Testing the holding tank.

Dasein · Post by **Dasein** » Sep 1st, '19, 19:59

I have a CD25 with an inboard head. I haven't used the head as I don't know that the lines and holding tank are sound. Any suggestions on how to test the system before I create an unpleasant mess?

Thank you.

Fiji Gin
1978 CD25
Kingston, NY

s2sailorlis · Post by **s2sailorlis** » Sep 1st, '19, 20:51

Some basics. Is the holding tank empty? If so, just put some water thru the head and start pumping. If there are no leaks or nasties, you should be good to start. My experience, if you don’t know the prior regimen of the PO, assume worst case scenario...

. Make sure holding tank vent line is clear, joker valve (always loved that term) is functioning in the head, assume it’s raw water intake so that needs to be in good order, etc. visually inspect the line from head to holding tank, wipe a clean cloth along the line, if it smells, you’ve got issues. Good luck!

Dasein · Post by **Dasein** » Sep 2nd, '19, 03:13

Thanks Rick. Sounds pretty straightforward. I was thinking to add some food coloring to the water so any leaks would be more obvious. It will be nice to know that I can overnight on her.

Thanks again.

Happy sailing.

Otto

s2sailorlis · Post by **s2sailorlis** » Sep 2nd, '19, 07:21

If you find your head situation stinks..

. Google “Peggy Hall” aka the head mistress. She’s written several books on maintaining heads.

Dasein wrote:Thanks Rick. Sounds pretty straightforward. I was thinking to add some food coloring to the water so any leaks would be more obvious. It will be nice to know that I can overnight on her.

Thanks again.

Happy sailing.

Otto

bottomscraper · Post by **bottomscraper** » Sep 2nd, '19, 10:13

Food coloring works but you probably need a couple of larger bottles, the little McCormick assortment bottles are probably too small.

Kickin Bears · Post by **Kickin Bears** » Sep 2nd, '19, 10:26

Lots of really good advice already. I didn’t see it stated, but service the pump first before doing anything else imo. Take a look at the holding tank line for calcification while disconnected to get a sense of condition too; replace if built up.

I don’t think you need food coloring personally. Assuming you don’t have any other leaks / drips to the bilge, you can fill up the tank with clean water via pump out cap topside. If theres a leak, you’ll see your bilge fill and will know the culprit.

+1 on Peggy Hall .... she knows her sh!t

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