Homemade waste tank filter

[Brian B]

I was getting some really obnoxious odors every time the head was flushed as our Summer weather has been in the 90's lately. I searched online and found filters for over $100.00 and they have to be replaced each season.
I came across this article on how to build one for $30.00 so I gave it a try.
It's been installed for one week and has eliminated all odors. I have also pumped the tank without issues.
Here's the link to build it http://www.boatinghowto.com/content/bui ... ilter-288/
You need to join the forum to view the pics.
I built it for less than $30.00, I did not use the J hooks, I attached it to the waste pump out line with zip ties.
Photo of it installed in my photo album
10 minutes to build it, 15 minutes to install it on my R25SC
Activated charcoal can be replaced as needed for a few $$$

 

[knotflying]

Looks good Brian! And how often do you suspect that you may have to replace the "filter"? I assume that you made one of the ends removable so you don't have to build a new one each time, correct?

 

[baz]

Brian: Were the odors present with boat docked or underway, or did it make no difference ? Also, was the odor inside the cabin ou out in/on the cockpit ?

 

[Brian B]

Looks good Brian! And how often do you suspect that you may have to replace the "filter"? I assume that you made one of the ends removable so you don't have to build a new one each time, correct?

One end does unscrew to change the charcoal, not sure how long it will last until it needs to be changed.. I'll let my nose be the judge.

 

[Brian B]

Brian: Were the odors present with boat docked or underway, or did it make no difference ? Also, was the odor inside the cabin ou out in/on the cockpit ?

Odors were present only when the head was flushed. Odors only in the cockpit area coming directly from the vent.

 

[HRowland]

Nice job Brian.
We had the same issue whenever the head was flushed so I installed a "Big Orange" filter in the holding tank vent line. They recomend replacing the charcoal every year but we are in our second year with no odor. Like you I will let our noses decide when new charcoal is required.



http://www.bigorangefilter.com/index.html

Howard

 

[JimmyH]

Brian,
Thanks for the post! Built and installed one today...It definitely made a difference and best of all the price was right!

 

[sportner]

Thanks Brian,

I installed one as well and the 1st mate is very happy. I also cleaned the shower sump and filter, it was nasty and smelled like a sewer. We are odor free now.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Reviving this post to thank Brian for pointing to this solution to smelly holding tanks. This was a fun project. An hour at the hardware store putting the pieces together (I did my own design on the fly without brass barbed fittings), a half hour at home putting together, and a half hour to install by just cutting into the vent line and zip tying the filter to the pump out line. Return on $30 and two hour investment: priceless domestic tranquility. If only working on all boat projects had such benefit/cost ratios....

 

[TonyM]

I built and installed one early last year and it works great. 🙂
I have not needed to change the charcoal yet.

 

[Chimo]

Just an update to this thread. Coming off the season with the Big Orange filter and really pleased. No odour so no replacement charcoal yet. That I will get locally. I thought about the homemade version but liked the idea of the built in relief valve for pump out time. I know I could remove the access cap but if I forget and collapse the tank......... 😱

I think the filter was about $80cdn so ~$65 USD

 

[nzfisher]

Here is another home made waste gas filter-

gallery2.php?g2_itemId=48767

 

[Chimo]

Here is another home made waste gas filter-

gallery2.php?g2_itemId=48767

I do get it and I’m just looking for education. When the tank gets pumped out how do you avoid the risk of a vacuum in the tank and it collapsing? Will the air pull through the charcoal in sufficient volume and speed to avoid this or do you have to remember to open the inspection port on the tank? The Big Orange has a bypass valve but I still try to remember to open the port. That pump out is a real sucker!

 

[Brian B]

Yes the air pulls through the filter. I can't count the number of times my tank has been pumped out in the 4 years that I installed the homemade filter. I've used various pump outs in different states without any problems. I do not open anything on the tank itself.

 

[Connerkip]

If concerned with negative pressure on the waste tank during pump out, and using a home made charcoal filter, simply install a studor vent on a tee just before the charcoal canister. Very simple and inexpensive solution.

 

[SgtAlf]

I made this filter, well 2 of them. I used a 2" PVC cap, and a 2" cleanout. I drilled both the cap and the cleanout plug, and screwed the brass adapter into the plastic. The fit was tight enough that I didn't feel the need for any sealer. Pics in my album.