My head is playing mind games with me. Hope someone can help with advice.
I have a y valve that permits pumping overboard (3 mile limit) or into the holding tank. That works fine.
The problem is that the pumpout hose (to a deck fitting) doesn't work. There is a manual guzzler pump between the holding tank connection and the deck fitting. When I go to a pumpout station and try to pump out, nothing comes out, even though the pump works (it sucks up river water).
Also, when I tried to pump with the guzzler (indepedent of the pump station) nothing comes out.
I suspect the pumpout connection at the holding tank is not tight.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
Bill
billgold@hotmail.com
Holding Tank Pumpout Problem
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Dana
Re: Holding Tank Pumpout Problem
Bill,
Yes, the pump suction line connections must be tight. Air leakage will cause a decreased pump performance. The waste draw out tube in the tank may be plugged. The inlet of the draw out tube must be low in the tank to continue pumping out as the tank level lowers. This, however, can make it subject to plugging if solids are allowed to settle for a long period of time. I take your comment about the pump being able to suck up river water that you took it out and tried it independently. And nothing like the guzzler pump was orginally and incorrectly installed backwards so that its internal check valves are preventing flow.
Other than that, its going to be a dirty job. If the tank has a top mounted withdrawal tube, you could try rodding it out. Also you could pull the hose connection (if this is a top withdrawal) at this location, cover seal the tank tube to seal the odor, and cover the suction line with a secured piece plastic sheet. Use the pump and see if the plastic sheet tries to suck in. If it does, it is a blockage in the drawout tube and the pump/hose connections are fine.
Dana
arenius@aol.com
Yes, the pump suction line connections must be tight. Air leakage will cause a decreased pump performance. The waste draw out tube in the tank may be plugged. The inlet of the draw out tube must be low in the tank to continue pumping out as the tank level lowers. This, however, can make it subject to plugging if solids are allowed to settle for a long period of time. I take your comment about the pump being able to suck up river water that you took it out and tried it independently. And nothing like the guzzler pump was orginally and incorrectly installed backwards so that its internal check valves are preventing flow.
Other than that, its going to be a dirty job. If the tank has a top mounted withdrawal tube, you could try rodding it out. Also you could pull the hose connection (if this is a top withdrawal) at this location, cover seal the tank tube to seal the odor, and cover the suction line with a secured piece plastic sheet. Use the pump and see if the plastic sheet tries to suck in. If it does, it is a blockage in the drawout tube and the pump/hose connections are fine.
Dana
arenius@aol.com