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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1775 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/23/2003 : 00:09:01

Hi everyone,

I've got a Porta Potti (model #155 I think) ... it is made by Thetford Marine. I don't have a user's manual for it, and so far I haven't had any success in finding out what I need to know.

First, the blue disinfectant goes in the bottom tank ... right? How much do I put in the bottom tank?

Second, I remember a thread last summer about a porta potti that built up a bunch of pressure inside with disastrous results. In that thread there was some discussion about whether or not to put any of the blue stuff in the top tank ... what was the consensus on that? I can't see that it would hurt anything, but I'm not sure.

Third--and most important--there is a button on top of the bottom tank (holding tank). The sketchy instructions that are printed on the inside of the porta potti lid show this button should be depressed when you are emptying it (at least I think that's what the instructions are trying to show). What is the button for? When I depress it, it doesn't seem to do anything.

Fourth, is it OK to use regular toilet paper, or should I use the kind that disintegrates in water?

Finally, do most people just empty the holding tank into a regular toilet and flush away?

Thanks for the help!

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

Mark Maxwell
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 00:38:40

Hi Buzz,
<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> First, the blue disinfectant goes in the bottom tank ... right? How much do I put in the bottom tank?<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Yes put the blue ( or what ever stuff you use in the bottom tank. Read the lable of the product your using it should tell you how much to use.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Second, I remember a thread last summer about a porta potti that built up a bunch of pressure inside with disastrous results. In that thread there was some discussion about whether or not to put any of the blue stuff in the top tank ... what was the consensus on that? I can't see that it would hurt anything, but I'm not sure. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I remember that thread. I think the pressure problem was due to elevation/temperature changes. I don't remember the consensus, but I can tell I use the blue stuff in the bottom tank and about two caps of Pine Sol in the top tank ( just to give it that fresh smell ) and when I flush, I have the lid closed and open the valve slowly, so as to not allow any stored tank pressure out too quickly.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> Third--and most important--there is a button on top of the bottom tank (holding tank). The sketchy instructions that are printed on the inside of the porta potti lid show this button should be depressed when you are emptying it (at least I think that's what the instructions are trying to show). What is the button for? When I depress it, it doesn't seem to do anything.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I don't have the same potti, but I have a similar button and it is used only to vent the holding tank when I dump it. It breaks the vaccuum(sp) so it pours out better.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> Fourth, is it OK to use regular toilet paper, or should I use the kind that disintegrates in water?<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I use regular paper because I dump often (not in there long enough to break down) and it's cheaper.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> Finally, do most people just empty the holding tank into a regular toilet and flush away?<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

If available, otherwise overboard at about 5 knots does the trick, (just kidding)<img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle>
Seriously I just dump it in what ever dump facility is available, like a toilet, outhouse, RV dump station, etc. The key is to dump it slowly so it doesn't splash back.

The kids of our dock friends will " do the dooty" for a fee. Usually $5 a head. I supply the rubber gloves<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

<img src="http://www.chaplin-nest.com/unkarock/usflagwav.gif" border=0>
Mark-
'Impulse'
C25 #533 DINN/FIN ~_/)~
Bakersfield, CA.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 01:07:02

The person who had the porti-potty explosion was David on Tupelo Honey,

"I had a terrible experience yesterday...I went into the head and opened the slide on my porta potty. There had been less than an 1/8" of water/chemical solution lying on top of the disc that separates the two units. I don't know whether it was due to the heat, or something else, but when I opened it, the liquid exploded in my face, covering the walls with blue and blinding me for 15 minutes" - David

He is now a member of the Blue Man Group.

<img src="http://www.blueman.com/image/tonight/cymbolum_up.jpg" border=0>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 01:10:46

The button is an air vent to let air into the holding tank while you are emptying the waste out. The air vent helps give a smooth even flow of the waste outlet without surging and splattering. The usual procedure is to empty it into a toilet in whatever restroom is closest and most convienient, but the problem then is how to rinse it out. Some marinas have "porta-potti dump stations", a large sink with an extra-large drain pipe, and water hose next to the restrooms, specifically for dumping and cleaning your porta-potti. Folsom Lake here in Sacramanto has these. The "blue stuff" is Formaldehyde and should NOT be put into the flush reservoir (top tank)!!!! Only clean water in the flush reservoir! Put the chemical into the bottom holding tank only. About 4 ounces for a three gallon porta potti, 8 ounces for a six gallon if you have one of those. Use of fully degradeable RV toilet paper will help make the emptying an easier task, preventing blockage of the outlet while you are trying to empty it. Especially try to avoid putting napkins or paper towels in your porta-potti, ther can be a bitch to get out of there as they don't dissolve well like real toilet tissue.

