Dedicated Breaker/Electric Head?

[SDcondogirl]

Hello all! I am needing to refit my manual head back to electric but I don’t see where there was ever a breaker. In addition, the wires were cut (which also operated the Tank Watch) & removed entirely. I did not question this, but my situation has changed.
We (‘98 Oceanis 321) are now in saltwater & I’ve developed a leak; I am getting gross back flow. I am going with a freshwater system this time. So, 1) What was the original head? 2) Where is the breaker? 3) Manual or electric? 3) Any problems with freshwater tank contamination?
Thanks everyone. Enjoy the season with care!!

 

[sail sfbay]

The electric head should have independent 12 volt breaker at the panel (hopefully you have a spare and if you do not then suggest adding one). You should not have any problems with fresh water tank contamination if plumbed correctly.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Plumbing a sea water toilet to use onboard fresh water is not recommended...in fact, every toilet mfr specifically warns against it in their installation instructions. The toilet needs to be one that's designed to use onboard pressurized fresh water. They're no more expensive than sea water toilets and have all the necessary parts to protect the the fresh water from contamination. And yes, it does need to be on its own dedicated circuit, with its own breaker, shared by nothing else that can pull power away from it, not even cabin lights. Read and FOLLOW the installation instructions exactly.

--Peggie

 

[CapitalistSailor]

SDcondogirl, if you are getting backflow, it is possible that the joker valve is not closing fully after flushing the head. I have a Beneteau 311, and if your boat is similar to mine, the holding tank is above the head, so any leakage in the joker valve will result in backflow from the holding tank into the head. I have to replace the joker valve every year or two. It is not a hard job but it's not pleasant. If you can, before doing the work, get a pumpout and pump as much clean water through the head as possible during the pumpout to clear the lines before disconnecting the head's discharge hose or the fitting with the joker valve.