T&T: re Holding Tank

[C. Marin Faure]

 >The issue now is how (without a gauge) does one know when you've  
pumped the tank before running the pump dry which obviously is what  
has caused the problem in the first place, although I think it's been  
like this for some time.


We have a macerator pump on each of our two holding tanks to pump  
them overboard where it's legal to do so.  The tank we use the most  
is in the lazarette and that is where its pump is also.  I installed  
a waterproof on-off switch in the lazarette beside the pump.  When  
the pump has emptied the tank and is no longer moving material, it  
immediately runs a little faster and a lot quieter.  So at that point  
I simply switch it off.  Of course this means I need to be at the  
lazarette during the pump out but I need to go back there anyway to  
open and close the pumpout seacock.

Also, our aft holding tank is vacuum molded "plastic" so the tank is  
slightly translucent and the level of the waste in the tank is visible.

But the best solution is to install a tank gauge.  There is at least  
one on the market that reads from outside the tank.  I have seen  
mixed reviews as to its accuracy but it 's probably worth looking into.


____________________
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington