Hmseconomy wrote:
She's been so helpful, like this, for so many years, I have no
problem with her referring to it as infrequently as she does.

Also, I didn't notice you mentioning the tank, but if it's a flexible
bladder, that's a probable source, as are any tanks with fittings
anywhere but the top.

Fittings on rigid tanks aren't likely to be the source of an odor
problem no matter where they are...but fittings on bladders are often
owner installed and not always as tight as they need to be. Bladders are
also highly prone to blowing out a fitting at the first sign of a
clogged vent. And even the best quality only has a lifespan of about 15
years. They're not recommended for waste holding.

Aluminum is an even worse choice than a bladder...stainless isn't much
better. Urine is SO corrosive that it makes salt seem benign in
comparison...it'll typically eat through a weld at a seam or fitting
within 2-5 years and turn the sheet metal into a collander within 10.

Thick-walled polyethylene--preferably rotomolded, not welded--is the
only material recommended for waste holding.

Odors are always strongest at their source...so unless the compartment
that houses the tank stinks, the tank is unlikely to be the source of
any odor INSIDE the boat--although a permeated pumpout hose and/or tank
vent line can be a culprit, 'cuz permeated hoses will stink up any area
they pass through...but odor that's mainly inside the head has to
originate in the head--the toilet intake, a sump, or trapped water in a
bilge directly below the head sole. Odor that's all pervasive
throughout the boat is most likely to be due to permeated hoses or a
bilge in need of a REAL cleaning instead of just more bilge cleaner
dumped into the primordial soup.

Peggie
----------
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/detai...=400&group=327

http://www.seaworthy.com/html/get_ri...oat_odors.html