Holding tanks are a vital component of your boat’s plumbing systems and they deserve proper waste system maintenance to keep them working in your favour. Holding tanks designed for boats and other marine bodies are flexible because they can hold fresh water, wastewater, and wash water for extended periods of time. These tanks are usually mounted securely, and they need consistent draining to prevent any issues that can arise. Holding tanks are also an effective houseboat waste management system because they can easily be pumped out. Only rely on an experienced houseboat pump out a service provider to assist you in this regard, but there are several other things to consider especially if you’re planning for an extended stay on your houseboat soon. We’ll explore this and so much more to help you prepare your holding tank for some much-needed time away.
Preparing for an extended trip
Holding tanks are becoming increasingly necessary because houseboat owners often have infrequent usage of their boats, and it is the most economically friendly option. This is what has also caused the major expansion of pump-out facilities in marinas, harbours, and boatyards in Riverland because more locals are taking advantage of this particular type of waste management. Similarly to the new surge in septic tank installation and maintenance, locals are simply taking a more proactive stance when it comes to their own waste management solutions. Long trips mean that your houseboat’s holding tank needs to be prepped for extended usage that it may not be typically used to. This is especially the case if you do not have a tank with a large capacity. We’ve put together some preparation tips below to have this aspect of the trip sorted and avoid any potentially disastrous consequences.
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Check on the fullness of your holding tank
Riverland is one of many major houseboat hot spots in this region of the country and that means that locals use them often. Those who use them quite regularly will probably realise that their holding tank is frequently full. If the tank looks like it is too full, there’s no use in crossing your fingers and hoping for the best before you set out for an extended stay. You can have the tank emptied now and you won’t have to deal with any waste-related issues for the entire duration of your mini-voyage. You should already be familiar with how often your houseboat needs pumping out but it may be even more crucial before a big trip. Those who use their houseboats regularly can expect a full pump out and maintenance service at least once every two months and maybe more.
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Look out for developing issues
You may have a failure waiting to happen but not even know about it. That is usually the issue with houseboat holding tanks. They are usually placed in hidden corners, tucked away from your sight. This makes it hard for any issues to be easily identifiable and if they are, then you have a serious problem on your hands. Call in a professional tank maintenance specialist to have a look before you head out and they can take care of any issues before it’s too late. They may have to empty out your tank now to identify any pressing maintenance issues and get those resolved as soon as possible.
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Houseboat pump outs can help to avoid tank damage
Full tanks that are left alone for too long can pose a potential risk to the structural integrity of the waste management system. After understanding how a houseboat is pumped out, you will realise why the service is so imperative. Treated boat sewage is a dangerous substance and it has the potential to threaten the existing waste management system and the environment around it. The last thing you want is a holding tank that suddenly leaks, or worse – bursts open, while you are too far from inland pumping facilities and experts to assist you in the process. Rather schedule a full pump out and inspection of the tank before your departure.
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Avoid using bleach and other harsh cleaning supplies
Many houseboat owners think that a sprinkle here and there of these products helps mask the odours that typically come from the holding tank. Using these types of cleaning products is counterproductive to the process of breaking down waste. They slow the growth (or completely eliminate) of the aerobic bacteria that is working away in the holding tank. So, what ends up happening is that the waste breakdown doesn’t happen as effectively, and it is more likely that you’ll have nasty odours to deal with.
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Use professional holding tank treatments
Professional septic and holding tank companies know exactly what type of bacterial treatments can assist in the process of the system’s digestion of organic materials in the wastes. Speak to a professional and they can give you advice about what works best, and they have access to the best quality products on the market.
Regular maintenance tips for your houseboat holding tank
The tips we’ve mentioned thus far have been in preparation for an extended stay on your houseboat but there are some regular maintenance considerations too. Something like tank testing and inspection should be performed regularly because without it is very difficult to detect if you have any problems with your tank. Maintenance can prevent the failure of your system and improper waste management. Here is some more advice to consider when planning for the general upkeep of your houseboat…
- Give us a call and we can arrange ongoing maintenance contracts with detailed specifications about servicing, cleaning, and pumping out at a frequency best for your usage patterns. Our pump-out facilities are fully mobile and we can help customers in many locations including Renmark, Berri, Barmera and many more across Riverland.
- Plan for regular inspection every now and then even when you don’t suspect that any issues are at play. This is especially important for houseboat owners that use them very often.
- Set aside a dedicated budget for the repair and maintenance of your houseboat waste management system based on advice from a professional
- Consider changing the seals and hoses in the system now and then to reinforce the structural integrity of the overall process