[Public-List] Holding tank plumbing

[elyse.pastor at sympatico.ca]

Hello Albergers,

In reference to John Riley's comment about the last drawing, I would agree that it is important to have that option of pumping the holding tank over board. But here is how I thought of that (not really true as somone else has given me the final idea on that):

Originally I wanted to install a LAVAC toilet with the LAVAC pump and 2 y-valves (you can see a link on the bottom of the last page - that owner had only great things to say about his system and since I really do believe him, this will be my next system). That system would have allowed me to pump straight overboard, straight into the tank, or from the tank over board - truly the ultimate simple solution with only 2 y-valves and one hand pump like a Whaler or Henderson MkV (apparently you can flush T-Shirts...).

But since I had an almost new Critenden Toilet (with the pump integrated in the toilet) and to save money, I decided on the plumbing as seen on the 3rd page. What I will need in addition is a second back-up bilge pump (but instead of installing it like John has suggested, I would have it not installed so I can also use it for emergencies anywhere needed - even on a neighbours boat). I would then make an adaptor so I can empty the holding tank from the regular deck pump-out fitting, if that rare ocasion arrives where I have to do this.

Hope this clarifies the thinking behind the drawing.

Happy Easter to all of you. Elyse and I will be off to LADY HERON for some major work.

Bruno & Elyse

LadyHeron #297

 
> One comment about the last drawing:
> 
> I'm not saying my way is 'better,' but I did the plumbing a little 
> differently. I put the Y-valve after the holding tank (ie, between the 
> tank and the deck fitting/overboard discharge. Between the Y-valve and 
> the seacock is a Whale waste pump to pump out the tank overboard.
> 
> My reasoning was this: I could envision being in an out-of-the-way place 
> (ie, no pump-out facility anywhere around), anchored, for extended 
> periods and would not want to flush overboard. So, what to do when the 
> tank gets full? Pull up the hook, sail out offshore a few miles and 
> pump out the tank. Then run back in to same or different anchorage to 
> continue seclusion.
> 
> I also know of at least one cruiser who has the best of both methods. 
> By using 2 Y-valves, he can pump-out at marina, flush directly overboard 
> or manually pump-out the tank overboard. I simply opted for a less 
> complicated compromise, choosing to live with the idea that offshore, we 
> will still use the tank and will have to periodically have to pump it out.
> 
>