Holding tank gauge and smell

[Bel Canto]

Marine heads are always a topic of conversation. Usually at the dinner table.

Our Techma head has lights, to indicate when the holding tank is full. They didn't work on our cruise and we forced some stuff (substitute the appropriate word) into our vent tube.

I took apart an outboard flusher, attached it to a garden hose, and used it to back flush the vent, to help clean it out. (Using very low pressure.)

Does anyone know how the holding tank gauge works? Is there a trick to getting the gauge to work again that anyone has had success with?

I believe that cleaning out the vent tube can help with some odor issues, but you have to be very careful, and I wouldn't be surprised if someone tell me that you shouldn't do it at all.

 

[Kenny Marrs]

What was the gauge reading when you were on your cruise? The indicator lights should go from green to orange to red as the tank starts to fill up.

The first thing I'd do would be to give the tank a good flush. Most pump out station have a hose there you can use to fill your holding tank back up. Once full, I then pump out the tank again. This will help a great deal with odor too! Anytime I pump out I try and flush the tank at least twice, three times if there's not a huge line. I would try these steps and see if you still have an issue with the gauge.

Lastly, I always add more holding tank treatment once I'm done pumping out. This is the best defense against odor and the treatment will help keep your tank clean.

Hope this helps!

-Kenny

 

[Bel Canto]

The gauge never came off of green. We always rinse the holding tank. This last time, we rinsed 3 times. Won't know if it worked until we use it again.

 

[Irish Mist]

It sounds like the sensors fell off the tank. They are just glued on the outside and use some kind of secret force to sense when the fluid is at their level.