I have a '93 H30T acquired last year about this time. I seem to be plagued by 'head' problems. Last year I replaced the toilet with a new unit (Jabsco, same as original) because the original had been leaking back and 1/2 filling the toilet. (I suspected a faulty Joker valve) This year the new head is doing the same thing. I tried to pump it out and even after filling the holding tank. got very little 'production'. But the pumpout station seemed to quit drawing any fluid. I reuturned to dock and later noticed the same 'leak back'. When I tried to flush the toilet I noticed a sizzeling at the vent tube. QUESTION: Is it the probable cause that a clogged holding tank vent system is not allowing a full pumpout? Therefore, applying too much pressure on the toilet?
Head Problems
- Thread starter NuNees
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Yep....a blocked vent is the most likely culprit
It's pressurizing the tank, creating backpressure. You're lucky that the pumpout didn't implode your tank. The two most common places for vent blockages are the thru-hull and the connection at the tank. You replaced an entire toilet when you thought all it needed was an $8 joker valve???
It's pressurizing the tank, creating backpressure. You're lucky that the pumpout didn't implode your tank. The two most common places for vent blockages are the thru-hull and the connection at the tank. You replaced an entire toilet when you thought all it needed was an $8 joker valve???
It was getting sort of ugly anyway ...
... so I figured that a whole new unit would be better, easier and last longer. Beside that, they were on sale at WM, and only $25 more than the kit to repair the pump. Thank you for the advice ... I'll let you know how this works out. Bill Jaworowski
... so I figured that a whole new unit would be better, easier and last longer. Beside that, they were on sale at WM, and only $25 more than the kit to repair the pump. Thank you for the advice ... I'll let you know how this works out. Bill Jaworowski
One more thing
Check the base plate for cracks. It can let water seep out in all kinds of wonderful places, and thereby compromise the pressure. The I-shaped is easy to replace. Or did you already do that with the replacement kit...
Check the base plate for cracks. It can let water seep out in all kinds of wonderful places, and thereby compromise the pressure. The I-shaped is easy to replace. Or did you already do that with the replacement kit...
Original Holding Tank
If you still have the original 30T aluminum holding tank you should give serious thought to replacing it as the original metal tank is a BIG problem just waiting to happen. If you still have your original tank I have pictures and a description of how I replaced mine. If interested contact me through the Owner's Directory.
If you still have the original 30T aluminum holding tank you should give serious thought to replacing it as the original metal tank is a BIG problem just waiting to happen. If you still have your original tank I have pictures and a description of how I replaced mine. If interested contact me through the Owner's Directory.
Latest Update on the errant head
Checked out the vent hose and through hull ... both OK. Further complication: last year when I could not pump out, the overboard manual pump out hose apparently filled with liquid, for a couple of reasons. My winterizing did not include the fact that that hose might have something in it. I did not drain it either because I am on an inland lake and I did not suspect it had anything in it. Result, the valve body has cracked. When it is opened, that hose's comtents leak into the boat. It is NOT lake water, so I believe the boat is secure. However, haul out is set for Tuesday. Wish me luck, Bill Jaworowski
Checked out the vent hose and through hull ... both OK. Further complication: last year when I could not pump out, the overboard manual pump out hose apparently filled with liquid, for a couple of reasons. My winterizing did not include the fact that that hose might have something in it. I did not drain it either because I am on an inland lake and I did not suspect it had anything in it. Result, the valve body has cracked. When it is opened, that hose's comtents leak into the boat. It is NOT lake water, so I believe the boat is secure. However, haul out is set for Tuesday. Wish me luck, Bill Jaworowski
Some things I learned
With Peggy's help and some trial-and-error, last year I did some of the same stuff you are now. Some items: 1. The joker valve is NOT water-tight. My new Jabsco toilet didn't seep back into the bowl for the first 6 months, but now it does. (I would LOVE to have a little brush that I could stick down into the toilet and clean the Joker valve with... anybody have such a thing? I know, I can take off the end fitting, but that's MESSY ;D) 2. Even if you have a vented loop between your toilet and tank (as you should) the Jabsco manual pump will not clear all the water out of the hose. I know that it has enough power to do it, but I haven't been able to accomplish it. 3. If the vent line is OK, but you still cannot pump out, you may have a leak in the hose from the tank to the pump-out deck fitting. That will prevent the pump from drawing suction. 4. Consider using a fish tape to verify that both the drain and vent hoses are clear. I have read several reports of foreign matter blocking the drain line. 5. Your holding tank may have enough gunk (charitable word
) or foreign matter in it to plug up the drain fitting. This is not the end of the world, as I found out yesterday: my holding tank lid was leaking, so I pulled it off and drained the entire tank.... not an appealing job, but 8 years in Egypt prepared me for the odors and mess *yks Pride of ownership! Ain't it grand? Cheers, Bob
With Peggy's help and some trial-and-error, last year I did some of the same stuff you are now. Some items: 1. The joker valve is NOT water-tight. My new Jabsco toilet didn't seep back into the bowl for the first 6 months, but now it does. (I would LOVE to have a little brush that I could stick down into the toilet and clean the Joker valve with... anybody have such a thing? I know, I can take off the end fitting, but that's MESSY ;D) 2. Even if you have a vented loop between your toilet and tank (as you should) the Jabsco manual pump will not clear all the water out of the hose. I know that it has enough power to do it, but I haven't been able to accomplish it. 3. If the vent line is OK, but you still cannot pump out, you may have a leak in the hose from the tank to the pump-out deck fitting. That will prevent the pump from drawing suction. 4. Consider using a fish tape to verify that both the drain and vent hoses are clear. I have read several reports of foreign matter blocking the drain line. 5. Your holding tank may have enough gunk (charitable word
) or foreign matter in it to plug up the drain fitting. This is not the end of the world, as I found out yesterday: my holding tank lid was leaking, so I pulled it off and drained the entire tank.... not an appealing job, but 8 years in Egypt prepared me for the odors and mess *yks Pride of ownership! Ain't it grand? Cheers, Bob- Status