Holding tank plugged

[Capt. Wanabe]

Recently I encountered a new problem on my R27. After spending the weekend on the bay I went to pump out the holding tank but couldn't get the dockside pump to retrieve any waste. They tried two separate pumps to no avail. I haven't ever had one of these things get clogged before but I guess if anything uses a hole it has the capability to get occluded. Couldn't find anything on the internet so I am appealing to the wisdom and experience of this group for ideas. Can you poke a wire, pour "Drain-o", apply intermittent suction, etc.? What works? I vaguely recall a previous post commenting on the stern rail which is in the way but the dockside hose still seemed to make a seal.

Frank

 

[knotflying]

Frank,
Although I have no first hand experience with holding tank issues (have and Airhead and yours is the reason why) I figured I may throw out an idea. Can you shove a water hose down the outlet as far as it will go and shoot water down there? Sometimes a clog can’t go one way but it can go the opposite direction.

 

[GulfSailor]

.................After spending the weekend on the bay I went to pump out the holding tank but couldn't get the dockside pump to retrieve any waste. They tried two separate pumps to no avail.............

Those pumps are pretty powerful. It's hard to imagine anything that was even slightly flexible that they couldn't suck out.

I think I'd take a look at the 'Y' valve. If it has somehow ended up in the wrong position it could cause the problem you're experiencing.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

The seal has to be air tight. When I've had a problem before I've tightened the deck fitting securely, reattached the suction hose and have been good to go. Some times one pump facility does not have good suction for one reason or another so try another place. If none of this works you need to ask why or how did it get clogged. I've had guest put things into a boat head that has no business going down a toilet. At one time we had a sign that said "if it didn't first go in your mouth then don't put it the toilet" or something close to this. Lastly make sure the toilet paper you use is biodegradable and for use in marine heads.......other stuff does not break down as easily and can clog things up. Please let us know how things work out.

Jim

 

[Lobo]

If you can pump sewage overboard, then your Y-Valve must be turned so that you can suck it out from shore.

 

[steveandtina]

LOBO IS SPOT ON WITH HIS DIAGNOSTICS,, WITH YOUR BOAT IN A PLACE THAT WILL NOT OFFEND ANYONE--[YOUR DRIVEWAY FOR INSTANCE] TURN ON THE MACERATER PUMP AND IF THE R-27 BLOWS LIQUID BROWN CAR WAX ALL OVER YOUR WIFE'S NEW BMW,, THEN THE Y VALVE NEEDS TO BE TURNED 90 DEGREES IN ANY DIRECTION IT WILL--- AS USUAL, ,,THE GUY WITH A SMART ASS ANSWER--- THE LESSER HALF OF STEVEANDTINA :lol: :lol:

 

[Capt. Wanabe]

:lol: I knew I could count on great advice. Will let you know the outcome! Thanks.

Frank

 

[doke01]

Also check the vent. Maybe it is blocked.