pump out problem

[bruceyp]

I went to pump out the holding tank the other day and nothing happened. I opened the top of the holding tank and sure enough there was stuff that needed to be pumped. I tried several times but nothing would come out. I put the hose overboard to see if the pumpout was sucking. It was. I ran water into the suck-out port to see if it was clogged. nope it went in, but not out. I opened the tank again and left the cap off thinking that if the vent was clogged, air could go in thru that. Nothing. I ended up sucking everything out thru the top of the tank. What is happening, or not happening, and what should I do to fix it?
Thanks y'all,
Bruce

[k1vsk]

Sounds like your vent isn't the problem which is usually the case. If your pumpout fitting is on the top of the tank, I'd guess it's the pick-up tube inside the tank which is either leaking or broken.

[mitchbrown]

The only thing possible is that the pump out line is getting clogged or maybe collapsing when you try to put the suck to it. If you don't see an obvious collaps it could be that the tubing has seperated inside. At any rate replace the tubeing and i bet it will fix your problem.

Mitch

[SlowButSteady]

Sounds like the dip tube may have fallen off the fitting on the top of the tank.

[GilStump]

eek. Sounds like much of the reason I went to a composting toilet. Couldn't be happier. Creepy smells are gone, and no more pumpouts.

[eherlihy]

Likely an air leak between the tank and the vacuum pump.

Check the fitting of the pumpout (I've had this happen to me). Splash a bucket of water over the hose and the deck fitting as you are trying to pump out the holding tank. You will likely hear a slupring noise from the vacuum leak.

My bet is it will either be the deck fitting, or the end of the vacuum nozzle.

[sailingdog]

It might be the pumpout fitting on the tank, but it depends on the tank. Some use a top fitting with a dip tube, others use a fitting located on the side near the bottom of the tank. Without knowing what kind of tank you have it is hard to say if this is the problem.

It could be the hose that goes from the tank to the pumpout deck fitting. If it wasn't the right type of hose or the hose has failed, then it could be collapsing under the vacuum. If that is the case, you wouldn't get much out of the tank, if anything. When were the hoses last replaced? What kind of hose was used?

Ed's suggestion of a leak between the tank pumpout fitting and the vacuum pump is the most likely one. Either the deck fitting isn't fitting right or is damaged, or there is a leak in the hose or tank.

[poopdeckpappy]

Just went though this, we actually had a split hose between the tank and deck fittng.

I don't know at what point in the life of this boat it happened but somewhere along the time line radiator hose was used for sani lines, I've also work on a couple other (older boats ) that also have radiator hose

[knothead]

Originally Posted by bruceyp

what should I do to fix it?
Thanks y'all,
Bruce

Rip it all out and go with Gil's suggestion, a composting head. You'll never be sorry.
Except for the cost.
I look forward to when the Chinese start making them. The price is sure to drop to a reasonable level.