Dip-Tube Question

[Mac G]

Am installing a new, additional holding tank aft under the rear head vanity which will fit partway down into the deep bilge below and stick partway up under the existing vanity drawer.
Will allow enough clearance on top for the necessary fittings in and out and for vent so all those will remain accessible from under the vanity, especially if the drawer is temporarily removed.
However, once installed and secured into position it is unlikely there will be sufficient clearance to remove the tank's pump-out dip-tube without disconnecting everything and tilting the tank in its new location.
Is that a concern?
How oftern is it necessary to actually pull a dip-tube out full length once installed?
That is the only part of this new location and installation that is giving me pause.
Have already figured out how to vent the tank and how to locate a new deck pump-out location nearby.
And will have a new separate macerator and high vented loop to an existing thru-hull for offshore discharge if needed.
All those will be accessiible under the vanity.
But once this whole new rig is installaed removal of the dip-tube would be a royal pain so am wondering how often, if ever, that would need to be done.
Is this a legitimate concern or a low risk problem that may never happen?
Please advise
Thank you.

 

[HeadMistress]

Unless it's metal, there's rarely if ever a need to remove the diptube as long as sludge on the bottom of the tank is flushed out 2-3x/season, which is easy to do:


Pump out or dump the the tank, then put 5-6" of water into it via the deck pumpout fitting--cuz that sends the water into the tank at the bottom to stir up the sludge so it can be pumped or dumped. Pump or dump that out...repeat, repeat until you're removing only clean water. The do it one more time to rinse out any macerator plumbing.


--Peggie

 

[Jay N]

Assuming a plastic tank, one of the external sensors could work for you. Although they may occasionally suffer from "clingage" that would require a 4" dia port under your vanity and some level of tank cleaning.


My last read of federal regulations; there is a requirement to be able to measure tank contents at 3/4 full. So, you need something in place of your dip tube.


For Westerly, I put a mark on the tank side at 3/4 full.

 

[Mac G]

Thank you Peggie!

Jay N - yes, thanks. Tank will be plastic and will be visible. Good idea about painting marks on before installation. Thank you

 

[HeadMistress]

It's a good idea only if you if you want to visually inspect the tank to know how much is in it. It's no longer necessary to cut a hole in the top of the tank to insert sensors that will quickly become clogged with the animal fats in waste. The best tank level monitors use sensors that attach to the outside of the tank (any material except metal) and have a panel in the head or wherever you want to install it that lets you see how much is in the tank at any given time. SCAD tank level monitors Scad Tank Monitors are top rated, very reasonably priced...very low voltage, easy to install, available from many retailers, even Amazon.


--Peggie