Holding tank vent odor.

[Beckytek]

I noticed everytime someone would flush the toilet on my boat a very strong sewage odor was emitted from my holding tank vent. It was embarassing when guests would be having cocktails on the back deck. I thought about installing a filter in the vent line but decided against that. I didn't want to get down in the bilge and work installing it then buying new filters every other year for $70 per.
I went to the pet store and bought a small air pump, tubing, and air stone for $40. I drilled a 1/2" hole in the top of my holding tank and pushed the air stone (3' long) connected to some tubing and connected the pump. Caulked the opening where the tube went through and turned the pump on. Happy to report there is no more odor from tank when flushed. I couldn't believe how well it worked. It took me about 20 minutes to do the whole job, except the wiring. Just thought I'd pass it on. Ron

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Just a thought... did you put the pump on a timer? ws

 

[Beckytek]

No timer, it runs all the time 120vac is on.

 

[Passages]

Hmmm,
What you are doing is converting an anaerobic digestor into an aerobic.

It makes sense, even though I bet the odor is not eliminated. Whatever, you get a thumbs up for creativity.

For those of you want to avoid the eau de toilette fragrance without perculating poo, go to Home Depot and get an activated carbon filter for much less than the $70 Sealand wants. Plumb it in your vent line and you should be good to go. (Pun intended)

 

[Bob Bradley]

Most of the time spent on my boat is just guys fishing, and by the second day, we smell so bad that the holding tank vent works more like an air freshener.