In a marine sanitation system, there are several potential sources for malodors.

Seawater flushing – If your toilet uses seawater for flushing, microscopic marine organisms which die and decompose inside the incoming water line can cause malodors, especially when the toilet has not been flushed for a long time. Our VacuFlush systems, with freshwater flushing, eliminate this occurrence.

Discharge hose odor permeation – If a discharge hose is installed so that a section may collect standing sewage, anaerobic decomposition of the sewage can begin, and the malodor created by this process can permeate the hose material (rubber hose can be especially vulnerable).

To determine if this is the odor source, use a clean cloth to wipe all suspected areas. Sniff the cloth at frequent intervals. Where molecules of malodor have permeated the hose, the odor will be transferred to the cloth. The offending section of hose will need replaced. If impossible to reposition the hose so it can readily drain, convert the hose to rigid PVC pipe.

Where hose runs are required, SeaLand® OdorSafe® Hose is 16 times more effective against odor permeation than other leading hoses, making it the best choice for sanitation hose.

Ventilation line – Improper installation of a vent line sometimes results in low points that can trap liquid and do not let gases escape. Rerouting the vent hose can eliminate this problem.

When a toilet is flushed, the effluent entering the holding tank displaces malodorous gases out of the holding tank, through the vent line, and out the through-hull vent fitting. To remove odors before they escape overboard, install a SaniGard™ Vent Filter. The charcoal media absorbs the heavy odor molecules and will last an entire boating.