My Vacu-Fluch Saga

Flytrade

Flytrade

Active Member
Feb 20, 2018
302
Bradenton, FL
Boat Info
2006 320 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 6.2L Mercruiser
I got my boat about 6 weeks ago, and at that time the vacuum-flush system was working fine. However, then I noticed the pump would not turn off. No problem - just turn it on when needed - and everything else was fine. But - then the toilet would not flush - all the water, etc would remain in the bowl. My solution was exactly what I do at home - use a plumbers helper. And that fixed the problem.
Fast forward a few weeks, and now I'm having the same problem. The plumbers helper worked again.
Since the system is now working as normal, that tells me the pump and duckbill valves are working as they should. But how do I keep them working? My thought is to pour a cleaning solution into the system to clean it out. But I'm not sure what to use.
Am I on the right track? I can't imagine cleaning the system could be wrong. If that's the case, can anyone recommend a cleaning solution that I could pour down the bowl?
 
Speak to the users of the head. Sounds like a "paper issue".
 
I second that comment. You need to use RV toilet paper. Also treat the head with no flex digestor and that alone. You won’t have issues with build up or smell. As a side note when it comes time to rebuild the system do it all at once because it’s not something you want to work on multiple times.
 
Flytrade said:
I got my boat about 6 weeks ago, and at that time the vacuum-flush system was working fine. However, then I noticed the pump would not turn off. No problem - just turn it on when needed - and everything else was fine. But - then the toilet would not flush - all the water, etc would remain in the bowl. My solution was exactly what I do at home - use a plumbers helper. And that fixed the problem.
Fast forward a few weeks, and now I'm having the same problem. The plumbers helper worked again.
Since the system is now working as normal, that tells me the pump and duckbill valves are working as they should. But how do I keep them working? My thought is to pour a cleaning solution into the system to clean it out. But I'm not sure what to use.
Am I on the right track? I can't imagine cleaning the system could be wrong. If that's the case, can anyone recommend a cleaning solution that I could pour down the bowl?
Click to expand...
I three agree with the last two comments, The type and amount of paper is critical to a good working system !
 
I agree with your comments that the proper paper, and the amount, are critical. However, I'm having this problem after using NO paper at all. The head is strictly emergency use only, and so far, I am the only one using it. When I use the boat I go to a marina and use their facilities. Hopefully some head cleaner will solve the problem.
 
Flytrade said:
I agree with your comments that the proper paper, and the amount, are critical. However, I'm having this problem after using NO paper at all. The head is strictly emergency use only, and so far, I am the only one using it. When I use the boat I go to a marina and use their facilities. Hopefully some head cleaner will solve the problem.
Click to expand...


Your home toilet and a vacuflush systems are really not comparable other than what goes in them. The system uses a pump to create vacuum in the the system which draws waste from the head into the holding tank. If the pump does not shut off, it is having a problem in building vacuum which is why it is not pulling water/waste from the head. The two items that create vacuum are the duck bill valves and the pump bellows. Either or both are the cause of your problems.

The duckbills can be jammed open if a female product or applicator was flushed. The duck bills jam open and no vacuum is created. If you want to solve it....don't put any more chemicals into the system. Pull the pump apart and check/replace the duck bill valves. If they are okay.....pull the pump bellow and replace it. There are lots of Youtube videos on the process.
 
You have a problem with the duckbills and/or the pump bellows. Most frequently it is something that was flushed that cannot pass through the duckbill valves and keeps them open. In this case, you can see a female hygiene product applicator which caused the loss of vacuum by holding the duck bill valves open and damaged the bellow.

Don't put anymore chemicals or home remedies into the system. Pull the pump apart and you will find the problem.



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This is kind of off the subject but I am trying to find out where I put the chemicals to treat bacteria. I keep reading about needing to put a pint in the treatment tank and I cannot find an opening to do so. I have checked all my manuals and even downloaded I e. I am new to this so I apologize if this is a dumb question
 
You can put your “treatment” either into your pump out port or simply flush down a toilet. Both methods will get it in the holding tank.

Bennett
 
bbwhitejr said:
You can put your “treatment” either into your pump out port or simply flush down a toilet. Both methods will get it in the holding tank.

Bennett
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Thankyou so much!
 
With one added precaution:

If the chemicals you use are granular, don’t put them in the toilet. The granules can damage the seal or ball and your saga will have a second chapter.
 
Soulshine said:
With one added precaution:

If the chemicals you use are granular, don’t put them in the toilet. The granules can damage the seal or ball and your saga will have a second chapter.
Click to expand...
Thankyou for the advice
 
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