Boat head odors can have several causes. The hardest part is figuring out where the smell is coming from. After the source is determined it will be easy to solve the problem.

Seawater heads are prone to smell problems due to limescale buildup. Here are some tips on removing the smell from the boat head.

How To Remove The Smell From The Boat Head

• Plumbing leaks are one of the most common causes of head odor. Starting at one end of the plumbing system, check each hose connection for leaks and make all hose clamps tight and free of corrosion. Install the double hose clamp. But only if you have enough barb fittings. Otherwise, you’ll pinch or cut the hose and create more leaks.
• Check your system and hose lines for places where raw sewage can collect. Hose routes should be kept as short and straight as possible. The holding tank drain hose should also be self-draining (that is, the deck pump hose should return to the holding tank without loops or low spots).
• One of the more unsanitary practices on board is showers that drain directly into the bilge. A usual aftermarket solution is to install a gravity sump under the shower pan that collects water and automatically drains it overboard. At least once a year, remove the sump cover, clean the filter, and verify the float switch’s proper operation.
• Shock treatment prevents odor build-up and allows a second use if the odor is detected mid-season. Add shock treatment about a week before the last pump off (while the boat is still running) to give the treatment time to slosh the holding tank to descale it for winter. It also helps ensure a clean final pumping.
• Replace the hose. Sewage seeps into old plumbing hoses and stinks. To check for holes in the hose, wipe the section with a warm, damp cloth, place it in a ziplock bag, carry it over the deck for fresh air, open the bag and smell it. Always use proper sanitary tubing when installing or replacing old tubing, including vent tubing. This is about 30 times more concentrated than domestic wastewater.
• Periodically check the holding tank vent line for blockages. Clogged vent hoses not only promote unwanted odors but also reduce head flushing. A blocked vent can create a vacuum during pumping that can damage or even collapse the holding tank. If possible, backflush the vents after every pump to keep them open and clean.
• Flush the head just enough to push all the feces out of the tube and flush behind it. How much extra flushing do you need? Two strokes per foot of drain hose is a general rule of thumb. If you’re worried about filling up the holding tank too quickly, clean the hose once at the end of the day or before leaving the boat.

Summing up

Owning a boat is no easy task. Keeping it fresh and odorless is an essential task. This blog summarizes this and shows you how to remove the smell from the boat head. Many tips are given including regular pumping, changing filters, changing hoes, and rest.

However, to get a fresh, odor-free boat, it’s always a good idea to call a professional company to get the best.