Vacuflush clog, not your usual issue, can anyone help?

Darrenfon

Darrenfon

Member
Aug 28, 2018
88
Richland NJ
Boat Info
Acquired Oct 2019
2005 280 DA
Kohler 5kw
Engines
Twin 4.3L MPI Alphas
This weekend our toilet stopped working, sure, a problem everyone has. Except my issue isn't duckbills, isn't the bellows, and not the pressure switch. it will build vacuum fine and turn off once vacuum is reached. The problem is the line between the toilet and the vacuum reservoir tank. If I pull the hose out of the vacuum reservoir tank you can hear the air rush in and the pump starts running. It will continue to run until I put the hose back in this creating a seal and then it stops about 30 seconds later. I have pulled the toilet out so I can snake straight into the hose, but I cannot get the hand snake more than 3 feet in before it hits either the clog (Which it feels like) or a bend in the hose that it can't get past. Any ideas before I call a plumber? I have also tried using a plunger, and have actually worn a pretty good blister into my right hand by working the plunger to no avail. :(

The boat is a 2005 280 Sundancer.
 
Sounds like a clog. A fiber optic camera is about $40 on amazon. Might be a worthwhile investment (or disposable tool depending on what you find), as this is likely one of the first things a plumber would do.
 
I’ve been looking at them on amazon. Though, I know it’s a clog, so I decided to not bother trying to see the clog this week. I’m more interested in removing it. I actually am waiting for a call back from the plumber as we speak, as I’m guessing it’s going to have to be power snaked and I’m not comfortable renting one to run through rubber hose. If the hose gets messed up then it will become a major job, as I’m not sure how to get to the hose that runs below the helm.
 
Darrenfon said:
I’ve been looking at them on amazon. Though, I know it’s a clog, so I decided to not bother trying to see the clog this week. I’m more interested in removing it. I actually am waiting for a call back from the plumber as we speak, as I’m guessing it’s going to have to be power snaked and I’m not comfortable renting one to run through rubber hose. If the hose gets messed up then it will become a major job, as I’m not sure how to get to the hose that runs below the helm.
Click to expand...

How about a good HD shop vac from the toilet side with the hose off of the vac generator?
 
Since you’ve already tried the vacuum thing from the toilet side, why not try that same idea from the other end while some one is plunging from the toilet end?

If it dislodges you won’t have to clear out the pump which you’ve already taken apart to inspect the duck bills.
 
I also find plumbing clogs are more likely to keep going in the direction in which they started than in reverse.

I’d be reluctant to snake that hose too.

Have fun!

;)
 
The vacuflush toilet system is designed so that the smallest flow diameter/restriction occurs in the base of the toilet, within easy reach if clogged. Beyond that constriction, the path diameter is only supposed to become larger. The theory is that any and all clogs should occur at this point or not at all.

Any chance the hose is actually collapsed or otherwise impinged?
 
On my 2000 340 I used this tool. Added a valve to the end of a water hose with dock pressure, turned on the vaccuflush, pressed the foot pedal down and then turned the valve on the hose. The rubber expands blocks the head and also pushes water thru the system. I would only turn it on for a few seconds but ti always worked great and cleared the system.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/drain-openers/plumbers-snakes/43989upload_2020-6-15_12-25-41.png47
 
Thanks everyone. I'm going to try vacuuming from the tank end, and also will have the Drain King running from the toilet end at the same time.
 
In a regular toilet if you put a lot of dishwasher liquid detergent in a clogged bowl it sometimes will soften up the clog and you can plunger it out. No idea if it will work on a boat. Leave it for at least half a day longer if you can.
 
northern said:
In a regular toilet if you put a lot of dishwasher liquid detergent in a clogged bowl it sometimes will soften up the clog and you can plunger it out. No idea if it will work on a boat. Leave it for at least half a day longer if you can.
Click to expand...
Or try noflex digestor. I left that in a clogged bowl for a week and it cleared up the problem.
 
Thing is you have to get what ever liquid you are using to the sight of the clog. Might use vanguard as well. In fact might rig a way to pump what ever fluid you end up siding to the site of the clog. I'm thinking you should be able to snake some thing down the Hose running from the toilet. Prod what ever is restricting flow. As it has been pointed out, it shouldn't be that large or that solid.
 
Our boat has a combination of flex hose strait pipe and some 90ies. I would assume the clog is at a 90ie. Hate to say it but cutting hose and pipe may be your only option if detergent or solvent does not work.
 
Have you checked the vacuum tank itself? I've had TP pile up around the drop tube that goes into the tank. When I pulled the drop tube up you could hear air rushing in and when you stuck the tube back down you are actually pushing it into the pile of TP causing it to seal again creating a vacuum so the pump quits running. I had to get needle nose pliers and pull the TP out. If you pull the drop tube out all the way out you can see the TP pile in the tank. Pretty easy fix but not pleasant. If that's it your next step is explaining to the users about holding the peddle down for at least 3 to 5 seconds while flushing. Good luck and I hope it's an easy fix.
 
Ezsteps said:
Have you checked the vacuum tank itself? I've had TP pile up around the drop tube that goes into the tank. When I pulled the drop tube up you could hear air rushing in and when you stuck the tube back down you are actually pushing it into the pile of TP causing it to seal again creating a vacuum so the pump quits running. I had to get needle nose pliers and pull the TP out. If you pull the drop tube out all the way out you can see the TP pile in the tank. Pretty easy fix but not pleasant. If that's it your next step is explaining to the users about holding the peddle down for at least 3 to 5 seconds while flushing. Good luck and I hope it's an easy fix.
Click to expand...
With the drop tube pulled and plunging from the head there is no flow in the pipe. Also if I connect a shop vacuum at the head end with the drop tube pulled there is no vacuum felt at the drop tube. The blockage is in that pipe.
 
northern said:
Our boat has a combination of flex hose strait pipe and some 90ies. I would assume the clog is at a 90ie. Hate to say it but cutting hose and pipe may be your only option if detergent or solvent does not work.
Click to expand...
What boat do you have?
 
Some PVC fittings, hose clamps and 100 PSI air compressor. Just be ready on the "receiving end" for the TP gernade. Had this issue once on my 310 and this blasted it right out.
 
Similar to Ochrant, use your dingy inflatable pump. At the bowl, open the ball. Insert the hose into the 1” hole and press to seal it. Now pump around 10 times. Careful when you pull the hose out, blow back but that will move your mess enough that the vacuum system will do the rest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,177
Messages
1,427,983
Members
61,086
Latest member
MrWebster
Back
Top