Inadequate inflow to toilet bowl

[Bob Early]

Question: Does an air leak in the base of Groco pump assembly affect the raw water inflow to the bowl ?It seems this is a double action pump, pumping in raw water for flushing on the upper half of the pump, and pumping out the wast water to the holding tank in the lower half. The pump had been inadequate, so bit the bullet so to speak, rebuilt the pump (with kit), and now looks like a crack has developed in the lower half of the pump near the waste output flange. Will this crack admit enough air to affect drawing water in, or just the symptom of a poor pump seal as well ?(I can see the water leaking from this crack on the down pump, and susepct it is sucking air on the upstroke or waste drawing in.)Also, I noticed in another persons reply, that 3 "vented loops" are suggested? I have only one vented loop, and that is in the raw water supply side.Thanks,Bob

 

[Sea Gypsy]

Groco head

I too have just rebuilt my head due to leaking. I can't answer about the loop, but I have a crack in the same place. I went to Home Depot and bought some plumbers putty. It come in a small tube for under $3. You break a small piece off and work it together. I put a good size patch on the outside and a very thin layer on the inside of the flange. The fix seems to be holding.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Where is the vented loop in your raw water intake?

Yes, the crack can prevent the pump from priming (How old IS this toilet you just spent good money to rebuild without asking whether it was worth it?). But so can a vented loop in the wrong place in the intake. So where is it located...between the thru-hull and the pump (wrong place), or between the pump and the bowl (right place)?As for how many vented loops, that depends on the installation. You might want to check out the link below.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

I don't suppose it's occurred to either of you...

that everything has a lifespan, and the less it costs to replace it, the shorter that lifespan is. If either of your Groco toilets are more than about 7 years old, they're at the end of their average lifespans...older, and they're already living on borrowed time. Anything you do to try to keeping working is just spendin money to avoid the inevitable: a new toilet.

 

[Bob Early]

Vented loop between intake and pump

Yes, the vented loop is between the raw water intake through hull and the Pump (NOT between Pump and Bowl).Last week I talked to Groco rep, and he said that this was the newer syle (HF series vs the older HB & HE). I suspect the pump is less than 7 years old. When primed with water, it pumps ok. Otherwise not.Not to belabor the point too, too much, since the whole bowl is very passive, I see no reason to replace anything but the pump assembly.Either I overlooked the crack when I inspected it, or the crack developed when tightening the flange back together. After cleaning with Acetone, the crack looked "clean" (vs stained and crud filled).I will probably just replace the whole toilet, just in case the older bowl is limed encrusted and partially blocked "vents".Thanks,Bob

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Pump assembly can cost more than a new toilet

'Cuz complete toilets are in stock at discount--often DEEP discount--prices and pump assembly is always special order at list--or close to list--price. As long as you're replacing, I'd strongly consider upgrading to the Raritan PH II...or if space is tight, the PHC (same pump on a compact base). It'll last 20 years if it's just kept properly lubricated and rebuilt about every 5 years. Your vented loop is in the wrong place. It has to be between the pump and the bowl, or it will pull in air that prevents the pump from priming.