Be sure to inspect your unit for damage at least a couple times a year, especially if you live somewhere that it gets hot in the summer months. If it is 90ºF outside, it will be 120ºF inside a closed up boat, and this will slowly degrade the plastic that the porta-potti tanks are molded from. You don't want to have an "accident" inside your boat. An old porta-potti that has been "baked" inside a boat for several summers will likely be brittle, and something heavy dropped or bumped into it will crack the plastic.

GRANDMA NORBERG'S HOME-MADE PORTA-POTTI CHEMICAL SUBSTITUTE: If you run out of the store-bought formaldehyde "blue stuff", this will work in a pinch: In a 1 gallon jug, mix 2 quarts water, 1 quart PineSol cleaner, 1 pint household ammonia, then add Borateem bleach powder gradually until the solution is saturated and no more Borateem can be dissolved. Fill the rest of the way with water and a little more Borateem. DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH!!!!!! USE BORATEAM ONLY!! Use a cup or two of this solution every time you do a "number 2" in the porta potti, maybe half as much for a "number 1". It also works great to clean and sanitize the porta potti's bowl and seat after use, by putting a little on a paper towel or whatever you use to clean the porta potti. Put this stuff in the waste tank only, not the flushing water tank.

Hope this answers your questions.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 10:27:00

After reading about David's incident. I am happy to have a marine head.

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1775 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 11:12:31

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
After reading about David's incident. I am happy to have a marine head. - Bryan Beamer
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Bryan,

After reading about YOUR incident, I would never have expected that comment!

BTW, for those who might not know about Bryan's ordeal, here it is from a previous thread (it wouldn't all fit, so Bryan's last paragraph is not included):

Okay here is the story of the head.

I picked up my boat from the dealer April 2000. They told me they had no way of testing the head system because the water is sucked out of the lake to flush. I got home and wanted to see if the flush would work okay so I took a bucket of water poured it into the bowl when I started to pump, the water ran out on the floor. After cleaning up the water and tightening down the 2 bolts that connect the discharge hose to the pump I tested it again and everything worked fine. I thought good, easy fix I will not have any problem with this again. How wrong I was. After launch I though I would monitor the usesage of the head to know when it was full. I said to my self when the tank gets full it will not let me pump anymore or it will flow out the vent hose.

After 3 weekends it was not full so I thought. I went down to the boat by myself the 4th weekend to relocate the batteries to the v-berth. I climbed back thru the stern berth (we keep it ready for a bed with sheets and a comforter)and I noticed my knee was getting wet though the cushions and the bedding. I first thought it was water. Then I smelled it and it smelled like the blue tank deodorizer and pee. I pulled the bedding and the cushions up and I could ring the (we'll call it stuff)out of the cushions. I cleaned up the area where the cushions go so I could climb back there and not get sick. I opened the stern storage area door. The stuff was every where about 1" deep This took an hour to clean. As I was cleaning I was looking for what might have caused this. I check all the hose connections they were dry. I finally told myself I was going to have to pump more into the tank to see where it was coming from so I did.

I pumped, then went back and looked. Finally I saw the stuff running down the sides from the top. I thought I had a crack in the tank I had to bend my arm in a funny way just to get it to the top of the tank Then I found it. A 2" threaded hub on the top of the tank and the 2" plug in it was at least 3 full turns from being tight. THE FACTORY INSTALLED THE TANK AND FORGOT TO TIGHTEN THE PLUG!!! Thru the little storage door you can't even see the top of the tank I did not think to feel up there why would I.

The problem I had now is 2 berth cushions are full of stuff. So I took them home. The covers were zippered so I was able to wash them in the washing machine. The cushions I took outside and flooded with a hose until the blue stuff was gone. I did this twice. I rang out as much water as I could and it still took 4days of direct sun to get them dry. This whole ordeal took me at least 10 to 12 hours to fix and it could have been avoided in 30 seconds if only the plug was tightened during installation. ... I hope this helps someone, I would not wish this HORROR on anyone. - Bryan Beamer


Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1775 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 11:14:42

Mark & Larry,

Thanks! That is exactly the kind of info I needed.

