Electric head backing up

[Persy]

I have a Raritan SeaEra electric head on my boat. The bowl flushes completely empty, but after 5-10 minutes, it fills back up with waste from the holding tank.

The unit is only a couple of years old and hasn't had much use. Is this probably just replacing the joker valve that may be not closing or something? Has anyone else had this problem?

thanks!

 

[Rich Stidger]

Sounds like either the joker isn't closing due to end of life or something stuck in it that is holding it partly open and allowing back seepage, or the holding tank is full and backing up to the toilet.

My experience is that a joker valve needs replacement about every 2-3 years based upon usage of 60 days/year.

I also have the Raritan SeaEra toilet but this coming season will be our second year. The only time I had any issue with back filling was when someone flushed a baby wipe.

 

[Steve Dion]

We have had our SeaEra for 5-6 years. The only time we have issues is when our holding tank is near capacity or the waste line is not properly flushed.

We have not replaced our joker. We do flush a cup of mineral oil about 2 times per year.

 

[kloudie1]

Make sure the vent is open too..

 

[thinwater]

Joker life depends on a number of factors:

• Effective flushing (urine is tough on the Raritan nitrile valves).
• Effective flushing (scale build-up in valve). Can treat with mild acid cleaning (CLR or vinegar). Freshwater is better than seawater, but freshwater scales too.
• Cleaning chemicals. Any strong alkali is bad, like Lysol.

If anything other than relatively clear water is coming back into the bowl you are either not flushing enough or there is one of several plumbing problems. If it is clear water, is it a big deal?



After 2 years, replacing the joker is always a good bet.

 

[CarlN]

With these symptoms, it's almost certainly the joker valve.

 

[Persy]

THANKS to all who replied. I replaced the joker valve and all seems well...so far.

I'm guessing the head was not being fully flushed, which is why this one wore out so quickly. The 420 has 2 heads and the one that failed is the forward one used by guests...this is also the one I've had to remove and un-jam the macerator pump 6 or 8 times!!