock when I pump.

[JohnRPollard]

Fishfinder,

Ours is same as described by Brak and SD. You will be fine with this arrangement.

Just a quick note, but unless you're more than three miles off-shore, that thru-hull for the macerator pump needs to be secured and kept closed, in the same way that the direct-discharge thru-hull from the head (if you have one) has to be secured closed.

[brak]

Originally Posted by FishFinder

Thanks, I'll leave it as is for now and be sure to close the macerator seacock when I pump.

I'd say keep macerator seacock closed at all times unless you use a macerator (and close it once you are done). Macerator pump is probably not the best water-sealing device, though it does have an impeller in there

[xort]

Technically it works but legally does it? Depends on where you are and which potty police board you for inspection.

[brak]

Well, legally there is no direct overboard discharge, though perhaps it's good to keep macerator seacock locked with something

The good thing is - this system always passes standard overboard discharge test - dye in the toilet. That's what they did when they boarded us on ICW last year. Drop dye and pump, then look for a trail. Well, in this case - no trail, and unless the police wants to go follow all the stinky hoses in the locker, that's about it.

[montenido]

That pic of the macerator setup is just what I have trying to find. I am going to install a macerator in my Cat 30 and was not sure about where or how. You know what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words...

Thanks again, montenido

[JimsCAL]

I have the same setup except the pump is a Whale diaphragm pump. Never had a problem with a deck pumpout or using the pump when legal. No need for Y-valve as long as the pump discharge seacock is closed when being pumped out or the cap is on the deck pumpout when using the pump.