Don,

I knew you wouldn't be able to resist posting those Blue Guys again ... do they have a name?

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 11:56:21

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist posting those Blue Guys again ... do they have a name? - Buzz"

Yes, the aforementioned

<img src="http://www.blueman.com/image/logo/logo_bmg.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://www.blueman.com/image/home/above_tubes.jpg" border=0>

I've seen these guys on The Tonight Show and they are awesome!

Here's a link.
http://www.blueman.com/

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - dlucier on 01/23/2003 12:00:22

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1775 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 13:00:35

"I knew you wouldn't be able to resist posting those Blue Guys again ... do they have a name? - Buzz"

Yes, the aforementioned Blue Man Group - Don


Well, duh ... they didn't waste a lot of time trying to figure out what to call themselves! I thought that was your name for them ... what do they do that is "awesome?"

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 13:39:17

I for one am happy to have a port-o-potty instead of a head. The only pumpout on our river is in our marina & it was broken most of last year. If we couldn't take our port-o-potty home to dump we would have had to spend 5 hours (round trip) going to the next closest pumpout.

Do NOT put the blue sanitizer in the top since it will weaken the seal & I can speak from first hand experience that leaking between the top and the holding tank of a port-o-potty is NOT pleasent!

Cathy
"Blown Away"
'97 C250WK #253

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 14:13:06

"What do they do that is "awesome?" - Buzz

From www.Blueman.com,

"Blue Man Group is best known for its award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as "ground-breaking", "hilarious", "visually stunning" and "musically powerful." These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else. People from all over the world, from all walks of life and from all age groups have become fans of Blue Man Group's show in New York, Boston, Chicago and most recently Las Vegas.

Blue Man Group is also known for its unique style of music which is played on a variety of invented instruments. Blue Man Group's debut album, AUDIO has been released on Virgin Records and was recently nominated for a Grammy in the category "Best Pop Instrumental Album." One reviewer called it "a glorious wall of sound."

In addition to live shows and music, Blue Man Group has created installations, "happenings","unusual ads", and a number of television-specific performances for The Tonight Show, several of which were nominated for Emmy awards."

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 20:03:06

Buzz

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Bryan,

After reading about YOUR incident, I would never have expected that comment!

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
I new someone was going to bring that up.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

You didn't read the other post about how I thought the manufactures head system was junk so I completely redid the system with a 18 gal tank, odor safe hoses and a tank monitor. Been a year since the mod was done. Could not be happier.

Plus our marina has 2 pump out docks and a portable one you can roll down the dock to your boat.

I also remember back in the 70's as a kid on my dad's boat a Chrysler 22, during a race we would move all the weight we could to the v-berth
I remember the holding tank on the port a potty leaking all over the things we moved up front one item was the 110% jib. It got a 2' round blue stain in it. I remember dad scrubbing on that stain for hours trying to get it out. The reason for the leak, the gasket in the screw on lid was not seated properly when it was emptied earlier that day.The stain never did come completely out it just looked like a light dirt spot in the sail. After that he hated port a potties. On his next boat a Chrysler 26, he installed a marine head and gave the port a potty to the Brookville Lake Sailing Assocation. They put it on the committee boat.

In my situation and my dad's, human error was the cause. IMHO there is more room for human error on a port a potty than on my NEW marine head.

I guess just like a outboard motor, marine head or port a potty it's a personal preference. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 20:16:58

Two points: One, I have the recollection that not all treatments are formaldehyde, some are much more environmentally friendly, and I HAVE known people who put a small amount of these types in the UPPER compartment to provide a more pleasant flush, Two, I believe the nasty explosion on record came from having some fluids ABOVE the sealing disc or valve, then when the slide was activated, pressure trapped in the lower unit blew the stuff up onto the mariner. It is best to check out the slide before commencing usage--carefully--to avoid any such outcome. We have used both kinds of heads for many years , and I remain convinced that for short jaunts with little head use, the portapottie is the best, and for extended cruising, would go back to the full Monty. mo' o' less. Currently have a brand-new Sanipottie large capacity, and very pleased with it, god bless, ron srsk 1981 Orion SW FL

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2003 : 20:30:21

Do Porta-potties have some sort of pressure equalization vent/valve/device that would bleed off holding tank pressure before the slide thingy is opened to prevent a wet burp?

