Hi, I would start simple. What you describe (i.e. the back pressure and recurring stink) sound like one but possible two problems. I would first check the holding tank vent line. A blocked vent line will lead to back pressure in the holding tank and little to no oxygen diffusing into the holding tank to promote aerobic decomposition. Without oxygen, the smelly anaerobic bacteria take over. Sea water stink is another problem caused by anaerobic decay of organic matter in sea water and while it has nothing to do with fecal matter, it can smell just as horrible. The later problem is more notable in the summer months, but is easy to fix by teeing the head inlet to the sink drain. When the seacock is open the sink drains and the head inlet uses sea water to flush. When you leave the boat for an extended period, close the sink seacock (a good think to do) and run some fresh water into the sink, pumping the head to flush the fresh water through the inlet line. It is amazing how much of an impact this has. As for the tank, some suggest adding a large vent hose, but one can simple add an active ventilation system rather cheaply (or install the equivalent but costly Sweet Tank system from Groco).
Here are links to my write ups on removing sea water stink and on installing a simple and effective active ventilation system using less that $25 worth of aquarium parts. sea water stink http://svjohannarose.blogspot.com/2018/08/getting-fresh-water-into-head.html <http://svjohannarose.blogspot.com/2018/08/getting-fresh-water-into-head.html> active ventilation http://svjohannarose.blogspot.com/search/label/ActiveVentHoldingTank <http://svjohannarose.blogspot.com/search/label/ActiveVentHoldingTank> At the very least, check the vent line and seriously consider using a sink tee inlet. Hoses do need to be replaced especially if your hoses were crap to begin with. My old C&C 29 came with a bit of a funky smell which turned out to be coming from a section of cheap clear vinyl hose used to go from a Y-valve to the holding tank. I good hose is expensive but worth it. I prefer Trident 101 hose. - Paul E. 1981 C&C Landfall 38 S/V Johanna Rose Fort Walton Beach, FL http://svjohannarose.blogspot.com/ > On Oct 2, 2019, at 3:39 PM, cnc-list-requ...@cnc-list.com wrote: > > Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2019 18:52:16 +0000 > From: Blair Clark <blairalcl...@hotmail.com <mailto:blairalcl...@hotmail.com>> > To: CNC List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> > Subject: Stus-List Smelly head > Message-ID: > > <bn8pr06mb5715a2797838844d1a520248c1...@bn8pr06mb5715.namprd06.prod.outlook.com > > <mailto:bn8pr06mb5715a2797838844d1a520248c1...@bn8pr06mb5715.namprd06.prod.outlook.com>> > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > I beg patience as i am hoping there is some quick troubleshooting hints that > can be provided. > > Purchased a 1990 C&C 34 +. really really happy with boat and currently > working through some smaller items to get her up to speed. > > one of these involves the holding tank. My jabsco manual toilet exits through > a Y valve to sea or to holding tank. No external macerator system is in > place.. Even when Y valve set to sea I am having a smell go away and then > return to the head area. > > Holding tank was pumped before transport after purchase and appears close to > empty. > > Steps to date: > > 1) Had a group out on the boat > 2) next day head ines appeared blocked as there was back pressure on handle > 3) removed lines got shop vacuum cleared lines and flushed with vinegar and > water > 4 thought everything would be good > 5) Noticed smell in head > 2) noticed back flow of liquid into bowl > 3) again fought with stiff lines and replaced joker valve > 3) back flow and Smell went away > 4) a few days later after not using boat the smell came back but not from > toilet bowl > 5) noticed that when I opened door under vanity sink bowl in the space that > houses the holding tank that the smell was more extreme > 6) thought of taking tank out to inspect during winter but have no idea how > to access it to do so. > > Does anyone have any suggestions as to troubleshoot tsmell, holding tank or > lines and or remove tank? > > Thanks, > > Blair > C&C 34+
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