Bubbling head

Status
Not open for further replies.
Mar 5, 2009
57
Hunter 410 Penetang
Hi Peggy I hope you can help me. This season I developed a problem with one of the heads on our 1998 hunter 410. It is a Jabsco manual pumping toilet. When you finnish pumping it, after a few seconds it bubbles back into the bowl. Sometimes clean water sometimes dirty. I know from reading previous threads that I should look for a clogged vent. What I did was while the tank was being pumped out I put a running water hose to the vent for that tank and found all the water from the hose was being sucked easily into the vent for that particular tank. Could this still be a clogged vent that allows water in but doesn't allow air out? Or is there another part to the system that I should check first before replacing the vent line.
 
Aug 21, 2011
8
Irwin 38CC Beaver Lake Sailing Club
>Could this still be a clogged vent that allows water in but doesn't allow air out?

No, I wouldn't think so.

>Or is there another part to the system that I should check first before replacing the vent line?

Yes check the joker valve.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
a couple of possibilities

My first thought was mineral buildup in the head discharge line that's reduced the diameter enough to create enough backpressure to cause the symptoms you describe. You're in fresh water, but that doesn't entirely rule out mineral buildup...just makes it hard water, not sea water minerals. Not only can they build up in a hose, they can also build up on a joker valve (see photo...this joker valve was removed from a toilet on Kentucky Lake).

Whether that's your problem or not, if it's been more than a year since you replaced the joker valve--I'd bet you've never replaced it), it needs to be replaced anyway, 'cuz if it's as worn as I suspect it may be, it doesn't have to be mineral encrusted to cause the symptoms you describe. So remove the discharge fitting from the pump and replace the joker valve. Search the HM forum for "Joker Valve 101," author, me, to learn why, and why joker valves in manual toilets need to be replaced annually, rebuilt every 5-6 years.

The vent line is still a possibility...a filter in the vent line can create a blockage, especially if it gets wet. So if you have one, remove it. The vent thru-hull may be of a type that doesn't allow enough air in OR out...there may be sag in it that's allowed liquids to pool...that'll create blockage a pumpout can pull out, but a toilet doesn't create enough pressure to get past. Or there may be a buildup of waste in the vent at the connection to the tank--both the vent fitting on the tank and that end of the vent line.

All that said, 13 years is at least 10 years past a Jabsco manual toilet's expectancy...I wouldn't rebuild it 'cuz a service kit is about 80% of the price of a whole new pump for it. So I'd replace the pump, but not with another Jabsco...the ones they make today rarely last more than year or two. So this could be the perfect excuse to upgrade to a Raritan PHC. Check this out: sbo.com PHII PHC LBA

Bottom line: You shouldn't have to replace the vent line unless you just want a larger diameter vent--which is a good idea, btw. Cleaning out both ends of it should be all you need to do it. Replace the joker valve--and maybe the flapper valve in bottom of the pump too...check the head discharge line for mineral buildup...and if it needs more than that, replace the toilet.
 

Attachments

Dec 9, 2008
48
Hunter 30 Lake Ontario/Fair Point Marina, NY
I replaced my joker valve a couple weeks ago for the first time since I've owned the boat (4 years!) and guess what - no more bubbling bowl! No more odor! Wish I'd done it 2 years ago when the bubbling started...duh.
 
Mar 5, 2009
57
Hunter 410 Penetang
Thanks that is great advise. I should have told you that the toilets are three years old. I have never replaced the joker valves so I will replace that first. Should I also pour vinegar down the toilets and if so how often would you recommend this for seasonal freshwater use. Also your advise on super lube was great to keep the pumps operating smoothly. I have shared it with many of the boaters we play with.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
A cupful of distilled white vinegar once a week

Only a cupful, no more...make sure to flush it all the way through to the tank...wait an an hour, add a quart of clean fresh water to the bowl and flush that all the way through the system. Replace the joker valve annually.
 
Oct 2, 2007
131
- - Millville, NJ
As Peggie noted, all the toilet manufacturers recommend replacing the joker valve annually. But realistically, every other year should be sufficient. But don't let it go longer than that.
 
Mar 5, 2009
57
Hunter 410 Penetang
thanks for all the help. I replaced the joker valve and reapplied the super lube. the toilets are working better than new. Thanks again
 
Status
Not open for further replies.