My previous older porta-potty didn't seal that well(it stank) so it never built up any pressure.

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2003 : 16:17:31

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
GRANDMA NORBERG'S HOME-MADE PORTA-POTTI CHEMICAL SUBSTITUTE: If you run out of the store-bought formaldehyde "blue stuff", this will work in a pinch: In a 1 gallon jug, mix 2 quarts water, 1 quart PineSol cleaner, 1 pint household ammonia, then add Borateem bleach powder gradually until the solution is saturated and no more Borateem can be dissolved. Fill the rest of the way with water and a little more Borateem. DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH!!!!!! USE BORATEAM ONLY!! Use a cup or two of this solution every time you do a "number 2" in the porta potti, maybe half as much for a "number 1". It also works great to clean and sanitize the porta potti's bowl and seat after use, by putting a little on a paper towel or whatever you use to clean the porta potti. Put this stuff in the waste tank only, not the flushing water tank.

Larry Charlot
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
As Larry said, NEVER mix chlorine bleach with ammonia--for ANYTHING! I forget what it creates, but it can kill you.

The problem with the Big Burp, as others have suggested, is when you have pumped some water from the upper tank into the bowl before opening the slide valve to release pressure in the holding tank (from biodegredation as well as temperature). Pull the slide for a second before putting anything into the bowl.

Some holding tank fluids now use enzymes to break down the material without generating lots of odors like the "preservatives" do. I'm reluctant to add "fresheners" to the top tank because they might affect the action in the bottom--for example, breaking down the enzymes.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1775 Posts

Response Posted - 01/29/2003 : 19:25:42

Thanks everyone for your input. I printed out a copy of this thread, and I'm going to refer to it when I need to.

Special thanks to Ray Seitz ... he scanned & emailed me the entire operating manual ... thanks Ray!

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

jheard
1st Mate

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USA
49 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2003 : 17:05:30

My 2 cents: I pour just a capful of the disinfectant into the bottom and pump a couple of fresh water squirts down there. Keep some water in the bowl to keep the bottom portion sealed. I use 1 ply toilet paper for the porta potty. Then I just empty the whole thing in the toilet at the marina at the end of the day, rinse it in the shower, and refill the bottom portion as above for next time.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2003 : 18:54:05

"Then I just empty the whole thing in the toilet at the marina at the end of the day, rinse it in the shower,..."

Your marina isn't Lake Erie Metropark Marina in southeastern Michigan, is it? <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2003 : 23:38:05

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>rinse it in the shower <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

As in the shower people bathe in? That would be punishable by death at our marina!!

Bryan Beamer
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2003 : 07:27:45

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>, rinse it in the shower,

<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>Josh do you shower in that shower after? <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle> My wife is a sanitarian for the U.S. Public Health Service and would be happy to expand on why this practice should not take place, aside from a violation of your local health codes.

Don I see you have hit new highs in rank congrats I don,t think anybody else has hit that designation yet. I think Dave B would have if he hadn't started over. Consultant huh, we will have to talk to the V.C. Mark Melchior about that rank. I haven't heard of that in relation to DOD except for where the retirees go. I was thinking perhaps secretary of defense would be next.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Ray Seitz C 250WB #628 Sea Major

Edited by - RAY SEITZ on 02/01/2003 07:50:05

Edited by - RAY SEITZ on 02/01/2003 07:51:39

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1775 Posts

Response Posted - 02/01/2003 : 09:43:00

Well, before everybody unloads on Josh ... maybe he just goes to the shower to put some water in the bottom to rinse it out, then dumps & flushes it down the toilet. I know in the bathroom at our marina there is no spigot for filling anything ... I tried to fill a bucket in there once, and the shower was my only alternative (the marina turned off the water at the slips until chance of a freeze is over).

I haven't showered in the marina's shower yet ... maybe I shouldn't ...

Buzz Maring, C-25 SK/SR #68, "Freya"
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>

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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.