We just bought our boat in November, so we're not entirely certain how the systems are supposed to work, but it just doesn't seem like the head is bringing in enough raw water for a proper flush. The Wilcox-Crittenden Head Mate that we have brings in outside water when the lever is in the flush position (vs the "pump out" position). The water that comes in only trickles down around the edge of the bowl. Also, the water is washing little black particles into the bowl (more at first than now), but I don't know if that is just residue from under the rim (the boat had been sitting on the hard for 2 years before we bought it) or if it's indicative of a more serious problem. To my knowledge, there is not a strainer on the intake line or through hull. Could we have a clog in the line? If so, how could we flush it out? Or worse yet, is a trickle the most we can expect out of a marine head? Thanks in advance, Dana
Head does not bring in sufficient amount of water
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Most likely either the hose is rotten inside or the through-hull fitting has corroded. Also have you made sure the valve on the through hullk is fully open. Be careful with the through hull as if it is badly coroded it could cause a major leak.
Most likely either the hose is rotten inside or the through-hull fitting has corroded. Also have you made sure the valve on the through hullk is fully open. Be careful with the through hull as if it is badly coroded it could cause a major leak.
Through hull open
Yes, the through hull is fully open and no corrosion is apparent. I'll take a closer look at the hose.
Yes, the through hull is fully open and no corrosion is apparent. I'll take a closer look at the hose.
Water should definitely be more than a trickle
That there's black flecks in the water is a major clue that something has partially clogged up the intake hose or--more likely--the channel in the rim of the bowl...and that "something" could be animal, vegetable or mineral. First, pull the intake hose off (close the seacock first!) to make sure it's not clogged with mud or sea water mineral buildup. If it is, the simplest solution is a new intake hose. Next, make sure that all the holes in the rim are open...that none of 'em are clogged. Finally,(it may be easier to take the bowl out and do this on the dock...if you do, you really should replace the flat rubber seal between the bowl and the base), connect a garden hose to the back of the bowl and blast out the channel in the rim. That OUGHT to solve your problem. However-- The Headmate is a low-end "budget" toilet to start with--better than a Jabsco, but still near the bottom of the toilet quality "food chain." If it's more than 5-7 years old, it most likely needs to be rebuilt (replace all the rubber parts) anyway...after sitting dry for a couple of years, it definitely needs to be....and the kit is half the price of a whole new one. So depending upon the age of the toilet and how much effort you want to put into it vs. just pulling it out and dropping another one in, your best solution for the long run may be a new head intake hose AND a new toilet. If you decide to replace, for about $60 more than another Headmate, the Raritan PH II (or PHC, which is the same pump on a compact base to fit a tighter space) is a MUCH better choice--as all the people here who have one will confirm...it's been consistantly rated the best manual toilet under $500 for several decades. Whatever you decide, you might also want to check out the link below too.
That there's black flecks in the water is a major clue that something has partially clogged up the intake hose or--more likely--the channel in the rim of the bowl...and that "something" could be animal, vegetable or mineral. First, pull the intake hose off (close the seacock first!) to make sure it's not clogged with mud or sea water mineral buildup. If it is, the simplest solution is a new intake hose. Next, make sure that all the holes in the rim are open...that none of 'em are clogged. Finally,(it may be easier to take the bowl out and do this on the dock...if you do, you really should replace the flat rubber seal between the bowl and the base), connect a garden hose to the back of the bowl and blast out the channel in the rim. That OUGHT to solve your problem. However-- The Headmate is a low-end "budget" toilet to start with--better than a Jabsco, but still near the bottom of the toilet quality "food chain." If it's more than 5-7 years old, it most likely needs to be rebuilt (replace all the rubber parts) anyway...after sitting dry for a couple of years, it definitely needs to be....and the kit is half the price of a whole new one. So depending upon the age of the toilet and how much effort you want to put into it vs. just pulling it out and dropping another one in, your best solution for the long run may be a new head intake hose AND a new toilet. If you decide to replace, for about $60 more than another Headmate, the Raritan PH II (or PHC, which is the same pump on a compact base to fit a tighter space) is a MUCH better choice--as all the people here who have one will confirm...it's been consistantly rated the best manual toilet under $500 for several decades. Whatever you decide, you might also want to check out the link below too.
Peggy
I found that my HM is exibiting the same symptoms except all my hoses and head are new last season. No black stuff either, just trickles of water. The seacock is open. Could it be some internal part to the head? Could the hose need priming? I do not remember this problem last year after I replaced everything and it started out dry. Tim R.
I found that my HM is exibiting the same symptoms except all my hoses and head are new last season. No black stuff either, just trickles of water. The seacock is open. Could it be some internal part to the head? Could the hose need priming? I do not remember this problem last year after I replaced everything and it started out dry. Tim R.
No black flecks? Prob'ly mineral buildup...
Do everything I told Dana to do...if that doesn't cure it, the channel in the rim of the bowl may be full of sea water minerals. White vinegar will dissolve 'em, but it's gonna require a little time and effort. Stick the intake hose into a bottle of vinegar and pump it through the toilet. Don't follow it with any water...don't use the toilet for 24 hours...do it again. That should clear it out...if not, do it again.
Do everything I told Dana to do...if that doesn't cure it, the channel in the rim of the bowl may be full of sea water minerals. White vinegar will dissolve 'em, but it's gonna require a little time and effort. Stick the intake hose into a bottle of vinegar and pump it through the toilet. Don't follow it with any water...don't use the toilet for 24 hours...do it again. That should clear it out...if not, do it again.
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