OK, here goes. This is my first boat, a 2002, 306. When the boat heels the commode backs up and sometimes overflows. Pretty nasty! The holding tank has been pumped out twice and is only 1/4 full. When the boat is level, there is no problem. It's a Jabsco.
Head Backup
- Thread starter raysco
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Close your intake
valve when sailing. There is a valve that should close off the intake when in the dry mode, but it isn't closing. Not a uncommon problem with a boat that is several years old. The head probably has never been rebuilt and rubber valves get old and lose their ability to seal. This is why you should close the thru hull valve when sailing. I have failed to do this with the same results.
valve when sailing. There is a valve that should close off the intake when in the dry mode, but it isn't closing. Not a uncommon problem with a boat that is several years old. The head probably has never been rebuilt and rubber valves get old and lose their ability to seal. This is why you should close the thru hull valve when sailing. I have failed to do this with the same results.
Is the water clean or dirty?
The first two responders jumped to the conclusion that it's clean, despite the fact that you said it's really nasty. If it IS clean, they're right...it's not a backup, it's sea water coming in the intake. Always leave the wet/dry lever in the dry position. If it happens even when the toilet IS in the dry mode, make sure to keep the seacock closed when away from the dock except when the toilet is actually in use. HOwever, if the water is dirty as you say it is...yes it's a backup. When the boat is heeled hard enough to the side that tank inlet fitting is on, even a 1/4 of a tank can spill into the line between the toilet and the tank and run back to the toilet. Or, if you aren't pumping the toilet long enough to move bowl contents all the way to the tank, whatever is left in the line between the toilet and the tank will run back into the toilet. So you need to pump a lot longer with the toilet in the dry mode. There's a one-way valve called a joker valve in the toilet discharge fitting. It's a rubber cup-shaped doodad with a slit (or may be two slits in a +) in the bottom of it. When the joker valve is relatively new, the slit closes tightly enough to prevent backflow into the bowl, although even a brand new one won't completely block very slow seepage if you stay on that tack long enough. But as the joker valve becomes worn, that slit becomes a hole that no longer blocks anything. So whether the backup is from the tank or bowl contents that have never made it to the tank, if the joker valve hasn't been changed in at least two years, it needs to be. If the tank is overflowing back toward the toilet, just changing the joker valve is only applying a "band aid" to the problem. The real solution is a loop in the toilet discharge line that's high enough to prevent tank contents from getting over it, even at maximum heel. Except for replacing the joker valve, I would not put ANY money into a Jabsco toilet. The service kit (all the rubber parts, gaskets etc) costs more than half the price of a whole new toilet. So if it needs more than a joker valve, replace it with a better quality toilet. You'll spend a little more for the toilet, but it'll save you a lot of money in the long run. I also suggest you check out the link below to learn how your toilet works and how to maintain your toilet and holding tank to prevent problems.
The first two responders jumped to the conclusion that it's clean, despite the fact that you said it's really nasty. If it IS clean, they're right...it's not a backup, it's sea water coming in the intake. Always leave the wet/dry lever in the dry position. If it happens even when the toilet IS in the dry mode, make sure to keep the seacock closed when away from the dock except when the toilet is actually in use. HOwever, if the water is dirty as you say it is...yes it's a backup. When the boat is heeled hard enough to the side that tank inlet fitting is on, even a 1/4 of a tank can spill into the line between the toilet and the tank and run back to the toilet. Or, if you aren't pumping the toilet long enough to move bowl contents all the way to the tank, whatever is left in the line between the toilet and the tank will run back into the toilet. So you need to pump a lot longer with the toilet in the dry mode. There's a one-way valve called a joker valve in the toilet discharge fitting. It's a rubber cup-shaped doodad with a slit (or may be two slits in a +) in the bottom of it. When the joker valve is relatively new, the slit closes tightly enough to prevent backflow into the bowl, although even a brand new one won't completely block very slow seepage if you stay on that tack long enough. But as the joker valve becomes worn, that slit becomes a hole that no longer blocks anything. So whether the backup is from the tank or bowl contents that have never made it to the tank, if the joker valve hasn't been changed in at least two years, it needs to be. If the tank is overflowing back toward the toilet, just changing the joker valve is only applying a "band aid" to the problem. The real solution is a loop in the toilet discharge line that's high enough to prevent tank contents from getting over it, even at maximum heel. Except for replacing the joker valve, I would not put ANY money into a Jabsco toilet. The service kit (all the rubber parts, gaskets etc) costs more than half the price of a whole new toilet. So if it needs more than a joker valve, replace it with a better quality toilet. You'll spend a little more for the toilet, but it'll save you a lot of money in the long run. I also suggest you check out the link below to learn how your toilet works and how to maintain your toilet and holding tank to prevent problems.
A Real Pain
Well I know you don't want to be climbing into the rear berth to shut the thru hull intake and than need for someone to need the head. I had the 290 same as your 306 and had same problem so I replaced the joker flapper. I also use fresh water from shower to flush with raw water closed. Nick
Well I know you don't want to be climbing into the rear berth to shut the thru hull intake and than need for someone to need the head. I had the 290 same as your 306 and had same problem so I replaced the joker flapper. I also use fresh water from shower to flush with raw water closed. Nick
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