Manual head pump leak

[medea13]

Hi Peggie,
I have a 37' Islander, 1968. I've owned her for about 15 years. We rarely use the head, and when we do it's 'liquid only' so unless people who've been working on the boat have used it otherwise, this head has had very little use. On our last sail, last week, I noticed the carpet in the head and surrounding area was soaking wet, with the revolting rotting egg odor. I also noticed moisture around the joint between the door and bulkhead-which has been there for awhile since some bits of wood came off when I tried to mop it up. Moisture also at the ring at the base of the pump handle, and evidence of moisture (streaks) in the compartment beneath the head. I've got the odor under control, but not sure if this is something that can be fixed by simply replacing the pump or whether I might have a bigger issue. The former owner installed a lectsan, but we've never used it. Sorry to go on, but trying to give as much info as I can. Thank you.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Lack of use and neglected maintenance is the underlying cause of your problem

Sitting unused is more destructive to ALL equipment than constant heave use because rubber parts dry out and crumble when it is used...lubrication settles to the bottom of pumps and electric motors...ANY exposure to water or even moisture results in corrosion. So you've not only destroyed your toilet pump and seriously damaged the LectraSan..AND allowed your head sole to rot by failing to notice that you toilet has been leaking for YEARS! (Who carpets a head sole???)

So the answer to your question is, you have a MUCH bigger problem than you can solve by simply replacing the toilet pump...you need professional help who knows what they're doing to find all the damage--some of which many be structural--and repair it properly, then replace the toilet.

And once that's all been done, USE it...for solid waste AND urine. There's no reason whatever to avoid flushing solids...urine stinks just much in the tank--which, btw, you wouldn't ever have to use if you'd learned how to use the Lectra/San.

This kind of neglect is rarely if ever limited to just one system...so for your own safety, I recommend that you have the entire boat surveyed to look for problems that can put your lives at risk.