Marine toilet question

[270win]

I have an old (1984) electric flush head a holding tank. When we flush it, everything goes down, but when we release the flush button, some paper and water comes back up into the toilet...sometimes more than just paper and water. Also, the water coming back into or refilling the toilet is clear. Shouldn't it be the blue treated water? Do I just add the blue holding tank chemicals through the toilet or down into the waste cap on the deck?

Thanks in advance...

 

[mwph]

Negative on the refill water being blue, treated water. Where would said water com from?

Holding tank chemicals should be added via the toilet.

As for anything coming back up into the bowl... I'm wondering if 1.) your vacuum is strong enough 2.) Your valves are working properly or 3.) You may have a blockage of some sort. The entire contents of the bowl should be sucked into the tank. So, either way, if there is room in the tank, you've got a problem.

 

[270win]

Negative on the refill water being blue, treated water. Where would said water com from?

Holding tank chemicals should be added via the toilet.

As for anything coming back up into the bowl... I'm wondering if 1.) your vacuum is strong enough 2.) Your valves are working properly or 3.) You may have a blockage of some sort. The entire contents of the bowl should be sucked into the tank. So, either way, if there is room in the tank, you've got a problem.

Ok. Any thought on how to COMPLETELY empty the holding tank and lines to fix and replace anything that needs work?

 

[270win]

It should work out well as I need to remove my Y valve anyway and plug my thru-hull fitting for the overboard dump of the black water system.

 

[mwph]

First, vissually verify that the holding tank is no where near full.

If the boat is in the water take it to the pump out station, pump it out, flush the toilet a half dozen times with a large amount of water only in the bowl & try to pump it out some more. If you are out of the water, use the thru hull to empty the contents. (You decide how to contain & clean up.) This should get you a realitively empty tank & a good starting point.

Next, determine what system you have. Then using the manufactures website AND the advanced search feature here on CSR, you can better understand how the system works. There are some great threads on the subject.

At this point you will have to determine if the vacuum is pulling strong enough, if the valves are doing thier job. & if you have blockage. Post back with what you find & the guys that have replaced the duckbill valves will tell you how pleasant a job it is.

Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[Cocktail Time]

Guys, I believe he has an electric head, not a vacuflush system. On an electric head you need to hold the button for a little while after the waste and water are out of the bowl to make sure all is pumped thru the hose and towards the holding tank. If there is only a slight rise in the hose some water and debris can flow back toward the bowl. I also have an electric head and count to five before letting go of the button to make sure nothing is sitting in the hose. I hope that is correct, but I haven't had any problems...

 

[270win]

Guys, I believe he has an electric head, not a vacuflush system. On an electric head you need to hold the button for a little while after the waste and water are out of the bowl to make sure all is pumped thru the hose and towards the holding tank. If there is only a slight rise in the hose some water and debris can flow back toward the bowl. I also have an electric head and count to five before letting go of the button to make sure nothing is sitting in the hose. I hope that is correct, but I haven't had any problems...

You're correct, it's an electric head. I've been looking at how it's plumbed and it goes up hill somewhat. I hold the button for a few seconds but it still backfills...starting to smell like crap. I added chemicals to it and it's much better. But it's still backflow water from the holding tank... It's 1/2 full now so I'm going to pump it and run LOTS of clean water through it. Is there a check valve thats supposed to close once the button is released?

 

[electricaldoctor]

"I hold the button for a few seconds but it still backfills...starting to smell like crap."

This is normal. :grin:

 

[270win]

I knew someone would have to say it!

 

[Cocktail Time]

If you decide you need some pro help, even if it's just to go over things and how they work, try Robbie's Marine service, he is about the only guy on Lanier that specializes in Marine plumbing and he is a good guy. Best of luck...

 

[270win]

If you decide you need some pro help, even if it's just to go over things and how they work, try Robbie's Marine service, he is about the only guy on Lanier that specializes in Marine plumbing and he is a good guy. Best of luck...

I'll give him a call...I worked for a septic tank repair company right after highschool...I don't want to relive any of that.

 

[270win]

Robbie is going to come look at it tomorrow. I also discovered a small leak in the place where the hose enters the holding tank. FYI- the slightest leak in a sewer system is a BIG deal!!!!

 

[Jon C]

I have an electric flush toilet that fills with lake water. We are on a fresh water lake. When not flushed for a week, the lake water smelled up the whole boat. Could be a combination of lake water and back wash. Beside the toilet is a chemical dispensor (I did not know what it was when I first got the boat). It takes Blue Bullets from Toilette. When the toilet is flushed the sea water picks up some of the chemical and turns the water blue. It really solved the smell problem. It also replaces adding chemical to your holding tank. Also note that there might be a filter on your holding tank vent line that could be plugged. The holding tank vent line itself can be plugged by wasps or spider nests. This prevents air from getting out of the tank when water goes in it. When the tank fills, it can create backpressure which might prevent the hose from emptying as it should.