Sanitation

Winterizing marine toilets: We don't want a smelly boat!

We don't want a boat with bad odors so now is the time to winterize the toilet and black water system, especially if you are not going to use them for more than 3 months.

By carrying out some simple maintenance tasks on the toilets and tanks, we will avoid finding the unpleasant smell on the boat upon return.

Carrying out proper winter storage will allow us to be ready to go out on the boat again at any time.

At Dahlberg we advise you to check and clean the following points of your sewage system:

· Toilet bowl
· Electric pump
· Hose circuit
· Level sensors
· Storage tank

The cup Bathroom: if there are dark or lime stains, we will apply a descaling or stain remover product to leave the bowl spotless. It must be a product that does not damage the joints and parts of the toilet (we should never use hydrochloric acid). Our technicians use the Adinet Cisternas product. effective against limescale and does not damage rubber seals.

If we have Vacuflush vacuum toilets We will take into account that a build-up of mineral deposits may have formed under the edge of the rubber seal of the bowl (which makes the system watertight). To clean it, always disconnect both the power supply and the water tap. Open the plastic ball and use a non-abrasive cleaner, such as Sealand Toilet Bowl Cleaner , we will scrub underneath and around the seal. Next we will use a brush and water to clean off any loose deposits. Remember not to use products with caustic components, as they can cause irreparable damage to the rubber seals.

Do you use salt or fresh water?

If you use salt water, close the sea water intake valve. This will ensure that there is no water leak or flooding due to this. Also, never leave salt water residue inside the pump or bowl because it rots, smells bad and creates a layer of lime. Take one or two buckets of fresh water and pour it down the bowl.

If you use fresh water, rinse the system thoroughly with water from the supply to completely empty the hoses.

Do we leave the cup dry or with a small amount of water?

If our toilet is electric or manual, it is best to leave it completely dry, without a drop of water inside.

If we have a Vacuflush system, leave two fingers of water to prevent the joints from drying out and hardening.

For thorough maintenance and winterization:

For manual toilets: disassemble the pump mechanism to clean the rubber seals and soak them with a little Vaseline before reassembling them.

For electric toilets: try to disassemble the motor, remove the rubber turbine closing cover and clean the entire part that is in contact with fresh/salt water, including the discharge tube.

In Vacuflush vacuum systems, we will only ensure that it is clean and free of residue inside, by performing several rinses, and following the same procedure as in the hose circuit.

Hose circuit : during the period of rest in which the toilet will be left, bacteria can proliferate in the bowl, pipes and storage tank. To inhibit them and disinfect the system, we recommend pouring ½ litre of a specific deodorant and cleaner for black water, such as Adinet WC nautic , directly into the toilet. We run the liquid, with water, in the system by means of a WC flush, in this way we will impregnate the hoses of the discharge line and the product will take care of cleaning the remains of paper and waste, leaving everything in its path disinfected and odourless (avoid using products containing Formaldehyde, they are very polluting).

Level sensors:

We will access the sensors, clean them of debris and wash them with descaler.

Storage tank:

We will empty the tank, it may seem obvious but it is something that is often forgotten and it is not at all pleasant to return to the boat after a long winter and find it full of disgusting smells coming from the waste water tank.

We will avoid this trauma by thoroughly cleaning the sanitation system with preferably fresh water, and ensuring complete drainage of the system, below the waterline, before closing the water supply.

At Dahlberg SA we offer a wide network of service distributors in the Balearic Islands and the entire Peninsula, who will provide you with the necessary help to carry out the correct winterization of your boat's wastewater system. Request information from us using this form.

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