[dsmboosted]

I went to get my holding tank pumped out today on my 1989 silverton express cruser and they were not able to pump the tank because they said there was probably a clogged exhaust line.

Where would that be located on the boat? We were able to figure out where the gas tank exhaust is because we filled the tank up, but we were not sure where the holding tanks was. It it right next to the gas exhaust on the starbord side of the hull?

thanks!

Zach

[NYCAP123]

You will generally have one vent for each fuel tank and one for each holding tank. If you put your nose to it you should be able to tell which is which. It should also be in close proximity to the holding tank.

[Pascal]

it depends where the tnak is, the vent shoudl be near the tank, just like the pump out fitting. so start looking for a vent fitting aroudn the area of the pump out.

Some boats have charcoal filters on the vent line to remove odors. they need to be replaced every couple of years. If they get wet (overflow) they clog right away. in doubt, trace the vent line from the holding tank.

could be another issue besides clogged vent line... like a broken dip tube in the tank if that's how it's set up. also, make sure you dont' have a valve on the discahrge line, some boats do....

if you suspect a vent issue, try this. close the pump out cap tight... flush the head a couple of times and SLOWLY open the cap. if you feel pressure, STOP! let it escape slowly, that means you do have a clogged vent

[NYCAP123]

This early in the season you may also be dealing with the dreaded "Brick". If you don't pump out often or completely enough the waste can settle into a brick in the bottom of the tank. Since 1989 that could be a big brick showing you a full tank, but no lose stuff. Each time you pump out you should put in several gallons of fresh water and then pump that out. Personally I don't know of any chemicals that can undo a brick without hurting the tank or "pipes". Maybe someone else here does. In the mean time we'll just hope it's the vent.
One spot of possible good news. More often than not when I've seen boats unable to get pumped out it's the pump that doesn't have enough suction. Try another pumpout station before getting too dirty.

[dsmboosted]

Oh boy, I did not know about this brick problem. i have a strong feeling that is what it is We did not pump the tank out this winter and it was almost full. If its the brick, what do we need to do? Replace the tank?

[NYCAP123]

Originally Posted by dsmboosted

Oh boy, I did not know about this brick problem. i have a strong feeling that is what it is We did not pump the tank out this winter and it was almost full. If its the brick, what do we need to do? Replace the tank?

Big mistake! I'm hoping someone will come on here with a chemical. Failing that it's replace the tank or stir it up. Always empty the tank before winter layup and every couple of weeks during season. Better still direct everybody to the shore facilities. Good luck.

[Capt J]

Originally Posted by NYCAP123

Big mistake! I'm hoping someone will come on here with a chemical. Failing that it's replace the tank or stir it up. Always empty the tank before winter layup and every couple of weeks during season. Better still direct everybody to the shore facilities. Good luck.

I've never heard of the brick thing, and have run yachts for a long time. Maybe it's a northern thing, I dunno.

You need to locate your holding tank in the boat, follow the vent line and see if there's a charcoal filter on it (roughly a 2" thick tube and 18" long) these are usually made by sealand and should be changed every 2 years, if not remove the vent line (usually 1/2" hose) from the tank and try blowing it out with compressed air. The vent should be close to the deck fitting where it exits the hull. Your Y-valve may be in the wrong position, I would try filling the deck fill with a garden hose for 30 seconds and see if water goes down it, it may be as simple as moving a y-valve. This would be near the tank on one of the large hoses coming off of the tank

[Pascal]

never heard of the brick either... has to be one of those specific northern thing: winterizing, freezing, noreaster, ice eater, brick.

i woudn't worry about a "brick" just yet, just check the vent, filter and possible valve as i suggested earlier and take it from there.

also, try another pump out. At my marina here, whe the tide is high, it's harder to pump out since the bow is pretty high above the dock. hard for the "stuff" to be sucked 6 or 7' above the dock pump out fitting.

[NYCAP123]

It's a very simple thing. Whether you're talking mud or c---. The solids fall to the bottom, the water rises. 6 months of no shaking and the pump out only takes the water on top. With home septic tanks you should put in a chemical like Rid-X that eats the ---- so the liquid can leach into the surrounding soil or else the tank volume shrinks and you bring in the big pumps. Eventually the bottom dries too much for the pump and it's time for a new septic tank, usually about 30 years or so. On boats we call it a brick and this boat has had 20 years to build it up. In a tank that was probably just 20 or 30 gals new that could do it.

[Capt. Bill11]

If your pick up is on, or very near, the bottom, as most are, how does this brick get so big?

[NYCAP123]

Originally Posted by Capt. Bill11

If your pick up is on, or very near, the bottom, as most are, how does this brick get so big?

A small tank and 20 years of not pumping out regularly. Try filling a 5 gal paint bucket half way with mud. Let it dry then fill the rest with water. Now tape a cheap shop vac to the pour hole above the water and see how much of the dried mud comes up.

[dsmboosted]

Does anyone know how to access the holding tank on a 1989 silverton express 34'. I cant even see how I can get at it. I have never even seen it...

[dskira]

You can use one of these liquid product for home sewage clog in the pipe to the sceptic system. It is a brutal product and will make a brick, and yes they exist, quite more fluid.
I used it, and worked fine, unfortunatly I don't have the brand in my head. I find it on a hardware store.
Good luck.

[Seafarer]

Originally Posted by Capt. Bill11

If your pick up is on, or very near, the bottom, as most are, how does this brick get so big?

Have you ever had a milkshake? Take a big pull on the straw, and you'll suck the milkshake right around the straw up, but there's still a lot of milkshake left in the cup.

It's probably more often a northern thing because of length of season and (in)frequency of boat use away from the dock, especially this year with such frequent rain and cool weather.

[chesapeake46]

Originally Posted by Pascal

..... flush the head a couple of times and SLOWLY open the cap. if you feel pressure, STOP! let it escape slowly, that means you do have a clogged vent

That quote made me laugh out loud.
It proves that you are kind at heart..........