HEAD-Pump Out Suggestions?

[Matt19020]

I need to be out of my Marina by the end of this month. I went to our pump out station and it is barely working. I doubt they will fix it by next week. any suggestions on how to pump out my permanent head holding tank (9 gal) without a pump out station? I have no macerator on my system and the contents of the tank is treated liquids.
Does anyone know of a pump out location database? I thought Boat US had one but I can not seem to locate it..... My zip is 19020

[Currie]

Hehe, hey Matt,

Sadly, I'm in the same situation. I pulled my boat after the marina closed, but forgot I hadn't pumped out. While I can't help you with a database, I can tell you mine's getting pumped out with my shop-vac. I too only have liquid waste and I'll be sure to chase it with lots of water - and probably burn my shop-vac when I'm done. . You may also want to consider driving past a campground and pumping out at a camper station. If my shop-vac doesn't do the trick, that's what I'll be doing. Good luck!

~Bob

[Matt19020]

Unfortunately Bob I suspected that this was going to be the answer....................I used to really like my shop vac...........

[Hamin' X]

Check out Active Captain. It's a great resource and shows numerous marinas w/pump-outs in your area. Last resort; call West Marine and ask them.

~Rich

[James V]

Check for air leaks on your hoses. You need 2 clamps on the hoses. Tighten and retry at your local marina. This happened to me. I went below to see what was the problem and found the air leaks.

[Russ]

Pumpout Locations in Pennsylvania

This is when I'm glad I have a porta potty.


--Russ

[Matt19020]

Thanks Russ That is what I was looking for.....
I checked all lines and they are double clamped and tight....
I talked to another guy on my dock and he has the same problem except he has 22 gallons to deal with!

[Irafatsar]

I feel for you, had to keep the motor home full by the house for three weeks, thought i was gonna die driving to the rv park to dump.

[Kelly Hanson East]

I can put a half inch brass fitting on my macerator output and pump my PP right out into my home sewer - sure makes the Admiral happier than dumping in the toilet at home.

[Currie]

In my case, I've got a SeaEra macerating head so once it's in the holding tank, it's there until some vaccum comes along. We have a no-dumping rule in the Great Lakes, so I didn't even bother to put a seacock in.

I'll be sure to take pics of the operation this weekend...eeeew.

[opie]

I have never done it, of course, ( ) but I have heard that Wikipedia says urine is sterile, so unless privacy or weather conditions dictate, why put #1 in the potty rather than a bucket for a quick discrete dump later on. Have you ever seen all those bass fishing boats out there with 4 guys (or gals) on it? Guess what...?

And Lake Waldo report at Lake Tahoe area, page 30, says boat-people waste is not a problem. Shore camping and the resultant sewage hidden in the bushes causes more problems. # 1, or urine, does not contribute to algae growth as it is sterile and nitrates and nitrogen distillates are not a problem, the report says. And soaps and detergent are worse the report says.

And this report of a Swiss study says Urea is a harmless substance and the same report says, "Based on figures provided by the European Association of Urology, swissinfo.ch calculated it would take roughly 7,000 people to deposit 24 hours' worth of urine into an Olympic-sized swimming pool for this level (Swiss legal pool limit) to be reached." And we all know what Micheal Phelps says he does in the pool.

And finally, BoatUs (2nd sentence) almost says peeing is not a problem from a boat.

This subject does seem to be a bit taboo..... and it was a big mystery to a non-boater like me before I got my boat.....

[Russ]

I have never done it, of course, ( ) but I have heard that Wikipedia says urine is sterile, so unless privacy or weather conditions dictate, why put #1 in the potty rather than a bucket for a quick discrete dump later on. Have you ever seen all those bass fishing boats out there with 4 guys (or gals) on it? Guess what...?

In these Islands of sun and fun, we never flush for number one.

Number two on the other hand is a problem and belongs in a proper sewage treatment plant.

[Gypsy]

Since the pumpout at our marina DOES'NT work more often than it does , I have had to get creative in pumping out the boat.
Most RV dump stations rely on gravity , so they are no good for a boat.

Pumping out with a shop Vac works , but will eventually destroy the Shop Vac , powerful stuff !

I got the best results from one of those cheap pumps you attach to the end of a drill and a 5 gallon bucket.

The pump is only good for a couple of pump outs , before it too burns up , as said powerful stuff !
And it stinks to high heaven !

I have a vacant lot that had a house on it , before it burned . The sewage pipe is still there , so I pour the contents down this pipe.

[James V]

Just a wild guess, Some of the septic pump out poeple have smaller connections for their hoses. Call and see if they can pump you out.

There is also an external pump out that uses shore power. I think they are expesive but your marina may help you out as well as all the other boaters. Check local marine stores.

Call the local Yacht clubs and see what they can do.

If all else fails pour some liquid laundy detergent and let set for a few days and pump out with a drill.

[Gypsy]

I called one of the Port-O-Lets places , they would do it , but wanted $85.00 to do it. Said that was thier going rate.