subject: Operation Guide For A Pumpout Dump Station [print this page] If you have not ever used a pumpout dump station before, it really is not too difficult. The general idea of these types of systems is always the same, and the instructions are pretty similar, for the most part. It might be a little bit intimidating at first, so here are some things you need to know in order to feel more confident in your ability to use the systems at marinas when you have docked your vessel. There are only a few steps really, and once you are finished with this article you will feel much better about operating a pumpout dump station.
The very first thing you need to do is to relax. For the most part there is not much difference between this and pumping gas. You need to not be afraid to ask the dock staff for help with anything you dont understand. It is better to ask for help than to do something wrong and damage your boat, the dock or the pumpout system. Although the general instructions are the same for different systems, the machinery and mechanics do vary a bit. For the most part, the pumps have simple instructions either right on the pump or at the boat house. They also come with pictures, diagrams and simple text. However, if you dont see anything posted, speak up! Staff can hand you a copy of the instructions and they should also post them.
Look around to see if there are deck staff members on hand that are going to be able to pump your tank for you; many marinas offer this service. If there is someone to do it for you, take the opportunity to learn by watching how they do it and by asking questions so that you can do it yourself when you need to.
Now for the actual instructions. Unscrew the cap from your boats deck waste fitting, and take the pump hose nozzle and insert it into your deck waste fitting. This is just like pumping gasoline into your car. There will be a switch or a button to turn the pump on, next. If there is a valve on the hose, you need to open it to start the suctioning action. Make sure that you look at the boats waste level while you are using the marine pumpout dump station. When you cannot see waste any more through the sight glass, you can safely close the hose valve and remove it from your boats deck fitting.
Flush out the pumps hose with water for about 15 seconds, and with the valve open you should submerse the hose into a bucket of water to rinse it. Some people also rinse the waste tank of their boat here, and then they pump it dry. All that is left to do now is to close the valve, making sure that the pump has turned off with a timer or you have manually shut it off. Be sure that your deck fitting is replaced correctly. In general, these are the only steps to using a pumpout dump station with as little stress, effort and anxiety as possible.
