A marine sanitation device (MSD) is very useful for a voyage of any length, and is required for any vessel with an installed toilet traveling in inland waterways. Some MSDs treat raw sewage so that it can be directly released from the vessel without polluting the environment. However, certain states have strict no-discharge zones (usually where there is no navigable outlet to the sea) so make sure to check the laws with the local Coast Guard or regulatory agency before your voyage.
A crucial element of any MSD is the sanitation hose. There are many options to choose from when installing a new system, and this article discusses some of the various hosing options and their respective qualities. It is important to choose hosing based upon your individual needs: there is no one overarching best choice. Make sure that any hosing you choose is clearly marked, "Sanitation."
Sanitation hosing serves several purposes. It must effectively transfer sewage from toilet to holding tank, holding tank to pump out point and to any vents. Clearly, odor permeation is highly undesirable, so carefully research your options to determine which will work best under your specific conditions. Also, no matter what hosing you choose, a poor installation will negate it's benefits. There must be no kinks, loops or dips in the line, and all connections must be tight. Unless specifically labeled, do not use alcohols, anti-freeze, petro-chemicals or solvents in sanitation hosing. All hosing has a set maximum operating temperature (for both hot and cold temperatures) before it breaks down. If you are in a location with extreme weather, pay close attention to this detail.
'Shields Hoses' has many excellent options to choose from, including two options for your potable water needs, as distinct from your waste-water system. All have either a full lifetime or partial warranty against odor permeation and all are flexible enough to be bent into a tight radius.
The Poly X Sanitation Hose combines the elasticity of rubber with the permeation resistance of polyurethane to create a excellent holistically sound option. It requires no external fixtures, but slips onto and around most fittings. It is easy to clean and resists abrasion well. It is used mostly for transference from head to holding tank and holding tank to pump out.
The Vac Extra Heavy Duty/FDA hose is composed of PVC with a vinyl helix. It is rated for full vacuum and is resistant to mild chemicals, permeation and saltwater. It is mostly used for bilge pump intake and discharge, sink, shower and scupper drains, and is appropriate for potable water tank fill as well as most sanitation applications.
The Shields Sanitation Hose has a EPDM tube and cover, is wire reinforced and has two fabric plies. This makes for a kink resistant and very flexible hose. It is resistant to toilet chemicals, ands holds up well against ozone, saltwater and heat. It is best used for connecting toilet to holding tank, and from holding tank to pump out point. It is super resistant to odor permeation.
Both the Shields Vac Extra Heavy Duty/Commercial Grade Hose and The Super PVC Sanitation Hose are composed of PVC with a vinyl helix. The latter is not appropriate for potable water use because it incorporates an anti-fungus agent to help control odor. It is best used for transference from toilet to holding tank, and holding tank to pump out point, but the former can be used for bilge pump intake and discharge, potable water, drains and sanitation intakes vents and pump outs. This hose (the Shields Vac Extra Heavy Duty/Commercial Grade Hose) is used for below waterline connections.
There are two great options for pressurized water system supplies (hot and cold) that are also effective wash down hoses for pump connections and head intakes. They both have a polyester braid reinforcement with a clear extra heavy wall FDA formula vinyl. The Heavy-Duty Polyester Reinforced PVC Tubing is extremely kink resistant and the All Clear Polyester Reinforced Red Tracer PVC Tubing has a 250# psi burst pressure and can also be used for drain lines.
The Trident Marine line carries many excellent choices as well:
The Trident Sani Shield Sanitation Hose offers a very thick tube and cover that not only resists odor permeation but holds up to winterizing anti-freeze. It employs helical wire and 2 ply reinforcement to provide increased flexibility bend radius. It is not to be used for any potable water transference.
Other options offer anti-bacterial thermoplastic formulation, or heavy-duty smooth white vinyl that provides excellent resistance to odor permeation while remaining safe for potable water. Some hosing can be fitted directly over fixtures, and if necessary, affixed more sturdily with marine cement. Others require cuffs to provide a tight connection.
| Price : $98.77
