Chlorine Tablets in Head Flush Water

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Pilotpak

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I've got a Jabsco electric head with one of the silent conversion kits added (i.e. a seawater pump mounted in the engine bay, and a "Macerator" only output pump at the head's end)

I run in dirty'ish Salt Water, and get a rotten egg odour when I first flush, which, as discussed in previous threads, is due to rotting matter trapped in the flush lines for extended periods.

I've got a sea strainer by the sea cock, and I'm toying with the idea of dropping a couple of Chlorine tablets in the filter to sanitise the flush water (the kind that's used in swimming pools).

Any thoughts about the wisdom of this idea ?

Wayne
Larson 310
 
Wayne: That is not a problem, as long as they remain in the strainer. I also would check the vent on your holding tank, cause there is where the problem may lie, and also get some KO cleaner, for the system. If there is anything from flush to tank, it will clean that out well.
 
I'd be concerned with the chlorine damaging the rubber parts in the supply pump.
 
Use extream caution when mixing clorine and ammonia the result is clorine gas and can quicky become overpowering. People are overcome quite often by some unknowing victum urinating in a tolet that some one has left soaking with bleach or a clorine type clenser in myself included. This can be a deadly combination.
 
Not a good idea.

Look around your local marine store; there are all sorts of add-on odor control kits that are manufactured for that specific application.
 
Thanks guys,

I've check our local boating supply places and no-one down here has ever even heard of a treatment system for the raw-water side of a head.

I also couldn't see anything on boatfix.

Can anyone give me the name of a product ?(btw..it's only for the raw water flush..I have the actual holding tank odour somewhat controlled)
 
If you start messing with the raw water side you may end up with odors in the tank! That could throw a wrench in your plan!

You could always add a small freshwater tank dedicated to the head?
 
I've used the system Regal2860 points too. Ironically we used it on our Regal 2860!

The first flush of the weekend after the boat sat for a week was always an unforgettable experience. The above device solved the problem plus it made the bowl water a nice color blue.
 
Wayne - Dusty is on the right track here. Your flushing smell MAY be the fact that the holding tank itself is not up to par. You would get a nasty odor by flushing, if the cause were from a restricted inlet line or a holding tank problem. Chlorine would not work as suggested by many. Start thinking about a clogged or restricted vent line. The holding tank needs LOTS of oxygen to feed the bacteria there, to work on disngrating the fecal matter - and therefore the smell. Dirty salt water where you are adds to it. If you think that perhaps the line is restricted, try using Odorloss brand enzyme. It works in more of an anerobic atmospheric environment than the rest of the products out there. I can say that it worked for us in our situation after many years of struggle with using all the other usual products. Hope you figure it out. Just a few thoughts.
 
Chlorine is going to kill the good bacteria in your holding tank, causing it to stink.

Once I had seen a setup whereby a T was put into the intake line, below the water line, with the new outlet going to your sink drain. At least its likely you have a sink in your head too. The sink is usually mounted up high above the water line, so when it is connected to the intake through hull there is no danger of the the salt water coming up through the sink. The way it works is this, as your sink drains, the static pressure will cause it to drain out your through hull. Now when you leave the boat you can run your fresh water into the sink and fill the intake line with FRESH water. Shut off the through hull and flush it into your head, clearing the line of saltwater.

I've not tried it, but the idea is sound. Just use standard good practices for dealing with below water lines, using good appropriate hose and double hose clamps.
 
The Tank-ette is one of the ones I was thinking of. West Marine also sells one that is quite similar to it.
 
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