Raritan pumps wet when DRY selected...

woodster · Jun 28, 2015

from the looks of that one it is pretty old ...so you might be better served in the long run getting a new assy that one looks like it might be about 20 to 25 years old ...a new assy is around 250 to 300 and be much quicker than repairing the old one

Stu Jackson · Jun 28, 2015

It looks like a PHII, a VERY good unit.

You can either rebuild it with parts from Raritan, or simply get a new pump and base, called the LBA model.

They are available right here on this website, go to the Store.

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Jun 28, 2015

Unless you see water flowing from the channel in the rim of the bowl--which is the ONLY way that flush water can enter the bowl, what you're seeing is backflow from the from the discharge line. The resistance you're feeling when you pump supports that conclusion. The possible culprits are: 1. a blocked holding tank vent that's pressurized the system, creating back pressure that's forcing the flush back to the bowl...2. sea water mineral buildup in the discharge hose that's reduced the diameter so much that the hose is almost blocked....3. a clog in the line.

If it weren't for the backflow, there's a possible 4th cause: a worn out air valve in the toilet. That would cause the resistance, but only in the dry mode, and it wouldn't create backflow...so I'm ruling that out for now.

Do NOT use the toilet again till you've found and cured the problem...'cuz if it is a blocked tank vent, continuing to pressurize the system can have disastrous results, the worst of which is a burst tank. And once you have found and cured the problem, if it's been more than 5 years since the toilet was rebuilt, do it.

Stu Jackson · Jun 29, 2015

Even so, ITWMB, I'd check the vent line and the condition of the hoses to the holding tank, and also rebuild the head. It's a great unit, why have issues?

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Jun 29, 2015

malyea said:
The flush water does come from around the bowl rim even when DRY selected. Additionally there is some backflow. I pumped a half cup of veg oil thru the pump and it alleviated most of the force resistance on pump handle so I'm doubting a plugged vent line (PO said that usually works......)

Doesn't sound like the PO ever bothered to rebuild or even actually maintain the toilet, 'cuz oil or any other "head lube" that's thin enough to add by putting in the bowl will last maybe dozen flushes before it's washed out...and using the toilet without lubrication wears out the rubber parts in the pump

The PHII has been rated the best manual toilet in it's class for decades, designed and built to last at least 20 years if it's just kept PROPERLY lubricated and rebuilt every 5-6 years. If yours is even close to that age, considering how it's been neglected the best and most cost efficient solution is prob'ly a new pump.

If it's only no more than 15 yrs old, call Raritan tech support--800-352-5630--to troubleshoot the reason why "dry" isn't working properly...and buy a rebuild kit--which includes a tube of lubricant that will last a whole season...and get the part(s) you need to fix it, which aren't likely to be in the kit. You'll be good to go for at least another 5 years if you just keep it properly lubricated, which takes all of 15 minutes every spring (search the archives o this forum for instructions).

Meanwhile, check your holding tank vent anyway...both the vent thru-hull and the connectin to the tank--both that end of the vent line and the tank fitting. And check your head discharge for mineral buildup...'cuz SOMETHING is creating backpressure!

Stu Jackson · Jun 29, 2015

malyea said:
All sounds good, thanks. For troubleshooting a possible plugged vent line...if I unscrew the waste pump out deck plate/cap - wouldn't that then act as a vent to the holding tank while pumping the handle on the head?

No, because if there's anything in the tank, this pickup is at the bottom, UNDER the fluids in the tank. Think about it... That's why the vent is from the top.

Ron20324 · Jun 29, 2015

Stu Jackson said:
No, because if there's anything in the tank, this pickup is at the bottom, UNDER the fluids in the tank. Think about it... That's why the vent is from the top.

Somewhat true. But with the waste cap on, the air in that hose can only be pressurized. With the waste cap off, pumping the head can now push the tank waste into the pumpout hose enough to confirm vent blockage. Just don't pump so much that tank contents food the deck

Pat · Jul 6, 2015

At Peggy's suggestion, we did clean remove our vent hose to clean it and low and behold,
there was a wasp nest in the chamber.....makes pumping out fun again.....Patrick in
Wichita

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Jul 6, 2015

malyea said:
All sounds good, thanks. For troubleshooting a possible plugged vent line...if I unscrew the waste pump out deck plate/cap - wouldn't that then act as a vent to the holding tank while pumping the handle on the head?

You DO realize that you're investing more time and effort into trying to find a work-around that lets you avoid actually inspecting and cleaning out the vent thru-hull and both ends of the vent line than just doing it? That's the ONLY way you're gonna be able to find out for certain whether there is a blockage and if so, where it is.

woodster · Jul 7, 2015

try this Mike....

http://shop.sailboatowners.com/search.php?kw=phII head raritan

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Jul 7, 2015

malyea said:
Can you tell from this photo exactly what model I have and which pump assembly will fit? Sea Breeze is an 8 hour drive away for now so I'd like to be sure to order the correct pump assemblies. They need upgrading even if the vent line is/is not plugged - TBD. Thanks

Your toilet is a PHC, which uses the same pump as the PH II (so you need a PHII pump assembly), but is on a compact base and has a shorter handle Keep the handle, the new pump won't come with a new one.

But I'm not convinced yet that you need a new pump, 'cuz the PHC hasn't been on the market long enough for your pump to be anywhere near worn out. So before you drive 8 hours (you can't just give 'em a credit card on the phone and let 'em ship it???), do what we've kept telling you to do to make sure the tank vent is clear...and if that doesn't solve your problem, call Raritan tech support 800-352-5630 !

Stu Jackson · Jul 7, 2015

Re: Raritan PHII

Mike,

We've been trying to tell you two things:

1 clear the vent You seem to have done that, great.

2 Service the head you already have, it's a great unit. Since we've told you what you have, download the manual for it, which includes all sorts of good "How to service this toilet" information. Since you're smart enough to run a sailboat, you should be able to figure it out.

Good luck.

woodster · Jul 8, 2015

i would rebuild it if it was me doing the work but if i was paying someone else to fix it.. it may be cheaper in the long run to just replace it depending on the billing per hr ...plus i would have the peace of mind knowing it had been done correctly if some one else was doing the work...there really is not that much to the pump assy ...just some time and methodically assembling it ...but that can be time consuming for a first timer as there is a learning curve

Raritan pumps wet when DRY selected...

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