- Joined
- Mar 5, 2001
- RO Number
- 3655
- Messages
- 1,800
Walterv wrote: Questions:
First off: How long should one expect the sanitation hose to last before it permeates a smell?
Anywhere from 3 months to 7(+) years, depending on the hose being used.
Second:
I understand that there are “cheap” sanitation hoses, and better ones. How does one identify if they have a “cheap” hose, or a good one?
Actually, there isn't any easy way. The obvious would be to avoid the corrugated, thin wall hose that resembles vacuum cleaner hose. Aside from that, you'd have to know which are the good ones and which aren't the good ones. Usually there is a brand name and part number stamped on the side of the hose.
Third:
I have white hoses and Dave has “black” hoses” I think I read that one of those (white or black) was the better sanitation hose.
Color makes no difference; it's the actual construction of the hose that matters. The only ones I currently recommend are Trident 101 and 102. One is white and one is black; I can never remember which is which. But they contain an outer layer and an inner layer, with a biocide in between the layers. That is the best. Next would be SeaLand's "Odor-Safe" hose. They are all relatively expensive, in the neighborhood of $8 or $9 per foot.
Forth:
Is there any scientific method of pin pointing where the smell is coming from, or is it just start replacing hoses, pumps, etc?
Not really, just methodically eliminate the obvious. Look for seepage at every joint in the hoses. Be sure there are no leaks at any fittings at the head or the holding tank. As was mentioned earlier, rub a damp rag along the bottom of the hose running from the head to the holding tank. Then remove the rag and smell it. If the rag has picked up the sewage smell, the hoses are permeated and will have to be replaced.
Also, be sure the smell is actually a sewage smell. Oftentimes, stuff growing in the cracks and crevices of the bilge will give off a horrendous odor as well. A small pressure washer and a Shop-Vac will help a lot in that area.
First off: How long should one expect the sanitation hose to last before it permeates a smell?
Anywhere from 3 months to 7(+) years, depending on the hose being used.
Second:
I understand that there are “cheap” sanitation hoses, and better ones. How does one identify if they have a “cheap” hose, or a good one?
Actually, there isn't any easy way. The obvious would be to avoid the corrugated, thin wall hose that resembles vacuum cleaner hose. Aside from that, you'd have to know which are the good ones and which aren't the good ones. Usually there is a brand name and part number stamped on the side of the hose.
Third:
I have white hoses and Dave has “black” hoses” I think I read that one of those (white or black) was the better sanitation hose.
Color makes no difference; it's the actual construction of the hose that matters. The only ones I currently recommend are Trident 101 and 102. One is white and one is black; I can never remember which is which. But they contain an outer layer and an inner layer, with a biocide in between the layers. That is the best. Next would be SeaLand's "Odor-Safe" hose. They are all relatively expensive, in the neighborhood of $8 or $9 per foot.
Forth:
Is there any scientific method of pin pointing where the smell is coming from, or is it just start replacing hoses, pumps, etc?
Not really, just methodically eliminate the obvious. Look for seepage at every joint in the hoses. Be sure there are no leaks at any fittings at the head or the holding tank. As was mentioned earlier, rub a damp rag along the bottom of the hose running from the head to the holding tank. Then remove the rag and smell it. If the rag has picked up the sewage smell, the hoses are permeated and will have to be replaced.
Also, be sure the smell is actually a sewage smell. Oftentimes, stuff growing in the cracks and crevices of the bilge will give off a horrendous odor as well. A small pressure washer and a Shop-Vac will help a lot in that area.
