Vacuflush

Fire4161

New Member
Mar 6, 2019
15
Southold , New York
Boat Info
2019 270 SDX
Engines
MerCruiser 8.2 MAG ECT SeaCore Bravo IIIx Sterndrive w/Digital Throttle & Shift (380hp / 283kw)
Can someone please tell me the correct way to operate the vacuflush waste system on my searay 2019 sdx 270...thanks
 
Pedal or button?

If pedal, do your thing. (You can add water first if you want by lifting on the pedal.)

Add water, then flush by stepping on pedal. Hold for at LEAST 3 seconds. If you have room in the tank, hold for even longer.

Allow the pedal to snap back.
 
Pedal or button?

If pedal, do your thing. (You can add water first if you want by lifting on the pedal.)

Add water, then flush by stepping on pedal. Hold for at LEAST 3 seconds. If you have room in the tank, hold for even longer.

Allow the pedal to snap back.
Thanks...Does water pump have to be on?
 
To add water, yes. If you're in danger of filling the holding tank, you could flush liquid without additional water, but that's not recommended. The system is happiest when flushed with plenty of fresh water.
 
The best thing to do to get to know the system in your boat is look up a manual for your system. It's a great resource to have especially when ever parts are needed.
 
To add water, yes. If you're in danger of filling the holding tank, you could flush liquid without additional water, but that's not recommended. The system is happiest when flushed with plenty of fresh water.
To follow up on this, you need water to get the waste to the tank without sticking in the waste hoses.

A common cause of waste smelly waste hoses is when waste does not fully make it to the holding tank and instead sits in the hoses. Adding enough water for the flush (no 1 or no 2) and holding the pedal down for a few seconds is critical to getting the waste all the way to the tank. I always held it down for 3-4 seconds to facilitate that, then made a water-only flush at the end of the day.

One other important item of note. Tell all the "operators" - especially the ladies - that the only 3 things that go in the head: No.1, No.2, and TP. Nothing else ever, including paper towels, "flushable" wipes, or feminine products. Those WILL cause a clog that you'll have to clear and it will be....unpleasant.
 
One other important item of note. Tell all the "operators" - especially the ladies - that the only 3 things that go in the head: No.1, No.2, and TP. Nothing else ever, including paper towels, "flushable" wipes, or feminine products. Those WILL cause a clog that you'll have to clear and it will be....unpleasant.

And make sure it's Marine/RV toilet paper ONLY! And, as little as possible.
 
And make sure it's Marine/RV toilet paper ONLY! And, as little as possible.

I personally don’t use marine tp. Regular household is ok, as long as it’s not that super thick or quilted stuff.

We’ve used Scott’s for years without issue. Def skip the Cottenelle.
 
I don't know about real toilet paper... You can tell a guest not to use a lot ...but one, they don't remember and two you're going to use enough to get the job done despite the rule... Marine toilet paper dissolves ... Real toilet paper no where near the same... Why take a chance when there isn't much difference.
 
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I don't know about real toilet paper... You can tell a guest not to use a lot ...but one, they don't remember and two you're going to use enough to get the job done despite the rule... Marine toilet paper dissolves ... Real toilet paper no where near the same... Why take a chance when there isn't much difference.

I haven't really explored this but I did see a test at one time that came to the conclusion that marine/RV to does NOT decompose any faster than regular. I'll have to look that up again.
 
Lots of water when using toilet paper! Fill bowl up half way at least, do your thing then flush and hold pedal down for at least 5 sec to thoroughly flush the lines and vacuum pump. Every few days, fill bowl all the way and flush with clean water to maintain clean system.
 
I haven't really explored this but I did see a test at one time that came to the conclusion that marine/RV to does NOT decompose any faster than regular. I'll have to look that up again.
you can do the test yourself ….since there are so many brands ...just take a few pieces put it in a glass jar and shake it...do the same for the other brand to see the difference... If it breaks up into 100's of pieces I would be comfortable with that... lots of people believe regular tp is fine.... I despise plumbing and I am too cheap to pay a plumber so I don't take a chance :)
 
I despise plumbing and I am too cheap to pay a plumber so I don't take a chance :)

I don't take chances either, even though I've heard many people swear that regular paper does just as well. There's another factor here though. The thinnest and least comfortable paper might not break down any better, but it just might encourage guests to go use the facilities at the marina instead!
 
I always encourage guests to use the marina facilities whenever possible. I don't want to smell any other persons POOP in my toilet other than mine!! ;)
 
A couple of things not mentioned here so far.
1. I hear some of you saying you use regular TP - not Marine/RV TP. I've had two dockmates whose vacuum generators completely clogged by using regular TP - So I am sold on Marine/RV TP - 3 boats, no VG clogs from Marine /RV TP.
2. Like many of us, I have had great results using No Flex Digestor. It's pricey - I bet I spend $100 a year on it - but it sure seems to eliminate odor problems.
3. I thought I read to use a 10 second hold down of the pedal when flushing - we use that regularly. Pumpouts are easy.
4. Now this may be TMI - but since it's already been discussed in this thread - we allow #1 and #2 and guests and have had no problems...Well there was that panty liner that I had to remove from the guest head VG's duckbills! Using No Flex there was no odor when I replaced those duckbills.
 
A couple of things not mentioned here so far.
1. I hear some of you saying you use regular TP - not Marine/RV TP. I've had two dockmates whose vacuum generators completely clogged by using regular TP - So I am sold on Marine/RV TP - 3 boats, no VG clogs from Marine /RV TP.
2. Like many of us, I have had great results using No Flex Digestor. It's pricey - I bet I spend $100 a year on it - but it sure seems to eliminate odor problems.
3. I thought I read to use a 10 second hold down of the pedal when flushing - we use that regularly. Pumpouts are easy.
4. Now this may be TMI - but since it's already been discussed in this thread - we allow #1 and #2 and guests and have had no problems...Well there was that panty liner that I had to remove from the guest head VG's duckbills! Using No Flex there was no odor when I replaced those duckbills.
Carter, Where do you purchase this No Flex?
 
I don't take chances either, even though I've heard many people swear that regular paper does just as well. There's another factor here though. The thinnest and least comfortable paper might not break down any better, but it just might encourage guests to go use the facilities at the marina instead!

I simply tell people NO paper in the toilet. Place it in a plastic bag and throw in the garbage. Haven’t had a female guest use the head since I started that and the males only use it standing up. They seem to prefer the marina facilities better.
 

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