Managing Holding Tank Odors: For Fresh Water and Salt Water

Adding a dedicated freshwater tank for toilet flushing is an effective way of getting rid of sanitation system smells, along with following a regular maintenance schedule.

By
Marc Robic
-
Published:
2
A soft bladder water tank like this ITRAZ Water Bladder Tank, is helpful to keep dedicated fresh water for toilet flushing.
A soft bladder water tank like this ITRAZ Water Bladder Tank, is helpful to keep dedicated fresh water for toilet flushing.

Like most boats I’ve been in, that unpleasant foul smell emanating from onboard sanitation systems is not uncommon. Some smell worse than others!

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Marc Robic
Marc caught his love of sailing and all things water from his father from a very young age. He has owned many sailboats in his 40+ years of sailing. An avid do-it-yourselfer and handyman, he builds, modifies, improves and executes all his own repairs. He also enjoys testing, documenting & sharing products and how-to methods with other sailors and boaters. Posting many how to videos on his YouTube channel and Facebook page. He is a member of the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron. Currently, he sails his Catalina 270, Aquaholic 3, out of the Ile-Perrot Yacht Club in Montreal, where Marc spent 16 years as Harbour Master. He is also a regular bareboat yacht charterer, having sailed most of the Caribbean islands. In the winter months, Marc regularly hand builds exact scale models of friends’ boats to give them away in the spring.
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2 COMMENTS

  1. An alternative is to plumb the drain of the sink in the head to the flush inlet of the bowl. There is never a connection between freshwater system and the head. Go easy on the anti microbial soap and feed your holding tank with CP or Orderlos.

    • Hello Gerald. Thanks for being a reader and for your comment. How exactly would you “plumb the head sink drain to the toilet flush inlet”. I understand the visual, I think. But not sure I see how the sink will drain normally afterwards. Also, if I understand your suggestion, would this not use up the main fresh water tank? My intention was the not use up the main fresh water tank. Use the extra tank for the toilet only. If you have any pictures or drawings, you can send them to me at mrobic@aol.com. Thanks again.