R29 Head Oder Avoidance

[OlygirlNav]

I put together a list of 6 steps to take to avoid being that Stink Boat on the dock! I have done extensive reading of Sailing forums, RV forums and of course Tugnugts. Sailing formum experts suggests if you do the first 5 steps installing a charcoal vent is not necessary. I am doing the shotgun approach to ensure sucess. I have only had this installed for one outing and it took a pumpout to realize the oderless flush I was after. Originally I ordered the Big Orange but it did not arrive in time for the scheduled install plus would require shipping every time I needed to change a filter. The installer suggested USA Camco charcoal filter which was available in time for installation. To measure 5 gallons I count to 90 and that should be close enough depends on flow rate.
I attached my list hopefully people can read it. As backup here is the list.

• Use Rydlyme Marine to descale any calcium buildup from uric acid and saltwater. You will see foaming the bowl as the calcium dissolves.
• 1 pt Rydlyme​
• 4 pt fresh water​
• Shut off saltwater sea cock to head and flush using fresh water​
• Let sit 6 hours or overnight to dissolve the calcium buildup that can block line​
• Repeat once a quarter.​
• Use Noflex Digestor (buy at Marine Sanitation) or Just Science (buy LFS) which promotes healthy aerobic bacteria which will digest waste build-up. Follow directions on container for treatment.
• Use only non-bacteria killing cleaners like Simple Green. Using cleaners that kill bacteria will also kill the treatment and allow odor for the stink bomb when flushing. One drop of virus cleaner will kill all the good bacteria in the holding tank.
• At pump out flush fresh water out 2-3 times to ensure all waste is gone.
• After pump out fill 5-gals fresh water to allow the treatment water to work with to eliminate the waste odor.
• Install a charcoal vent device on the vent line. I used Camco in line vent and placed it at the holding tank vent for coinvent filter changing. Camco came with various installation options. All that is needed are the hose clamps and possibly another length of vent hose for proper angle.

 

[OlygirlNav]

Update on the amount of water to add after pump out. I found that adding 5 gallons of fresh water does help eliminate the oder but it also fills up the holding tank quicker. I have used 4 gallons and that did eliminate oder and was not so quick on the sensor going to yellow. Right now trying 3 gallons of fresh water and will see how that does. Suspect that over longer storage like winter will need more fresh water.

I used our gallon milk jug modified for bailing as a funnel to fill the holding tank. We use a gallon bucket and works great!