Peggy, I have a Jabsco head, and though I know how you feel about Jabsco's, mine has never really given me any problems (to date). My question revolves around pressure...I notice that, in comparison with Jabsco's on other boats, my head tends to pump rather hard...as if there is lot of pressure build up. Always has, regardless of how full my holding tank is. Does hose length have anything to do with it? What about venting and air release valves...should I be maintaining them routinely (as in releasing air)? Thanks in advance....
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Weeelll...could be any of a several things
Check your tank vent for a partial blockage that could be creating backpressure. When (if ever) was the last time you lubricated the pump? Or...does it seem to work better in either the wet or dry mode than it does in the other mode? That's an indication that the wet/dry valve isn't working...that it's hanging up. Eliminate the first two before we dive into the other two. How old is the toilet? No need to post the same question twice...I don't check just "my" forum, I go through the whole list of everything posted in the last 24 hours. If I didn't I'd miss half the plumbing/potty/odor questions.
Check your tank vent for a partial blockage that could be creating backpressure. When (if ever) was the last time you lubricated the pump? Or...does it seem to work better in either the wet or dry mode than it does in the other mode? That's an indication that the wet/dry valve isn't working...that it's hanging up. Eliminate the first two before we dive into the other two. How old is the toilet? No need to post the same question twice...I don't check just "my" forum, I go through the whole list of everything posted in the last 24 hours. If I didn't I'd miss half the plumbing/potty/odor questions.
Well, I did check the tank vent...
...and pulled a big 'ole spider out of there, but I don't think that was the problem. The boat/toilet are 10 years old, and I am assuming the pump could probably be lubricated, although it doesn't SEEM to be hanging up at the pump (but, what do I know?). It pumps hard in the wet or dry mode. What about the vented loop that keeps the hose above the waterline? Does that need to be opened from time to time?
...and pulled a big 'ole spider out of there, but I don't think that was the problem. The boat/toilet are 10 years old, and I am assuming the pump could probably be lubricated, although it doesn't SEEM to be hanging up at the pump (but, what do I know?). It pumps hard in the wet or dry mode. What about the vented loop that keeps the hose above the waterline? Does that need to be opened from time to time?
A 10 yr old OEM toilet (Jabsco) has tto be...
...just about worn out, especially if it's never seen any maintenance or lubrication. That spider could very well have blocked the tank vent enough to create some backpressure. But the vented loop isn't likely to be the culprit. However, a buildup of sea water calcium carbonates in the hose and loop could very well reduce the diameter enough to create back pressure. So pull your head discharge hose off and take a look inside. If you find a buildup, I'll tell you how to clean it out and prevent it in the future. Lubricating the toilet pump can't hurt and could help. Buy a tube of synthetic (not petroleum based) teflon grease...take the top off the pump--which only requires removing the 6 screws that hold it on--and put a healthy squirt of it into the cylinder. Pump a few times to spread it all over the inside of the pump cylinder...put the top back on...you're done. This should be done annually.
...just about worn out, especially if it's never seen any maintenance or lubrication. That spider could very well have blocked the tank vent enough to create some backpressure. But the vented loop isn't likely to be the culprit. However, a buildup of sea water calcium carbonates in the hose and loop could very well reduce the diameter enough to create back pressure. So pull your head discharge hose off and take a look inside. If you find a buildup, I'll tell you how to clean it out and prevent it in the future. Lubricating the toilet pump can't hurt and could help. Buy a tube of synthetic (not petroleum based) teflon grease...take the top off the pump--which only requires removing the 6 screws that hold it on--and put a healthy squirt of it into the cylinder. Pump a few times to spread it all over the inside of the pump cylinder...put the top back on...you're done. This should be done annually.
Cleared the trank vent completely, and...
it actually helped the situation. I do like your idea's on clearing the hose, and using teflon grease in the pump. Don't know about clearing the hose (unless I use vinegar or something to clear the calcium), will tackle the pump this weekend. Thanks Peggy...
it actually helped the situation. I do like your idea's on clearing the hose, and using teflon grease in the pump. Don't know about clearing the hose (unless I use vinegar or something to clear the calcium), will tackle the pump this weekend. Thanks Peggy...
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