WALDO POINT HARBOR

Emptying the Holding Tank One major inconvenience during a power outage is the inability to flush our toilets, since our holding tanks must be emptied by electric pumps or they will overflow. The late Plumber Michael Peterson recommended that when the power goes out, homeowners should go onto the dock and turn off their water, so we can’t possibly make the mistake of flushing or running any other water until the juice goes back on. As Michael put it, “the inconvenience of turning off your water is far less than the hassle of cleaning up after an overflow.” However, there is another possibility. When we have some warning that an outage may occur (as we did with several mini-outages before the big January blackout), you can empty your tank in advance. Most holding tanks hold 30+ gallons of waste water, and the average flush of a low-flow toilet is less than 2 gallons. So an empty tank could accommodate a dozen flushes – or more if you’re feeling brave. Learn the size of your holding tank. Here’s how to do it. Some newer pumps have a remote switch which allows you to turn it on manually. Otherwise, find the power cord for your holding tank’s pump. Notice that there are two cords, attached to a tandem plug (see accompanying photos on back). The “B” plug goes into the socket and powers the pump, while the “A” plug powers an internal on-off device. Remove the “B” plug, separate them, and insert the “A” plug directly into the socket. That will activate the on-off device. Let the pump run a few seconds until you hear a “whoosh” when it’s completely empty. Then reverse the procedure and insert the “A” plug into the “female” portion of the first one (B). Then plug “B” back in the socket. It might be a good idea to practice this procedure so you can do it smoothly in a blackout. Check out “Floating Homes Association Presents Houseboat Waste Systems, 2020” from The Floating Times on Vimeo. The video is available for your viewing pleasure at https://vimeo.com/398112725

March 8, 2021 Dear Waldo Point Harbor residents, Our trash hauling fees are increasing astronomically. We need your help to keep rates low so we don’t have to pass the costs along to you, our valued tenants. We are noticing increased instances of residents dumping large household items, appliances, rootbound plants and construction debris at the dock entries or in the trash dumpsters. If you have a large item for disposal that is not regular household waste, please contact the Harbormaster for assistance, and he will assign a reasonable rate to dispose of the item. Residents found illicitly dumping will incur additional fees; approximately double the charge. Please work with us to remove the item properly and responsibly. WPH rates are as follows: Mattress/box spring $40.00 – $60.00 each Couch/recliner $50.00 each Chairs/desk/drawers $30.00 each All appliances $40.00 each Carpet $50.00 per cubic yard Toilets/sinks $25.00 each Large plants $25.00 each No Construction Debris allowed! If you or your contractors are working on your houseboat, remember that the community bins are not an option for construction debris. This must all be disposed of off-site. Remind your contractors and workers that this is not acceptable. All construction debris must be disposed offsite. Please flatten and break down each and every cardboard box when you recycle them, so that the cardboard bin doesn’t overflow, which happens frequently. No Styrofoam should go in the cardboard! If you are composting, make sure you follow guidelines for responsible composting and do not use plastic bags ever. If the compost bin is overflowing, please throw excess compostable in the regular dumpster to avoid overflowing the bin which just feeds racoons and rats. Household hazardous wastes should never go in the trash enclosures. Marin Sanitary Services Main facility at 565 Jacoby Street in San Rafael will take them for free, including paint, cleaning fluids and batteries. It is an easy drive-through process and they take up to 15 gallons of liquids a day per household. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter, your cooperation is greatly appreciated! Becky & Bill