Smelly locker for sewage Y valve

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Isabelle
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Joined: 8/7/08
Posts: 2
Smelly locker for sewage Y valve

Hi there everyone!
I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem of a very smelly corner locker under the bench seat on their 36 Mk II. We have looked to see if there is any seepage on the pipes and valves but all looks okay, but that odour just seems to stay even after a good clean. Has anyone else experienced this? and do you have a solution? :o)

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deising
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Joined: 11/3/08
Posts: 1351

A couple of logistic items first:

It would be nice to have a first name to use, as well as your boat year or hull number so we know the age.

To your question:
It has often been written by experts that the hose can become saturated with 'stink' and nothing will rid it except replcacement. One of the recommended tests is to wrap the hose with a damp CLEAN rag for a day. Take the rag off and smell it; if it is stinky, then the hose is a serious candidate for replacement.

It sounds like you have checked for any leaks, but ensure that the vent is leak-free, too.

Good luck!

Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/

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davecask
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Joined: 11/2/08
Posts: 35

On our Mk II #2116, the vent hose ran through the forward corner locker. It had a sag and it accumulated waste which sat in it and eventually made the hose stinky. We replaced and rerouted the vent hose to be more vertical throughout its length, so it would drain back into the tank. The original vent hose is fairly cheap and not as impervious to stink seepage as regular head discharge hose. Helped quite a bit. It's possible the vent hose has a rupture. Although we hardly ever use that locker, ours has a Y-valve in it for direct overboard discharge where allowed, so we go in there several times per season, and it is improved. The main discharge hose from the head to the tank is also a likely suspect. The only remedy is replacement.

Dave C
"Corvus"
Mk II #2116

Isabelle
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Joined: 8/7/08
Posts: 2

[QUOTE=davecask;2131]On our Mk II #2116, the vent hose ran through the forward corner locker. It had a sag and it accumulated waste which sat in it and eventually made the hose stinky. We replaced and rerouted the vent hose to be more vertical throughout its length, so it would drain back into the tank. The original vent hose is fairly cheap and not as impervious to stink seepage as regular head discharge hose. Helped quite a bit. It's possible the vent hose has a rupture. Although we hardly ever use that locker, ours has a Y-valve in it for direct overboard discharge where allowed, so we go in there several times per season, and it is improved. The main discharge hose from the head to the tank is also a likely suspect. The only remedy is replacement.[/QUOTE]

Thank you both! You were very helpful. I am narrowing it down to which pipe now and looking forward to a fresh locker. Sorry about the anonymity, that was my first thread in a forum and just acted like it was an email to a dear friend, assuming that you knew who it was from. :o)

Joan Costa
2001 Catalina Mk II
"Isabelle" #1997
Nanaimo, B.C.

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deising
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Posts: 1351

Welcome, Joan. You will find this is a great resource for you!

Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/

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dejavu
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Joined: 11/6/08
Posts: 433

Hi Joan. I, too, suffered from "stinky locker syndrome" and I finally narrowed the cause to a barely noticeable leak in the diverter valve (Y valve) that directs the sewage either to the tank or overboard. I didn't like having that valve in such an inconvenient place under the locker, so when I changed it out, I moved it to the head where it is easily observed and accessible. It fits perfectly behind the toilet. The change in location also resulted in shortened hose runs which have to help as well. Here's a pic of my installation. I'd be glad to elaborate if anyone's interested in knowing more.

Mike

[ATTACH]108[/ATTACH] Click on pic to make it bigger

Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA

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mutualfun
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Joined: 6/25/07
Posts: 454

Mike:
Yes I would love more info on what you did. As going to saltwater next year I need to install a y valve, so if you can make it easier for me pleased do. You can mail me here I belive, if not let me know,

Randy

Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.

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LCBrandt
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Joined: 6/26/07
Posts: 1282

Actually, Randy, you don't "need" to install a Y-valve. It is perfectly acceptable to continue to send sewage to the holding tank and then macerate to the outside from there (when legal to do so).

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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dejavu
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Posts: 433

[QUOTE=mutualfun;2202]Mike:
Yes I would love more info on what you did. As going to saltwater next year I need to install a y valve, so if you can make it easier for me pleased do. You can mail me here I belive, if not let me know,

Randy[/QUOTE]

PM Sent

Mike

Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA

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