Jabsco head doesn't hold water in the bowl... is that normal?

[Eric Dalessio]

Hi All,

I've got one of two heads on the Hunter 410 (the aft head, to be specific) that doesn't hold standing water in the bowl... Water just slowly (very slowly) drains down, through the macerator and hose and into the holding tank. First thing I did was replace the joker valve, but that didn't seem to change anything. My concern is that since the water slowly drains out of the bowl (consistently), it allows the contents of the head to vent back into the cabin... Should there be some equivalent of a "U" shaped plumbing trap, like there is in your household sink, for example, that uses water to prevent the tank from venting inside? Forward head holds water just fine... Please let me know if you have insight or guidance for me?

Thanks and best regards,
Eric

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Except for the high-end all china "thrones," marine toilets aren't designed to hold water in the bowl because it would end up all over the head sole in rough seas or when the boat is heeled. So the forward head shouldn't be holding water either, although there may be some run-back if the discharge hose runs uphill. If it does, and it's more than just slow seepage, it needs a new joker valve.

Marine toilets and sink drains shouldn't have traps either...the joker valve--which should be replaced annually--keeps odor from the tank from escaping into the bowl.
Water shouldn't just drain slowly, either...if it's a manual toilet, use the dry mode to empty the bowl. If it's an electric toilet, water should leave at the same rate it's coming into the bowl. You said your toilets are Jabsco...manual or electric? How old? If electric, which model? Adding water to the bowl ahead of solids will greatly reduce the amount of flush water needed to clean the bowl...use a beer cup from the sink.

You might want to check out the link in my signature...it's a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that should help you understand how to operate and maintain your system, which will help you prevent 99% of problems instead of having to solve 'em. And I'm always glad to answer any questions it doesn't.

I just noticed that you've only been here about a week and this was your first post...Welcome aboard!