Selecting a Sanitation System

Maintaining your marine sanitation device can be an onerous task, but this need not be the case since problems that arise have more to do with owner neglect than anything else. Sure, sometimes components like Y-valves, macerators, holding tanks or even an entire system must be replaced; but squarely facing these problems is a lot better than avoidance, especially when you consider the convenience that a properly installed and maintained system brings to a boat. This article will acquaint you with typical installations, system maintenance and laws that govern marine sanitation system use.

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Jump to a Section

• Know the Law
• Waste Storage Options
• Manual Heads, Electrical Heads and System Components
• Bacteria and Odor Control
• Let's All Do Our Part

Know the Law

All boats operating in US waters with permanently installed toilets are required by federal law to have a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) on board that either stores human waste until it can be transferred ashore, or reduces the coliform count to such low levels that discharged sewage poses no public health hazard&#;even in populated harbors. While the MSD must satisfy Coast Guard regulations, the boat owner still has a lot of choices of product types and overall system design.

• More than three miles from the coast it is legal to discharge raw (untreated) waste overboard, either directly from the toilet or by emptying the holding tank. We think the most sensible sanitation system design gives you the choice of both a dockside pump-out and the ability to empty the tank yourself when offshore (see illustrations below).
• Inside the three&#;mile limit, it is illegal to dump raw sewage. In these areas, boaters may discharge waste only if it has been treated by an onboard treatment device like the Raritan Electro Scan (Type I or II MSD). Otherwise, it must be contained on board in a Type III MSD&#;a holding tank&#;and transferred ashore at a pump&#;out station (which, in many cases, sadly, means it will get a modest amount of treatment before finding its way back into the water).
• All non&#;navigable inland freshwater lakes and the Great Lakes (under an agreement with Canada that predates US federal marine sanitation laws) are No Discharge Zones (NDZ) under federal law. All navigable interstate inland waterways&#;except for a few specifically designated NDZ such as impoundments that are municipal reservoirs&#;are areas where treated discharge is permitted, making Type I and II MSDs legal to use. In NDZs overboard discharge of any kind is illegal and subject to fine. This means you must have a holding tank. And in some places you may not even be allowed a Y-valve, (common in saltwater regions) between the toilet and holding tank for emergency pump-outs or a macerator to dump the tank. Installing a means of locking the Y-valve in the tank position may or may not satisfy local authorities.

A rapidly increasing number of coastal areas have been designated as No Discharge Zones. To qualify under the federal Clean Water Act, states must show that sufficient pump-out facilities exist for boaters to empty holding tanks. In Michigan, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont all waters are no discharge. There remains considerable opposition to NDZs from boaters who feel both inconvenienced and unfairly singled out as sources of pollution (miniscule compared to typical sewage treatment overflow following rainstorms, runoff, and industrial effluents), but the political tide definitely favors the proliferation of NDZs.

Waste Storage Options

There are a variety of ways to deal with waste on board, including recirculating, composting, and incinerating toilets, but by far the most common are toilets plumbed to holding tanks. These range from the simple and inexpensive self-contained heads (portable potties) to fairly complicated systems incorporating multiple valves, pumps and hoses. Any way you look at it, carrying around sewage is necessary.

Direct Discharge

While pumping raw sewage is not illegal offshore, you need an approved MSD for inshore and inland use. Direct discharge is foul, and&#;inside the three&#;mile limit, illegal. Don't operate your head without a means to contain or treat waste on board, and in foreign countries don't pump your waste overboard within 100 yards of the beach. This is harmful to swimmers and those who eat the local fish and shellfish. Just because the hundreds of Caribbean charter boats have little, if any, sewage treatment systems on board doesn't mean it's okay for the rest of us to dump in the otherwise pristine waters regularly used by snorkelers and swimmers.

Portable Toilets

This is a solution for thousands of "weekend" or trailer boats that need a way to hold small amounts of waste (usually limited to six gallons). They aren't fun to take on shore and dump (usually in a marina toilet), but they eliminate the need to install permanent plumbing, are almost impossible to clog, and are inexpensive. If you add a deodorizing chemical to the tank, these heads are reasonably odor&#;free.

Holding Tank without a Self&#;Discharge Option

For areas with adequate pump&#;out facilities, a holding tank connected between your head's discharge and a through&#;deck fitting is a fairly simple, inexpensive installation, and meets the requirements of the law. We offer holding tanks as small as three gallons, although we strongly recommend installing a larger tank if you have the room. A full crew in party mode can fill a small tank in no time, especially if they are vigorous flushers (actually recommended to keep waste from collecting in hoses). The drawback with this method is that you have no place to go if your tank is full and you cannot find a pumpout station fast. Boaters on the Great Lakes, however, have been successfully living with these restrictions for decades, so it can't be that bad.

