OK, I am finally ready to take the big plunger (I mean plunge) and replace all the parts of the stinky head on an '87 Hunter Legend 37. Yes, I bought a new Jabsco head (I know not the best but the old one fit nicely), heavy Sealand tank, hoses, overboard discharge pump, vent loops, vent line filter, assorted fittings, and anything else I could think of. Question now is: I seem to have read that using liquid fabric softener in the old tank will loosen old waste so that not so much of it is left inside it when I go to remove it. True? I figure it couldn't hurt. Vice that I will fill the tank several times and have it sucked out. Wish me luck!!
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That's a new one on me...
But you're right...since you're replacing the tank anyway, it can't hurt to try it. However, the tried and true method is just plenty of clean water...put into the tank via the pumpout fitting 'cuz that sends the water into the tank at the bottom to stir up any sludge and hold it in suspension so it can be pumped out. You don't have to fill the tank each time...put a few gallons in...pump that out...repeat...repeat...till you're pumping out clean water. Before you disconnect any hoses, run a LOT of clean water through 'em, followed by a good dose of distilled white vinegar. Wait a few hours. Anything left in the hoses will be a lot cleaner and have very little odor. If you use a heat gun or blow dryer to warm/soften the hoses before you try to take 'em off fittings, they'll be a lot easier to get off. Put pans or plastic garbage bags under connections to catch any spills. There are two chapters in my book (see link below) devoted to replacing heads, hoses and tanks that include the above and more tips to make the job a bit easier.
But you're right...since you're replacing the tank anyway, it can't hurt to try it. However, the tried and true method is just plenty of clean water...put into the tank via the pumpout fitting 'cuz that sends the water into the tank at the bottom to stir up any sludge and hold it in suspension so it can be pumped out. You don't have to fill the tank each time...put a few gallons in...pump that out...repeat...repeat...till you're pumping out clean water. Before you disconnect any hoses, run a LOT of clean water through 'em, followed by a good dose of distilled white vinegar. Wait a few hours. Anything left in the hoses will be a lot cleaner and have very little odor. If you use a heat gun or blow dryer to warm/soften the hoses before you try to take 'em off fittings, they'll be a lot easier to get off. Put pans or plastic garbage bags under connections to catch any spills. There are two chapters in my book (see link below) devoted to replacing heads, hoses and tanks that include the above and more tips to make the job a bit easier.
Tug - I feel for you
I just replaced most of our system - having replaced the head last year. If I may offer some unsolicited advice - return the Jabsco while you still can and get the Raritan PHII like Peggie ALWAYS recommends. If you read the archives you will find story after story of failed and problematic Jabsco heads - even ones that are only a year old. Unless you REALLY like doing this kind of work (are you a plumber by trade?) do it right while you have the chance. I replaced an old Groco with the Raritan, and while it didn't match up hole - wise it was still a very easy install. I have three daughters, and you know what copious quantities of TP girls like to use - but no one has been able to clog it yet!
I just replaced most of our system - having replaced the head last year. If I may offer some unsolicited advice - return the Jabsco while you still can and get the Raritan PHII like Peggie ALWAYS recommends. If you read the archives you will find story after story of failed and problematic Jabsco heads - even ones that are only a year old. Unless you REALLY like doing this kind of work (are you a plumber by trade?) do it right while you have the chance. I replaced an old Groco with the Raritan, and while it didn't match up hole - wise it was still a very easy install. I have three daughters, and you know what copious quantities of TP girls like to use - but no one has been able to clog it yet!
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