The Federal Water Pollution Act defines a marine sanitation device (MSD) as "Any equipment for installation onboard a vessel that is designed to receive, retain, treat or discharge sewage, and any process to treat such sewage." At Ardemco, we specialize in marine sanitation devices and systems, provided by the best manufacturers in the industry. Check out our full selection today.

Fortunately, today’s advanced marine sanitation devices require minimal maintenance, but if you want to keep your toilet functioning flawlessly for years to come, it’s still important to heed some basic maintenance essentials. Here are some very simple tips to get you started:

1)      Use only materials rated for marine sanitation. Specifically, you want to find Coast Guard-certified toilets and parts, like those manufactured by Sealand/Dometic. Never attempt to install a non-marine toilet or tank on a boat.

2)      Install your system according to the directions provided. At Ardemco, all of our high-quality marine sanitation products include detailed installation instructions, and it’s very important that you assemble all components according to the manufacturer guidelines. Failure to do so may result in faulty operation, or may void your warranty. If you have any difficulty with the installation of your new system from Ardemco, our experts are happy to assist you. Just give us a call at 1-800-253-0115.

3)      Inspect your system on a regular basis, especially before venturing out to sea. Look for any loose components, leaks or other warning signs. When you ignore small problems, they will lead to much bigger problems, so find out what’s causing any issues, and invest in an appropriate replacement part. You may need something as simple as a vacuum pump replacement part, a new hose adapter or vent filter, but it’s important to catch problems as soon as they occur. If you aren’t the most technically inclined when it comes to marine sanitation, and you can’t diagnose the problem on your own, give us a call and let our experts help.

4)      Empty your holding tank often. It’s important to keep a close eye on your tank monitor, observing the tank level indicator so that you always know when the tank is nearly full. Bear in mind, though, that there are laws about discharging waste. It is illegal to dump raw waste in the ocean unless you are at least 3 miles from shore. Most common marine sanitation systems will need to be dumped at a pump-out station.

5)      There are some treatment systems that allow for treated sewage to be dumped but you should check with the local harbormaster to be sure of the regulations. In most cases the local law will override federal regulations.

6)      Flush the system after each use. This will reduce odor and keep the system functioning adequately.

Don’t head out to sea without a truly reliable marine sanitation system on your side. At Ardemco, we carry on the best marine sanitation supplies. Check out our full supply, and give us a call at 1-800-253-0115 if you have any questions or require any assistance. Shop today!