Is it time to rebuild the head? After flushing and drybowl, waste seeps back into bowl slowly at first, more as holding tank fills. ALso, mascerator has never been used on boat in 22 years. When trying it to see if it is functional for legal use, fuse blows. I suspect it is "frozen" from years of inactivity. Thoughts?
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Yep, the macerator died a long time ago
After 20+ years of dis-use, it's not salvageable...the motor has prob'ly seized. As for your backflow... If the toilet is that old too, it may not be worth rebuilding any more, but if the joker valve hasn't been replaced in at least two years, you have nothing to lose by doing that much. That should be done at LEAST every 2 years...better yet, annually. A new joker valve may totally block the backflow for a few weeks, but joker valves aren't supposed to block slow seepage, only a flood. So as the slit stretches with use, it'll start allowing slow seepage that'll become greater as the joker valve becomes more worn. There are a couple of things to check. First, check your tank vent for a blockage...that would create increasing backpressure that could be the reason for your backflow. Or, if it only happens when you're heeled to the same side as the tank inlet fitting and toilet, even a half full tank can spill it contents into the head discharge line. A loop in the head discharge line that's at least 6-8" above waterline at any angle of heel should stop it. Or, it may just be that you aren't flushing long enough in the dry mode to move the bowl contents all the way to the tank--or at least over the top of any loop that's already in the line. Too many boat owners quit pumping as soon as the bowl is empty...when you stop pumping, bowl contents quit moving. So if they're still in the head discharge line, and if that line runs even slightly uphill, it's gonna run back DOWNhill into the toilet. So replace the joker valve, make sure your tank is completely clear, and pump the toilet longer in the dry mode. If that doesn't solve the problem, get back to me. You might also check out the link below to learn how to maintain your toilet and tank. Preventive maintenance is a lot easier than curing problems.
After 20+ years of dis-use, it's not salvageable...the motor has prob'ly seized. As for your backflow... If the toilet is that old too, it may not be worth rebuilding any more, but if the joker valve hasn't been replaced in at least two years, you have nothing to lose by doing that much. That should be done at LEAST every 2 years...better yet, annually. A new joker valve may totally block the backflow for a few weeks, but joker valves aren't supposed to block slow seepage, only a flood. So as the slit stretches with use, it'll start allowing slow seepage that'll become greater as the joker valve becomes more worn. There are a couple of things to check. First, check your tank vent for a blockage...that would create increasing backpressure that could be the reason for your backflow. Or, if it only happens when you're heeled to the same side as the tank inlet fitting and toilet, even a half full tank can spill it contents into the head discharge line. A loop in the head discharge line that's at least 6-8" above waterline at any angle of heel should stop it. Or, it may just be that you aren't flushing long enough in the dry mode to move the bowl contents all the way to the tank--or at least over the top of any loop that's already in the line. Too many boat owners quit pumping as soon as the bowl is empty...when you stop pumping, bowl contents quit moving. So if they're still in the head discharge line, and if that line runs even slightly uphill, it's gonna run back DOWNhill into the toilet. So replace the joker valve, make sure your tank is completely clear, and pump the toilet longer in the dry mode. If that doesn't solve the problem, get back to me. You might also check out the link below to learn how to maintain your toilet and tank. Preventive maintenance is a lot easier than curing problems.
thanks
Thanks for the help- sounds like new pump time. The toilet is also original (also 20+) and never reworked per the P.O. Usually works fine in flush mode(some water seepage around pump shaft when flushing/drybowl), harder to pump in drybowl mode. Will check vent hose and replace joker valve for starters. BTW, back-flow problems worsened as holding tank became full (on mooring, not under sail). Prior to full, not bad. Ordered the book.
Thanks for the help- sounds like new pump time. The toilet is also original (also 20+) and never reworked per the P.O. Usually works fine in flush mode(some water seepage around pump shaft when flushing/drybowl), harder to pump in drybowl mode. Will check vent hose and replace joker valve for starters. BTW, back-flow problems worsened as holding tank became full (on mooring, not under sail). Prior to full, not bad. Ordered the book.
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