Gas in water storage tank.

[pipes]

Over the weekend we left to get gas, (after our crazy weekend was over, and we were all very very tired!) and I gave the key to my uncle to remove the cap, well he removed the water storage cap instead. He was able to pump about a gallon or so in it before he noticed. What to do anyone know? O and by the way we had just put about 40 gallons in it since it was quite empty after fishing and using water all weekend long. Some ideas would be great. I thought maybe a pumpout station? Don't know if that tank can be reversed though.

 

[rndn]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

Take it to a marine and have them take care of it. It's very explosive and you can't take it out or pump it safely. It's going to cost a few pennies, but it's better than blowing yourself to pieces. You will also need to replace the tank and line as it will always smell of gasoline.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

...and it will be toxic for a long time.

Seriously, you need to have someone competent drain the tank and then replace it and the hose. Hopefully you haven't tried to use the freshwater system anywhere on the boat since there's been gas in there...

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

Does your water tank have a cap in the top for access? If you haven't drained all the water out or used your fresh water, the gas will stay on top of the water since it is lighter in weight. Buy or borrow a primer bulb that is used on outboards for priming to pump the gas out. It should be easy to see the difference between the gas and water. The quicker you get it out the less likely of the gas impregnating the plastic of the water tank. However more than likely your looking at getting a new fresh water tank. If you didn't use the fresh water, your lines and pump should be okay providing you still had water in the system.

 

[pipes]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

Thanks for all of your input. I guess it works to be a pretty expensive mess up. Guess that will never happen again! Thanks again.

 

[pipes]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

I have heard some rumors about clorine. like in pools? dont know. anyone help

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

Chlorine is only good to sanitize the tanks. It only takes a small amount to do the trick. The bad thing is that the chlorine will also leach into the plastic tank as well. It still wouldn't hurt to try it since they are contaminated with the gas. The water probably be good to use for washing, but I'm unsure about using it to drink.

I bought my boat used and the fresh water tanks were pretty much done with. I went to the extent of cutting large holes in the top of them to gain access. Used chlorine, dish detergent, baking soda, and some other water treatments on the market. The water still came out stinking and unfit to drink.

During my transom/stringer replacement I replaced my tanks with six 4"X10' pieces of PVC pipe. This has given me about 42 gallons of fresh clean odor free water. With me installing them next to the hull below water line, it actually lets my boat sit about an inch more out of the water. Its been 2 years now and haven't had a problem.

I wouldn't use no more than a tablespoon per 5 gallons.....Good Luck.......SS

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

anytime I spilled gas or got gas anywhere on the boat, or even in the water by accident, I always sprayed dish detergent to break up the gas. I've always been told this, and really havent had a problem... As far as the water system and plastic I have no idea, but maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to pour dish detergent into the holding tank to catch hold of the gas...

any thoughts?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

You can clean up and remove the gas, but once it's in the tank it's not safe to use that tank for human consumption any more.

Sorry, but it needs to come out, and the sooner it does the less likely you'll have a problem with it.

It's a pain and expensive, but shortcuts are bad for safety.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

I may have a tank for you for the cost to ship. Seems I won one in an auction from a marine store closing. If you PM me with measurements/capacity, I'll see if what I'll be getting will work for you.

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

erikgreen,

there's no doubt about it, the gas has to come out, but would dumping dish detergent be a minor patch until he gets all the gas/water out....

like a some perkiset pills until the surgery is done, you know?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

It'll help contain the gas partly, but it won't make the water safe to drink, nor prevent an explosion, nor prevent the gas from further contaminating the tank. So what's the point?

Erik

 

[pipes]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

Thanks for the info. my uncle said that he knows he is going to have to replace the tank and some hoses, but would like to do that when the season is over. which is only a month or so away. so a bandade for now is all. but we understand the dangers.

 

[pipes]

Re: Gas in water storage tank.

I may have a tank for you for the cost to ship. Seems I won one in an auction from a marine store closing. If you PM me with measurements/capacity, I'll see if what I'll be getting will work for you.

I will let you know what he says. and get the information on the size. thanks