pump out

danrod

what is the procedure for pumping out holding tank? Never done this before. I have a 280 2008 EC

TonyG13

Google is your friend: "how to pump out a boat"...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbjE8Vemjr8

Situations will vary, but the basics are the same as in the video.

And if your dock has an attendant, ask them - they will be the experts for your area.

Stodge

Not much to it really.  There is a threaded adapter that screws into the pump out opening.  The pump out will have a hose with a fitting that locks onto the adapter.  You hook up, they turn it on and pump till they don't see anything coming out.  

TonyG13

Stodge said:

There is a threaded adapter that screws into the pump out opening.  The pump out will have a hose with a fitting that locks onto the adapter. 

Interesting. We don't have screw adapters around here. It's just a tapered rubber fitting that you hold tightly against the pump out opening to seal and start suction (just like in the video). So if you let go it breaks suction.

Willhound

I've seen both in our area.

Willhound

@danrod you should also check on how different flush systems should be set for pump out. For example on my manual Jabsco it's recommended to have the little toggle lever set toward the empty bowl setting.

Ian

I think some places just use the hold in tube to save on people stealing the adapters, I use the threaded one and keeping meaning to buy my own.

Tip - once the sight glass appears to have no flow go have someone flush water into the head - don;t skimp. Give it chance to flush out as much as you can that does buildup in the bottom. If your vent doesn't have a filter on it It doesn't hurt to hose into that - clear it out and pump out any critters that have taken up residence.

reneechris14

I have my own fitting 1 1/4 npt and gloves good ole Eddie from long island needs gloves. 

aero3113

Here is a good how to video 

https://youtu.be/LSqb4e8mUd4

ron1ma

I just call the local harbor master and setup a mobile pump out.  Its free and also hassle free for me.  One phone call sets it up.

danrod

That’s all great stuff, what about the valve in the bilge, Which position should it be? Not sure it looks like about two to three options.

Ian

Valve? No valve on mine unless you have a Y to switch to tank or overboard?

danrod

Yes, I do have a Y valve but I don’t know which way does what, it is not marked, I only see the arrows but not what they do.

Dude_Himself

Starts at the icky tank - then one goes to the cleanout, the other goes to the macerator then overboard. Follow the plumbing.

MarkB

Just make sure you have a suitable breather ... otherwise the tank will implode when sucked out.

mattie

MarkB said:

Just make sure you have a suitable breather ... otherwise the tank will implode when sucked out.

Amen to that. Check your waste vent tube for blockages. Spiders & others crap.

I replaced my factory SeaLand waste tank vent filter with a new Big Orange filter. The Big Orange has a brilliant built in vent bypass. It howls when the pumpout is hooked up. Also has replaceable filter media. Good stuff.....highly recommend.

danrod

 I must have not had it turned the right direction because I am getting waste in my bilge it looks like it is leaking from the pump area. Thanks guys I'll have a look at it tonight,

Ian

Yick.