Can any one tell me the correct routing of the holding tank hoses?

I have owned my 1984 Hilburn less than a year. I have unsuccessfully attempted to pump out my holding tank on (2) different occasions. I'm wondering if my holding tank is correctly plumbed.

The hose that leads to the pumpout is located on the top right hand corner of my tank , and the hose from my toilet is in the center on the bottom edge of the tank.

This just sounds like they are backwards.

If anyone has any thoughts in this matter, I would appreciate your responses.

Thanks,

nightowl55

The inlet's definitely in the wrong place...it should be at the top.
The discharge can also be at the top, but only if there's a pickup tube
inside the tank that goes to the bottom. However, _base_d on where the
inlet is, that's unlikely...so I'd have to say, yep--it's plumbed
backwards.



The question now is: how to switch 'em without ending up with a bilge full of sewage.



Is there an inspection port in the top of the tank?



If not, you COULD disconnect the hose from the toilet and run it to the
the deck pumpout fitting (we'll worry about moving the other hose after
you get the tank empty). But that's risky too, unless the toilet
is well above the top of the tank--or at least above the level in the
tank. If they're on the same level, I'm surprised the tank isn't
backing up into the bowl...so you may be in luck. If not,
methinks that getting your tank empty may be a job for a yard..'cuz
they have shop vacs with hoses that'll fit through the inlet fitting
(the one at the top) and get to the bottom of the tank.



There's another issue too: the tank vent. Before you do anything else,
make sure it's clear...'cuz on the off chance that there IS a pickup
tube inside the tank, a blocked vent would cause the pumpout to pull a
vacuum that prevent it from pulling anything out of the tank.



To tell you the truth, if it were my boat I'm not sure I'd even try to
solve this one by myself. Much as I'd hate to have to spend the money
to have the yard empty the tank and switch the plumbing, the odds of a
MAJOR spill are high enough to make it worth the cost.

Dear Peg,

Thanks for the info, I will certainly heed your advice and seek out a professional to help in the matter.

Thanks again,

nightowl55