Vacuflush not flushing

D

DavesWorld

New Member
Apr 22, 2007
61
Seattle, WA
Boat Info
280 Sundancer 2004, Garmin 498, Raymarine 215 VHS, WestMarine SB 275 Dingy
Engines
(2) 4.3 w/Alpha 1
What can I do to correct a problem with the vacuflush system? (without getting too crazy)

The white valve on the bottom of the bowl was stuck open. I forced it shut and lubricated with the head lube which has corrected the valve open problem.

The problem appears to be a bit more serious now as the effluent from the bowl appears content to remain in the bowl when the flush handle is depressed.

I've pumped out the septic tank yesterday but that didn't seem to affect the problem.

My guess is that someone flushed something that they shouldn't have.
 
Quick and dirty try is to take a coat hanger and push a probe right down the center of the hole in the fixture until it hits the bottom. Make sure the head is turned on so you have vacuum. Most of the time, the clog is at this opening. Do not try fish the hanger down the opening to the aft section as you can do damage. If you are lucky, this will fix it. If not, call Gary. He is on a first name basis and close to all turds--a true expert.
 
DavesWorld said:
What can I do to correct a problem with the vacuflush system? (without getting too crazy)

The white valve on the bottom of the bowl was stuck open. I forced it shut and lubricated with the head lube which has corrected the valve open problem.

The problem appears to be a bit more serious now as the effluent from the bowl appears content to remain in the bowl when the flush handle is depressed.

I've pumped out the septic tank yesterday but that didn't seem to affect the problem.

My guess is that someone flushed something that they shouldn't have.
Click to expand...

Last season mine got stuck also. This is messy!!!! I had determined my vacum pump was working ok. I carefully inserted a water hose with a long nozzle down thru the toilet ball valve into the bottom hole, then blasted the water. It made a hell of a mess, but it blew out what ever was clogging the line, I guess into the holding tank. If you try this, wear protective gloves, wrap a rag around the hose nozzle to cause all the water pressure to be forced down into the hole. Careful some might blow back. Have someone turn the hose on and off while you hold it firmly. Not to be funny, but turn your face or put a plastic bag over your head to protect it. This is what I did, I must have looked stupid, but didn't get any crap in the face. Hopefully it will work. Good Luck
 
I think I read here recently that someone with similar problem filled the drain pipe & bowl with water & used a plumber's plunger to push obstruction thru duck bills while the vaccuum pump as sucking as hard as it could. Sounds too simple but that's what I remember. Maybe I dreamed it. Certainly would be the easiest fix.
 
BON DIA said:
I think I read here recently that someone with similar problem filled the drain pipe & bowl with water & used a plumber's plunger to push obstruction thru duck bills while the vaccuum pump as sucking as hard as it could. Sounds too simple but that's what I remember. Maybe I dreamed it. Certainly would be the easiest fix.
Click to expand...

I like to dream about my boat, but anything to do with repairing the toilet is not one of them. That would be a nightmare.:grin:
 
I'll have to admit that I didn't work too long on the project before giving up. The repair guy is coming on Wed of this week.
 
Dave,
I had a problem with my head earlier this season. The ball valve was not stuck open as yours was but, the water level never went down when flushed. I spoke with another CSR member who was docked next to me at the beach who had totally rebuilt his vacuflush system on his previous boat last season. He diagnosed it as a clog! We shut off my water and head systems. A few pumps with a simple plunger while holding the flush lever down with my foot and the problem was solved!
Another CSR member was docked next to me a few weeks ago at Watch Hill and had the same problem. I gave him my plunger and he did the same procedure with the same success I had. I hope this helps!
Todd
 
To close this thread, the septic filter was clogged because we had waited too long to vacuum. The clogged filter caused a vapor lock and preventing the system from drawing effluent from the toilet to the septic tank.

Sent from my mwp6985 using Board Express
 
Wow. That's interesting. So the fart filter got wet and then crystallized into a clog therefore not allowing for venting to the tank? That's amazing.

I am assuming here that by "vacuum" you are referring to pumping out the holding tank.
 
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