ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN FLUSHING YOUR MARINE HEAD

If you experience the foul odor of rotten eggs when you flush your marine head, chances are you are smelling dead microorganisms which were brought in with the flush water and died in the hose between your head and the thru-hull fitting. The best way to eliminate this odor is to flush with fresh water instead of seawater. You can change the water intake to draw out of your water tank (with precautions against effluent siphoning back into the tank), use your hand held shower, or simply pour fresh water into the head with the seacock closed.

Head & Holding Tank Maintenance Schedule

WEEKLY

Clean head area and toilet bowl as necessary with a mild cleanser such as SEA-CLEAN. Add TANK TAMER holding tank treatment. Inspect head external mechanisms for wear and lubricate as necessary with silicone or teflon based lubricants. Schedule "Phew-ee II" or "Capt. Poop" for dockside pump-out.

MONTHLY

In addition to weekly maintenance, check inlet and discharge hoses; clamps; overboard discharge equipment such as macerators or manual diaphragm pumps. Check Y-valve for cracks and make sure that it is not frozen. Ensure that Y-valve is secured in "holding tank" position. Check all items for proper operation, note any leaks. Call Maritime Sanitation for chemicals, parts or service. Schedule the "Phew-ee II" or "Capt. Poop" for dockside pump-out. service.

EVERY TWO MONTHS

In addition to weekly/monthly schedules, add one (1) qt. of household white vinegar to toilet bowl and flush (on dry cycle) until vinegar disappears from bowl. Let vinegar stand in plumbing lines for 12-24 hours then use head normally. Vinegar helps clear lines of salt and calcium deposits, which create blockage. Add ½ cup vegetable oil and flush until it disappears from bowl- allow to sit overnight.

AS NECESSARY

Schedule routine dockside pump-outs from "Phew-ee II" or "Capt. Poop" . Whenever holding tank is emptied, replace TANK TAMER holding tank treatment in amounts specified. Add TANK TAMER to holding tank by flushing through the head. DO NOT add through deck "Waste" fitting. Keep threads of deck waste fitting(s) clean. Finger tighten only. Oil fittings with Corrosion Block or other teflon lubricant to ensure easy removal.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER…

Never use Chloral or chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine sol or pine products, formaldehyde, phenol derivatives, paint or lacquer thinners/ solvents in marine toilet systems. These products are extremely damaging to margas lined (usually white) sanitation hose and will lead to severe malodor problems. The manufacturer will not warranty hose if there is any detection of these chemicals upon testing. Never use a plunger to "unclog" your marine toilet. Marine heads are equipped with special flapper and joker valves to assist in the plumbing and evacuation of effluent. Plungers will damage these valves and render your toilet inoperable. Never continually pump your marine head if there is extreme back pressure or resistance. This is an indication that something is not quite proper in the sanitation system (i.e. the holding tank is full, the line is clogged, a discharge valve or Y-valve is turned to the improper position). Check the system. If the problem is persistent, call Maritime Sanitation. If you experience difficulty while pumping out your holding tank, check the Y-valve and ensure that it is in the "deck" or pump-out. position.

Ensure that the vent line is not blocked. Product from an overfull tank will (a) back up into the toilet, (b) exit via the vent line or solidify and clog. Never dispose of feminine products, cigarette butts, safe sex objects, etc.

"POTTI-TRAINING" (PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR YOUR BOATS' HEAD SYSTEM)

Always use non-toxic, non-polluting holding tank and cleaning products such as TANK TAMER and SEA-CLEAN. Contact Maritime Sanitation for installation or service.