Holding Tank with Optional Overboard Discharge

In addition to the standard deck pump&#;out fitting, a Y&#;valve between the toilet and tank allows you to pump directly overboard when beyond the three&#;mile limit. In harbor, use the holding tank. Offshore, dump directly overboard. There are two serious drawbacks to this approach, however&#;the risk of accidental discharges (which is why some authorities frown on Y&#;valves upstream of the holding tank), and the inability to empty the holding tank at sea.

Our Favorite Method: Holding Tank with Multiple Discharge Options

All of the waste is pumped into a holding tank, yet you have the option of pumping it overboard when legal and logical to do so. There's no Y&#;valve between the toilet and tank to upset authorities. Inshore and inland, the tank is emptied via the deck pipe. Offshore, you can empty the tank yourself using a manual or electric pump. A Y&#;valve downstream of the tank allows you to choose between the two.

As with most systems, a clogged valve or hose can make for an ugly service job. And you run the risk of not being able to use the toilet until the system is freed. A Y&#;valve between the toilet and tank solves that predicament (go ahead, get out the cleaning bucket!), but again could get you cited by the potty patrol.

Manual Heads, Electric Heads and System Components

On smaller boats, manual heads are most common due to their simplicity and low cost. But it has always amazed us that builders of even expensive yachts often install the lowest cost heads. Because toilet trouble at sea is extra nasty, we think this is one piece of equipment worth spending a little extra on. Here are some features to look for:

• Joker valve. This is the rubber valve through which waste passes with each manual throw of the pump lever. The larger the valve, the less chance of a clog.
• Pump handle throw. Most people find a horizontal throw (back and forth) less tiring than a vertical throw (up and down). The extra linkage, however, drives up the cost slightly.
• Ease of rebuilding. Frequently-used marine toilets generally require rebuilding (pump leather, springs, gaskets, etc.) every year or two. Always carry a rebuild kit and instructions for doing the job; in an emergency, easier and faster is better!
• Sturdy seat. Sitting on the head while underway, especially at an angle, puts stress on the seat hinges and can dump the occupant at the most inopportune and embarrassing time!

A lot of people scoff at electric heads as extravagant energy wasters. But because the electric pumps run so briefly with each flush, the total current consumption is actually quite low. The Jabsco Quiet&#;Flush Electric Head, for example, draws 10A, but with a 30-second flush cycle, total energy used per flush is just 0.15Ah. Advantages of electric heads include easier operation for inexperienced guests, and less chance of clogging because the built&#;in macerator evacuation pumps grind up waste and toilet paper before sending it to the holding tank.

Seacocks and Thru&#;hulls

Most head systems use a 3/4" intake seacock and thru-hull for seawater flushing, and a 1 1/2" seacock and thru-hull for overboard discharge. Bronze fittings are most common because of their strength and durability, followed by Marelon fittings for their nonconductive, noncorroding nature. For these reasons Marelon fittings are often used on metal boats.

Hose

All types of sanitation hose will eventually smell if sewage is allowed to stand for extended periods of time. We recommend only smooth interior wall hose because corrugated types trap waste and restrict flow. Rigid PVC does not pass odors but is more difficult to route and does not connect directly to pumps and thru-hulls. Still, it's possible to plumb part of the system with rigid PVC, switching to hose where necessary. The best hose for containing odors is SeaLand OdorSafe Plus, followed by Shields Heavy Duty Vinyl Hose (#148) or Super Head Hose (#101). All of these hoses are resistant to odor permeation.

Hose Installation Tips

To reduce the chance of sanitation hoses emitting a foul odor, be sure to flush the system after every use. Hoses should be installed without any low spots where waste can collect. Heating hose to fit over barbed adapters can dangerously weaken the hose. Instead buy fittings specifically made for 1 1/2" sanitation hose.

Seawater vs. Freshwater Flush

Using your limited supply of fresh water to flush the head seems like a ridiculous waste, but electric heads from Jabsco and SeaLand use very little water&#;some models as little as a pint or two. And freshwater flushes greatly reduce bad odors in the system caused by all sorts of microorganisms dying and decaying in the bowl&#;plankton, krill, you'd be surprised!

Vented Loops

A common cause of boat sinkings is from backflow created by siphons in the head and engine seawater intake hoses, and head discharge hose. Vented loops installed in the hose above the waterline prevent siphons from occurring and don't impede normal flow. They're usually mounted against a bulkhead. We sell both bronze and Marelon models.

