What happens to unspeakable in floating homes? No, it doesn’t go into the river. Floating home toilets are handled with Honey Pots. These are barrels of fiberglass or steel that are under the floating home. They usually (and should) have an access panel through the deck that can be lifted up in case something goes wrong and you need a plumber to work on the honey pot.  How it works is this: you flush, the contents of the toilet bowl are flushed into the honey pot. The honey pot has a small pump that pumps the contents  to a main sewer line that runs under or next to the docks.  All the honey pots in the  moorage are pumped to a large holding tank usually located near the bottom of the ramp that comes down from the land into the moorage. That larger holding tank is serviced by a powerful pump that pumps the contents into the main sewer system for Portland. Thus, you have public sewer for your home.

If you notice sewage backing up in your toilet or shower, call a plumber. Not all plumbers work on floating homes but I can refer you to a good one. The maintenance of the honey pot is that periodically, usually every 5 years or so, the honey pot pump will need servicing or replacing. Cost is from $600 to replace. You should ask the diver who inspects your home when you buy it to take a look at the honey pot and tell you if it is in solid condition under the water. Your home inspector can take a look at the top of the tank and let you know if it appears to be working correctly. If the home inspector doesn’t know anything about honey pots, and you are concerned about it, ask a plumber to take a look.

Maintaining a well working honey pots insures that you can swim and eat the fish that you catch from your very own dock!