K2 wrote:
I am interested in installing a macerator pump for overboard discharge
(within legal limits). I understand the need for a vented loop (if not
installed where a thru hull can be closed when not in use). My current
"head installation" has a 1 1/2 " discharge hose routed through a
vented loop, then to a y-valve for direction to the thru hull or
holding tank. I would like to install a macerator pump from the
holding tank, but don't desire to dedicate the thru hull to macerator
discharge only. In other words, I would like to use the thru hull for
normal dischage (when within legal limits) without having to route all
waste to the holding tank first (and then to the macerator pump ). Is
it possible to direct the macerator pump output into a "T" , after the
toilet - before the vented loop?
It'll work if you move the existing vented loop to put it AFTER the
y-valve. You don't need a vented loop between the toilet and the tank,
only between the toilet--and now the macerator--and the thru-hull. Put
the loop as close to the thru-hull as possible and tee the line from the
macerator into the head discharge line as close as possible to the
inboard side of the loop.
You'd still need to keep the thru-hull closed except when the toilet is
in use--or while dumping the tank--though...to prevent sea water from
being forced up the line into the toilet or tank. A vented loop won't
prevent water from being PUSHED over it, it only breaks the flow of
water being pulled through it (a siphon)...and neither will a macerator.
A macerator will only slow it down quite a bit. If it's impractical to
keep the seacock closed except when using the toilet, put a shutoff
valve in the line that is accessible. And ALWAYS close both the intake
and discharge seacocks when leaving the boat no matter how big a PITA it
is to to do it.
--
Peggie
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Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304