While permeation of waste gases through flexible sanitation hose is a major source of odors in the head, it is not the only one. Here are some tips to help you target odor control:
Inline Deodorizers
There are a number of inline chemical dispensers that treat the seawater between the intake seacock and toilet pump. A crude metering device allows a small amount of a blue tablet to dissolve into the flush water-sort of like the giant in your toilet bowl. The chemicals are supposed to be nontoxic, biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. These disinfectant/deodorizers also seem effective.
Holding Tank Treatments
There are innumerable tank additives-chemicals, bacteria and enzymes-formulated to deal with holding tank odors. Some simply mask it, others break down and emulsify solids.
In tests, weve found Yara Chemicals Odorlos, Camcos Advanced Enzyme Formula, and Thetfords Eco-Smart to be effective.
Waste contains aerobic (needs oxygen to survive) and anaerobic (lives without oxygen) bacteria, and only the latter is malodorous. If the waste is well ventilated with fresh air, the aerobic bacteria will overcome the anaerobic bacteria and the holding tank wont smell. A 5/8 or 3/4 vent hose no more than 3-feet long and without sharp bends will help. Off-the-shelf vent filters weve found to be effective are the Big Orange 5/8-inch and the Sealand SaniGard 5/8-inch.
Maintenance
Everything gets old and deteriorates over time. But with regular, proper maintenance of the sanitation system, you can keep the head odor-free. Some good rules of thumb:
– Rebuild the toilet pump periodically.
– Empty and rinse the holding tank and hoses with fresh water, and replace hoses you suspect are permeated with malodor.
– One way to identify failed hose is to rub a clean cloth over it and sniff it every foot. Subjective sensory tests-a technique more formally known as organoleptic testing-do not, in general, produce quantitative results. And, of course, when it comes to identifying specific sources of sewage aroma, its not easy to find willing noses (a phenomenon thats been described as recalcitrant organolepsis). Your crew, of course, will not hesitate to notify you of any general malodors in the cabin, nor will they hesitate to demand that you do something about it.
For additional advice on ways to setup and maintain a healthy sanitation system, purchase and download the Practical Sailor ebook, Plumbing and Odor Control.