Holding Tanks

Thick-walled (1/4" or thicker) high-density polyethylene tanks are the most sensible choice. They are light, won't corrode and are much less expensive than metal or fiberglass tanks. While thinner wall tanks rarely burst, they can bulge so much that fittings are stressed to the point of leaking. Your nose will alert you, but it's safer to buy a quality tank in the first place. We sell Todd and SeaLand tanks in various wall thickness. Taller, narrower tanks can be emptied more completely but are more difficult to secure. Plumbing attachments should be as low and as high on the tank as possible. Flexible tanks can be used when spaces are oddly shaped or inaccessible but they lack the odor resistance and strength of rigid tanks so we don't recommend them for waste.

Y&#;Valves

We feel the best Y&#; or diverter valve is made by Whale, in part because it has a center position that closes both ports. Other brands, however, may integrate into your plumbing more conveniently depending on the direction your hose runs. The Bosworth Y&#;valve can be surface&#;mounted so that you don't have to climb into a tiny locker to change directions. Forespar's Marelon valves are very strong, and Jabsco valves can be adjusted to a variety of configurations and are lockable for USCG inspections.

Pumps

Discharge pumps are used to empty the holding tank overboard. We recommend large diameter diaphragm pumps because they are the least likely to clog. The Whale Manual Waste Pump is the best choice among non&#;electric pumps. Unlike aluminum-body pumps, its plastic body won't corrode. Macerator pumps, such as those by Jabsco and SHURflo, grind waste for easier passage through the sanitation system. When used as discharge pumps (from holding tank to overboard) be very careful to monitor the tank level because they can burn out pretty quickly if run dry.

A more durable solution for pumping holding tanks is the SeaLand T Series Discharge Pump diaphragm pump, which can be run dry without damage, or the Whale Gulper pulverizer toilet pump, which can handle solids up to 1 1/2".

Be sure your seacock is open before trying to pump out the tank. When an electric pump tries to pump against a closed outlet its valves can sometimes become inverted which requires a sewage "project" and even if the pump isn't damaged, you could cause a rupture in the system.

Tank Monitors

Tank level indicators reduce the risk of overfilling the holding tank, which can push sewage out the vent line, or, if that line is clogged, rupture the system elsewhere. Mount monitors near the discharge pump switch so you can empty the tank as soon as you determine the tank is nearly full.

Bacteria and Odor Control

Holding tanks that contain waste also contain aerobic (good) or anaerobic (bad) bacteria. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to live and reproduce. As aerobic bacteria break down waste they produce carbon dioxide gas and water, which are both odorless. On the other hand, anaerobic bacteria thrive in the absence of oxygen. As anaerobic bacteria grow, they produce sulfur monoxide and sulfur dioxide gas with the characteristic rotten egg odor.

One way to prevent holding tank odors is to encourage the growth of aerobic bacteria with increased ventilation. On most small boats, tank vents are 5/8". Ensuring that the hose that leads to the tank vent is not obstructed is a start. Another option is to increase the size of the vent and even to locate larger holding tank vents on both sides of the boat to create cross ventilation. While this is a sound idea, it may not be practical for many boats.

This leads us to the alternatives, which are head and holding tank treatments that employ a variety of methods to mask or eliminate offensive odors created as waste is broken down. For more on these treatments, see Head and Holding Tank Treatments.

Let's All Do Our Part

Marine sanitation has come a long ways since the days of cedar buckets. Joshua Slocum would probably have found the idea of carting waste around in a holding tank ridiculous. However, Slocum was just one person, who in the course of being the first mariner to sail singlehandedly around the world would have produced an immeasurably small effect on the environment. Today, there are thousands of cruisers crisscrossing the seven seas. Creating and maintaining a sanitation system isn't hard and we owe it to each other to leave a clean wake.

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How to Select a Sanitation System FAQs

• What components make up a marine sanitation system?
  A typical system includes a marine toilet, holding tank, discharge pump, vented loops, and hoses designed to handle wastewater.

• What types of marine toilets are available?
  Toilets can be either manual or electric. Manual toilets are budget-friendly, electric toilets add convenience.

• How do I choose the right holding tank size?
  Consider the number of users and how often pump-out facilities are available. A larger tank is better for extended trips.

• What is a macerator, and do I need one?
  Macerator pumps such as those by Jabsco and SHURflo, grind waste for easier passage through the sanitation system

• Are there regulations regarding waste discharge?
  Yes, discharging untreated waste is illegal in US waters. Use pump-out stations or treat waste in designated discharge zones.

• What maintenance does a marine sanitation system require?
  Regularly inspect hoses for leaks, clean holding tanks with deodorizer, and ensure valves and pumps are functioning properly.

• How do vented loops prevent backflow?
  Vented loops allow air to break siphons, preventing water or waste from unintentionally flowing back into the boat.

