How much should bowl fill?

[SailingTerp]

How much should the bowl fill up?

I bought my 1982 Catalina 25 dinette model last year and it came with a W-C Headmate that I did not bother with last year. The PO had paperwork for 2 Headmates, so this is at least the second one that has been installed on the boat.

This year I want to have longer sailing trips and took on the task of installing the rebuild kit over the weekend. I have never used any other marine head, so I do not know for sure, but it looks like the bowl does not fill as much as it is supposed to. It only fills about a 1/2" above the 1 1/2" discharge hole. Pumping works well, in wet and dry modes, just no filling.

Is that normal?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It's doing exactly what it's supposed to do

Manual marine toilets aren't designed to bring water into the bowl and hold it...in fact, each pump stroke is actually supposed to push out a little more than is brought in--to compensate for the "extra" waste in the bowl. So your toilet is doing exactly what it's designed to do.

To add water to the bowl ahead of use, you'll need to use a cup and water from the sink.

If this your first boat with a head and holding tank, you might want to check out the link in my signature...it goes to comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that should help you learn how to operate and maintain your system to prevent problems...'cuz prevention is always cheaper and easier than cure.

 

[SailingTerp]

Well I guess I am in good shape then. Thanks for your help!