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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Winterizing Porta Potti

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/20/2006 : 15:18:37

We have a thetford electric flush porta potti on our C25. We will be winterizing the water system this weekend including the head sink drain, galley drain, and ice box drain on the 12v ice box. I will be using the 'pink' anti-freez from WM and was wondering if putting it in the flush tank and the waste tank of the thetford would be ok. I really don't want to empty it since we have not used it yet. Still have a full resorvoir of flush water and just a small amount covering the bottom of the waste tank.

Mike
Grand Lake, OK
N.O. Catalina 25 #4849
In my opinion 75% of the earth is water for a reason. That's why I sail.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 17:06:11

It would be a waste of anti freeze, the whole idea of a portable is you are not burdened by the holding tank regimen, dump it. By the way, you did not put chemicals in the flush tank... did you?

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 10/20/2006 19:53:53

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 22:00:14

Ya, is it "porta" or not? If so, take it home, dump it out, bleach it, let it dry, and store it. No point in leaving anything in there. If it's plumbed in, that's another issue--get all water out and run a gallon of antifreeze through. To Frank's point, the fresh water tank should be plain fresh water, and should be "freshened" periodically. The chemicals go in the holding tank (bottom). And no bleach or other "fresheners" in the water tank--that messes up the enzyme process in the holding tank. BTW, a full flush-tank with some pink stuff added WILL FREEZE, and you'll be buying a new electric potti next Spring.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/20/2006 22:04:18

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2006 : 06:29:41

I also have one of those electric porta pottis.
I have also learned to remove the batteries if I'm going to store the unit. Sometimes batteries leak. I also like to coat the contacts with dielectric grease too.
I wouldn't recommend coating the seat with grease.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2006 : 07:08:50

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 I wouldn't recommend coating the seat with grease.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Right--pine tar.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3485 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2006 : 07:49:33

Is this only recommendations for an electric porta potti or all ?

Last year was first year with boat and I basically sailed thru winter without having the porta potti onboard. I kept it at home and then did a full check-out of it in the spring before I out it onboard. This time around, I want to leave it onboard thru the winter because I sail with temps down into the 30s. I was going to add anti-freeze to top works.

My thought is what is so important about it only being fresh water in the top. If it is a mix of say 30% or so anti-freeze what is the big deal ? I am not drinking from that water ? As far as it then mixing with the flush chemicals in the lower unit...I don't see the big deal there either. If and when I have to use the porta potti it is for #1's only and if I used it, I could always bring it back home and eal with it if the lower unit smelled.

If we are talking about someone putting in anti-freeze and then using the porta potti "big" time and frequent over a period of time...well then I could see the concern possibly with the holding tank chemicals not doing there job but oftentimes and especially during the winter months when there are those still sailing, I see using anti-freeze as acceptable unless anyone knows of a concern with the anti-freeze eating away at the bowl container matl or the o-rings, etc. Otherwise, perhaps someone can give a better explanation under what circumstances is anti-freeze a no-no. My thought is that if you are packing your boat up for the winter...well then it makes perfect sense and the better thing to bring it home and empty it out.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2006 : 10:20:51

If I am sailing in cold weather my boat has a West Marine dehumidifier (little heater) that runs all the time at the dock, and a heater with a snow setting that will come on if it gets too cold in the boat. I suppose antifreeze in the flush tank makes sense if you are using it in freezing conditions but to store it that way seems silly.

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2006 : 12:15:58

I guess I should have tried to read the manual before asking the question. However, it is on the boat and I am having a devil of a time getting to the Thetford website. It asks for an ID and password..? This is straight from the manual:

Winter Use
For cold weather use, add non-toxic
(propylene glycol), RV-type anti-freeze
to the fresh water supply tank to prevent
freezing. Refer to the chart on the
anti-freeze container to obtain the desired
level of protection.
Add deodorant chemical to the waste
holding tank. Flush one to two times to
winterize pump and prevent damage.

...and no, I have not chemicals in the fresh water tank. Only water that it appears will be ok with the anti-freeze. Certainly I can take it out for the winter, but we sail all year long here and I want to be able to use it if it becomes necessary.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 10/21/2006 : 12:35:46

I use Odorlos enzyme treatment in my porta potti. I too wonder if the anti freeze will kill the enzymes, or bacteria, or whatever. I no longer use the blue formaldyhyde type of treatments. Too much smell.
I think I'll check with the Odorlos folks and see what they say. I'll post the results later.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.