Macerator

[Rick D]

Hey, Peggy, I noticed my macerator pump isn't exactly sealed off as to holding tank odors. When I was overhauling it, it was obvious (to me) that the seals would certaily allow tank odors to escape but at least in very small quantities. It therefore seems to me that a little odor from that area isn't cause for concern. What you say? BTW, I think I'm up to $700 in my primary Jabsco, and she's looking as if she needs a new pump again. If I keep this up, I'll break $1000 in a hundred-dollar head. You know, what's really annoying is that it is just made to a price point. If the basic design were modified in the smallest ways, it would be many times more durable. I bet the difference wouldn't be more than $25. I wish that handle on the PH ll wasn't so intrusive. I'm going to order your book again as a boatwarming for a couple of friends. There is a lot of head mythology out there. Rick D.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Was there a question in all that, Rick?

All that mythology is the reason I wrote the book! Doncha think $700 is finally enough to spend to keep a $100 toilet working?? Buy the bloomin' PH II or the PHC (PH II pump on a compact base to fit in a tighter space) and leave the handle in the up position! Or see how it fits if you put the pump on the other side of the bowl.On second thought, don't...'cuz if you do I'll have to find another poster chld! And replace the stinky macerator with a Sealand electric diaphragm pump.

 

[Franklin]

ah

maybe that would explain why I have an ordor in the lazorettes and cabin when the tank has stuff in it and no ordor when the tank is empty.

 

[Rick D]

Macerator Odor Source

Actually, the reason I found out was that I was installing my new welded-up plastic holding tank and was over-filling it with fresh water to check the fittings. Water came out of the macerator. I pulled it apart to check my overhaul work and promptly broke a stud. Since I was leaving soon, I purchased a new one and it also let some water out, so it's obvious odors can get through too. It isn't a big deal, but next time the unit fries, I'm going to do as Peggy suggests. Whale has a bellows tank pump now too , I noticed. I hadn't considered leaving the handle up on the PH ll. I guess that means it will stay up? None of the other head pumps I have owned would stay up if they were lubricated and the system was in good shape. The PH ll will? I know the handle is removable, but that seems a pain. I suppose it can be bent or shortened also. Anyone do that? Rick D.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Yes, the handle will stay up.

I've suggested to Raritan that offer a telescoping pump handle, but they haven't bought the idea. Seems to me you could make one using a section of telescoping boat hook...I THINK the diameter of the outer sleeve and the pump handle are the same...I KNOW the pump handle and a broomstick are the same diameter.So be creative...you have nothing to lose by it. However, I wouldn't shorten the handle much...it's designed to provide the right amoung of leverage for the pump.And while I have the floor...a week or so ago, someone asked why the PH II is a better toilet than the Jabsco (or any of the others that cost less than $500). I knew it was a more powerful pump, but this explanation, posted by Vic Willman (tech services manager at Raritan) on another explains in detail what makes it a more powerful pump: "The diameter of the piston of the PHII is 2 1/2 inches. The diameter of the piston of most other manual toilets is 1 3/4". Now this doesn't sound like much of a difference, but given the same length of stroke up and down, for demonstration purposes we'll say 2 1/2 inches for each head that we're considering. When you calculate the cubic inch capacity (displacement) of the PHII with a 2 1/2" diameter piston, it comes out to a little over 12 cubic inches. If you do the same calculation for a pump with a 1 3/4" diameter piston, with the same 2 1/2" stroke, the cubic inch capacity is only 6 cubic inches. So, to put that all into English, the PHII will pump twice as much per stroke, as it's competitors will. Adding the lever-type handle, there isn't as much actual effort required. So, in a nutshell, you only have to pump half as many times to flush it, and your arm doesn't get as tired. Plus, with the lever handle, you don't have to bend over as far, with your nose practically in the bowl, while you're pumping it."