• Can I install a sanitation system myself?
  DIY installation is feasible with the right tools and knowledge. Follow manufacturer instructions or consult a professional for complex setups.

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If you own a boat, you know that there are a lot of different parts and pieces that go into keeping it running smoothly. One important piece of equipment is the sanitation hose. This hose is responsible for carrying waste throughout your boat&#;s sanitation system, whether it&#;s from your marine toilet to the holding tank or from the tank to a proper disposal system.

While it may seem like a small part of your boat, having a properly functioning sanitation hose is actually very important. That&#;s because if there is any leakage or permeation, your boat will wind up smelling like waste or raw sewage. Unfortunately, many first-time boat owners think they can simply connect any type of rubber hose to their marine toilet (either a vacuum flush or macerator) or holding tank. This approach will quickly result in some unpleasant (and foul smelling) outcomes.

What Are Sanitation Hoses?

Sanitation hoses are specifically designed for use in marine systems. They are made of highly durable material (usually PVC, which is ideal for marine plumbing applications) that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures associated with boat toilets, blackwater tanks, and other sanitation systems. This type of hose is often reinforced internally as well as externally so that it can handle the weight of waste and other liquids that are transported through it. This reinforcing also helps make sure that the hose does not collapse under pressure or kink up over time.

Sanitation hoses come in a variety of sizes and lengths so you&#;re sure to find one that fits your needs. While they may be more expensive than other types of hoses, they&#;re definitely worth it in the long run. That's because conventional rubber hoses are extremely vulnerable to a process known as hose permeation, which can cause bad odors and cause damage to your entire sanitation system over time.

What is Hose Permeation?

Hose permeation is a process where raw sewage or other liquids pass through or absorb into the hose material, causing unpleasant smells to be released. This happens when bacteria breaks down the raw sewage inside the hose and creates anaerobic gases like methane, which then pass through or absorb into the hose material. Over time, this can cause the hose to weaken, resulting in holes or cracks that release even more odors.

Using the incorrect hose material in a marine sanitation system will greatly accelerate the permeation process. That&#;s why it's important to choose a reinforced hose that is specifically designed for sanitation use. This type of hose will have the least permeability possible and also be strong enough to handle the weight of waste and other liquids without collapsing or kinking up.

Selecting and Installing a Marine Sanitation Hose

The best sanitation hoses are thick-walled and smooth inside. Reinforced PVC is an excellent choice. Hoses for sanitation use are clearly marked, most often with the words "sanitation hose" printed in a stripe running the length of the hose. Although it's tempting to use other types of hose that may be more flexible, don't. Smells and other problems are sure to follow because the material used to make these hoses are much more permeable. Aside from being strong, holding tank sanitation hoses must have the least permeability possible prevent odors from escaping.

Hoses should be run, as far as practicable, so that there is no standing water in sags or loops to prevent premature aging and permeation. If standing water is allowed to accumulate, the hose can eventually get clogged over time with scale by waste and uric acid from the boat toilet.

Keep Your Boat Smelling Great with either DometicOdorSafe Plus or MaxFlex Sanitation Hoses

The OdorSafe Plus Sanitation Hose from Dometic offers the best odor protection of any marine sanitation hose. This advanced hose offers 20% greater resistance to sulfurous odor permeation than previous Dometic/SeaLand sanitation hoses and has been upgraded to deliver premium performance and benefits to boat owners and marine sanitation system users, including a 5- year limited warranty. OdorSafe Plus Sanitation Hoses have an ultra-smooth interior for the seamless transport of waste through the system to prevent buildup and blockages. Plus, it is reinforced with high-strength polyester yarns to avoid kinking and maximize strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility.

By using the DometicOdorSafe Plus Sanitation Hose, you can keep your boat smelling great and your sanitation system running smoothly. Its superior design and construction make it more resistant to clogging and odor permeation, so you&#;ll be able to enjoy a fresh-smelling boat for years to come. Plus, Dometic sanitation hoses are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your boat.

The MaxFlex Sanitation Hose from Dometic offers flexibility and impermeability. This hose is especially useful for long plumbing runs, easy to install, allowing for bends while maintaining the interior diameter. Also clamps easily for zero leaks. MaxFlex hoses have a 1-year limited warranty.

Meet All Your Marine Sanitation Needs with Environmental Marine

If you&#;re looking for a way to keep your boat smelling great, look no further than either the OdorSafe Plus Sanitation Hose or MaxFlex Sanitation Hose from Dometic. They are the perfect choices for marine sanitation systems and can help ensure that your boat stays smelling fresh. As the certified Dometic Master Distributor for the Southeastern US, Environmental Marine offers an extensive selection of Dometic products to ensure that you&#;ll always be boating in comfort.