Holding tank everything at a glance

Holding tank, all in a row.
For years there has been a debate over whether the holding tank is mandatory or not. We as yacht brokers often receive this question because by no means all vessels have such a tank. But first some history…

In 1995, many yacht builders signed a covenant agreeing to build a holding tank in all new yachts. The practice is, yachts longer than 10 meters and built 1995 or younger indeed often have this tank. It makes sense, too, since this can already be taken into account when designing and building yachts.

Since January 1, 2009, there has been a discharge ban, this means that discharge from yachts into surface water is prohibited. Thus, it is not a requirement to install an expensive system. Simply not using the toilet for a major errand also suffices. This law actually dates back to 1970, however, ships were granted exemptions for this.
For those who still want to use the toilet normally, there are several solutions on the market. We are happy to list them for you:

• Chemical toilet, very familiar from caravans and RVs. Inexpensive and easy to install. However, not always hygienic and comfortable, and at marinas by no means easy to empty. Actually, this is a toilet and holding tank in one.
• Dry toilet, lesser known type. There are several suppliers of this type of toilet.
  • The Nonolet consists of a toilet bowl into which a compostable plastic bag is hung. The feces is collected in this and covered with a cloth made of recycled paper. Then you need to mash it with a special pestle. The supplier recommends pouring a glass of water into the jar occasionally for optimal performance. The urine is collected separately and directed to a urine tank. Separately collected feces and urine can be dropped off at the marina.
  • Cactus dry toilet.In the Cactus dry toilets, you need to hang a new special bag (lidbag) for each toilet, in which you put a scoop of corresponding jelly powder. Pressing down firmly on the toilet lid after using the toilet closes the “lidbag. Then you can dispose of the bag with your regular garbage (gray container).
  • The Villa toilet is a modern, waterless, urine-separating system with a highly efficient fan that keeps the toilet free of odors and humidity. When standing up from the toilet, a sliding panel in the toilet prevents viewing of the container and its contents. Available in white with free children’s glasses.
  • This model is larger in capacity and suitable for more permanent use and/or 4-6 people: L67xW45.6xH44.4cm. www.ecosave.com/boottoilet
  • The Foilet is a special toilet in which a specific film is used. The result of each toilet visit is wrapped in this film and disappears into a receptacle in which a sturdy garbage bag is placed. After a weekend away, for example, you can empty the collection bin by simply tying a knot in the foil and then closing the garbage bag. Because no chemicals are used, you may dispose of this garbage bag with your household waste. The great advantage of the Foilet is that it does not require chemicals, water and sewage, so it is easy and quick to implement in any situation.

So actually the best solution is still a holding tank. You often realize larger storage with a tank, leaving you less tied to ports with collection points. One point, however, is that the space on board must be accordingly. With a holding tank, the existing toilet (electric or pump) is maintained, only the drain must be bled. The tank is often placed under the floor or in a bench. There are several supplier who sell these sytems, such as; Vetus, Excalto, Technautic and Allpha. But customization is also possible; we have already had several tanks made from stainless steel or HPDE, complete with fittings and manholes.

Once you have the tank installed, bring the hoses to the toilet and to a deck drain. Between the tank and the toilet you do not need to put a pump, the toilet pump can handle it. No pump is also needed between the tank and the deck penetration; the shore installation is self-priming. If you are a seafarer, you may discharge outboard; however, you will need a (cut-up) pump for this. Note that if the drain comes out underwater, install an aerator or gooseneck. Above all, do not forget to place an odor filter between the vent and the tank, it catches the unpleasant odors. Furthermore, it is important that the tank is thick enough so that in the future odors cannot leak from the tank. disinfecting the tank if necessary can be done with diluted bleach, draining can be done simply with antifreeze.

You can come to us for the installation of a holding tank. We install these starting at an average of €2,500.

Do you have questions or are you curious what we can do for you? Please contact us without any obligation.