Vacu-Flush ball valve sticking open

[DavesWorld]

What can I do to remedy this problem?

Can I lubricate the unit or will I need to replace the duckbill seals?

We haven't done anything in the way of preventive maintenance but should probably do so in the future.

Thanks.

 

[Dave S]

Yopu need to look at the official Duckbill Post with how to advice from Mr Vacuflush himself.......................GARY aka Four Sons. :wow:


http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2319&highlight=duckbill

 

[Four Suns]

I'm not an expert in boat sewage systems....

But...

If your referring to the ball valve not going back all the way after you flush, you may need to replace the spring cartridge on the side. It is not your duck bill valves. This stuff just wears out and you really aren't doing anything wrong... unless you have corrosive poops or something. While you are in there, I would replace the rubber ball seal and ball as well. It is very simple stuff and easy to DIY.

Go here and you can find the parts you'll need:

http://www.sealandsanitation.com/vacuflush_parts.htm

Because we tend to stay out on long durations, I carry enough parts to basically add a third toilet but with 6 of us filling a 65 gallon holding tank every 2-3 days, you can understand why.

Seeing as your boat is a 2004, however, your duck bills will soon need to be replaced. That's in a different location than the toilet though.

 

[RollerCoastr]

Seeing as your boat is a 2004, however, your duck bills will soon need to be replaced. That's in a different location than the toilet though.

I still don't agree with that schedule of yours Gary. If they're building and holding a vacuum, and you don't have habit of flushing caustic chemicals, then just carry spares, flush plenty of water through on a regular basis and leave them be.

Maybe I should edit my signature: 12.5 years on duckbills and counting!

 

[wastinaweigh]

You can also temporarily fix it until you can replace the ball and shaft spring cartridge:

Shut off the water pump;
Shut off the vacuum pump;
Grab the flush ball and work the foot pedal to force the ball back into place;
Spray some cooking spray on the ball to lubricate it.

This fix probably won't last, but it at least buys you some time to fix it on your schedule.

I have found that the cooking spray seems to keep this from happening, and cooking spray doesn't kill the bacteria in your holding tank if you use Oderlos or something similar.