When I get my holding tank emptied from the deck pumpout, I notice that there is air drawn through the toilet when the tank is nearly empty. This last time I did see that some water had collected in the vent line, so after the pumpout I emptied the line. Is this normal? When do I know if I need to rebuild the toilet pump? I also get some standing water in the bowl when I am away from the boat, either it is siphoning a small amount from the intake (I do have an anti-siphon loop), or it is back filling from the toilet-to-tank hose. Any thoughts?
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Water/waste shouldn't collect in the vent line
You need to shorten the vent line to remove any sag in it where water or waste can collect. If that doesn't stop the tank from trying to pull in air through the toilet, you may need to replace the vent thru-hull with one that allows more air flow. As for your standing water in the bowl...if it's clean sea water, any water left in the line between the top of the loop and the pump is just running back downhill into the bowl. Pumping the toilet dry before you leave the boat should cure it. If it's dirty water, it's running back from the head discharge line. Pumping dry is also the cure. If it's been more than a year or so since the joker valve in the toilet has been replaced, it's time to do that too. It won't prevent any slow seepage--at least not for very long...but it will help some, is needed to keep your toilet working properly. Also clean or replace the air valve in your vented loop(s), and make sure to close the seacocks when you leave the boat. It doesn't sound like you have any major problems, just some minor annoyances.
You need to shorten the vent line to remove any sag in it where water or waste can collect. If that doesn't stop the tank from trying to pull in air through the toilet, you may need to replace the vent thru-hull with one that allows more air flow. As for your standing water in the bowl...if it's clean sea water, any water left in the line between the top of the loop and the pump is just running back downhill into the bowl. Pumping the toilet dry before you leave the boat should cure it. If it's dirty water, it's running back from the head discharge line. Pumping dry is also the cure. If it's been more than a year or so since the joker valve in the toilet has been replaced, it's time to do that too. It won't prevent any slow seepage--at least not for very long...but it will help some, is needed to keep your toilet working properly. Also clean or replace the air valve in your vented loop(s), and make sure to close the seacocks when you leave the boat. It doesn't sound like you have any major problems, just some minor annoyances.
Check Vent at Hull
Another thing to check it the vent where it exits the hull. Sometimes builders use vents with screens and these can become restricted or plugged. The head vent doesn't need a screen so if there is one it can be removed.
Another thing to check it the vent where it exits the hull. Sometimes builders use vents with screens and these can become restricted or plugged. The head vent doesn't need a screen so if there is one it can be removed.
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