Holding Tank Pickup Replacement

[MVCaprice]

I recently was addressing a tank sensor level issue which required cleaning of the wema holding tank level sensor we have and found that the holding tank discharge pickup has corroded in our holding tank and is some number of inches above the bottom of the tank. Have any of you come across this issue? How have you fixed it? I am thinking i can either repair the pickup or replace it completely. I have a few questions that come to mind:

1) What material should i use for the replacement pickup? Plastic? Stainless? Bronze? It looks like its currently made out of bronze.

2) How much distance off the bottom of the tank should there be? Perhaps there is a specific length that someone has for the 61MY?

3) Is the pickup typically just a straight cut on a pipe or is it angled?

Thanks all for any feedback you may have!

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Yes, it's a common problem. But you're in luck. This amazing video walks you through the fix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3nMZIW2dJc

 

[SEVEN]

Robert you should be a comedian. To damn funny.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Robert you should be a comedian. To damn funny.

Rusty, I’m hurt. Three questions were posed. All three were addressed in the video plus much valuable insight was given light. This is more of a documentary and worthy of a PBS series. Ken Burns’, THIS OLD BOAT, maybe?

 

[Scarlett]

Lots of treads on here about that topic, most use a pvc tube for replacement. Oh and by the way that is a serious answer. John

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Lots of treads on here about that topic, most use a pvc tube for replacement. Oh and by the way that is a serious answer. John

I used ABS only because it was a closer color match for the job at hand.

 

[SEVEN]

Rusty, I’m hurt. Three questions were posed. All three were addressed in the video plus much valuable insight was given light. This is more of a documentary and worthy of a PBS series. Ken Burns’, THIS OLD BOAT, maybe?

I’m laughing out loud.

 

[MVCaprice]

I used ABS only because it was a closer color match for the job at hand.

Did the specialist 3rd class recommend that?

 

[MVCaprice]

I used ABS only because it was a closer color match for the job at hand.

In all seriousness...Is there a difference between ABS and PVC for this?

 

[jim rosenthal]

Probably not. What might be more critical is what sort of food you're eating before putting it into the holding tank. Like is you have a habit of dining on Szechuan cuisine, maybe no pickup tube material will survive.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

In all seriousness...Is there a difference between ABS and PVC for this?

None known other than I think they make ABS specific glue.

 

[MVCaprice]

I have been reading the other threads and there is indeed a lot of info on this topic.

One question i have is the main hose nipple attaching to the bronze t-fitting....That is 1.5" hose to 2" NPT correct?

So far my parts list is:

• 2" x 2.5" PVC Nipple
• 3' x 1.5" PVC pipe (cut to 45 degree angle on bottom)
• PVC glue
• 2" bronze tee fitting
• 2" bronze pipe cap
• 2" to 1.5" hose nipple
• 6' section of high quality (non white) waste hose

I think that is about it minus the nuts/bolts and threaded rod that i may need!

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I can’t recall the hose nipple size. Since you are sleeving the existing the pipe, plan to seal the last couple of inches of PVC at the T. Probably need to check the length then pull it back out a bit and seal. I used 5200.

 

[ian w]

I had the strongest guy Cable marine could find ( 200 lbs of gym honed muscle ) and he he not loosen the large nut with the pick up tube under even with a 6 foot bar .Not an easy job

 

[Cricket]

Soak it with PB Blaster.
Don't be scared to use a torch, I like the gas in the yellow bottle.....

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Or be prepared to go Plan B.

 

[Briankinley2004]

I had the strongest guy Cable marine could find ( 200 lbs of gym honed muscle ) and he he not loosen the large nut with the pick up tube under even with a 6 foot bar .Not an easy job

In my experience these are the weakest ones. Good at repetition and toning but not much torque. My 160# skinny self used to cock a speargun for one of these gym heads who couldn't seem to pull the bands back. Technique has a lot to do with things more than anything. Find a 140# addict on PCP and they could probably loosen it fairly quick.