The morning began with more of the same problem I experienced about 2 months ago. Could not discharge toilet bowl. Was fighting tremendous back pressure. Remembering the advice of two months ago the first thing I checked was for a clogged tank vent. That was OK. Disasembled pumping mechanism and found the base valve to be broken. Aha! Problem solved. Replaced base valve and still experienced same pressure. Removed cap to holding tank just to insure tank was not pressurized.Still experienced back pressure. Disconnected vent line from tank. Still had pressure. I think I have narrowed it down to a clogged discharge hose. But when I fill the bowl with water I experience back pressure. I am at a loss to as to why I would have back pressure when filling the bowl. I eliminated any problems with the pumping mechanism by disconnecting the discharge hose from the pump. Pump works fine. Any ideas? Oh BTY the head is a Jabsco manual operation.
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Uh Huh
The wet/dry valve (which is part of the gasket assembly in the upper part of your pump) is gone. I'm sure Peggie will weigh in to confirm, but it is a pretty common issue. You can buy a rebuild kit for about $45 or you can order the individual piece directly from Jabsco. However, after/if Peggie confirms this dignosis, I would recommend you get a new pump too. I would install the new one and replace the valve on the old one, clean it up and lube it and use it as a spare. Reason? the screw studs on the bottom of the Jabsco pump head have a habit of fracturing from the base thus leaving you with inadequate clamping pressure and thus leaks. This regardless of the care taken in re-assembly. It just isn't designed for overhaul service, just one-time assembly. Trust me on this; I have replaced or overhauled well over a dozen of these pumps over the years. Rick D.
The wet/dry valve (which is part of the gasket assembly in the upper part of your pump) is gone. I'm sure Peggie will weigh in to confirm, but it is a pretty common issue. You can buy a rebuild kit for about $45 or you can order the individual piece directly from Jabsco. However, after/if Peggie confirms this dignosis, I would recommend you get a new pump too. I would install the new one and replace the valve on the old one, clean it up and lube it and use it as a spare. Reason? the screw studs on the bottom of the Jabsco pump head have a habit of fracturing from the base thus leaving you with inadequate clamping pressure and thus leaks. This regardless of the care taken in re-assembly. It just isn't designed for overhaul service, just one-time assembly. Trust me on this; I have replaced or overhauled well over a dozen of these pumps over the years. Rick D.
Head Problem/Back Pressure
Is your raw water thru hull to the toilet bowl in the open position? By mistake I've tried pumping when this valve was closed and found to extreme back pressure. Tarheel
Is your raw water thru hull to the toilet bowl in the open position? By mistake I've tried pumping when this valve was closed and found to extreme back pressure. Tarheel
Yep...I'm pretty sure Rick's right
The wet/dry valve is just a flimsy little piece of plastic that the level swings to block off or open up the flow of incoming flush water...due to either design flaw or a tooling flaw (that Jabsco doesn't seem inclined to correct), a high percentage of 'em have a nasty habit of hanging...and when that happens, it creates backpressure that's often mistaken for a clog or blocked tank vent. When you took the pump apart, you prob'ly got it loose...it worked a few times, then hung up again. It's not a part that's in the rebuild kit, though. The kit's $45...then add whatever a replacement wet/dry valve assembly costs...and you're at least 2/3 of the way to the cost of the whole new toilet...with no guarantee that something else won't fail. I'd replace it. The question is whether to get out as cheaply as possible with another one just like it...or spend a bit more for a decent quality toilet. The Raritan PH II is the best "bang for the buck" on the market...about twice the price of a Jabsco, but 100 x more durable and reliable.
The wet/dry valve is just a flimsy little piece of plastic that the level swings to block off or open up the flow of incoming flush water...due to either design flaw or a tooling flaw (that Jabsco doesn't seem inclined to correct), a high percentage of 'em have a nasty habit of hanging...and when that happens, it creates backpressure that's often mistaken for a clog or blocked tank vent. When you took the pump apart, you prob'ly got it loose...it worked a few times, then hung up again. It's not a part that's in the rebuild kit, though. The kit's $45...then add whatever a replacement wet/dry valve assembly costs...and you're at least 2/3 of the way to the cost of the whole new toilet...with no guarantee that something else won't fail. I'd replace it. The question is whether to get out as cheaply as possible with another one just like it...or spend a bit more for a decent quality toilet. The Raritan PH II is the best "bang for the buck" on the market...about twice the price of a Jabsco, but 100 x more durable and reliable.
Back Pressure
Thanks for all the input. I too believed the culprit to be the wet/dry valve. It is not broken or missing. Is it possible I have it installed wrong? It appears there is only one way to position it.
Thanks for all the input. I too believed the culprit to be the wet/dry valve. It is not broken or missing. Is it possible I have it installed wrong? It appears there is only one way to position it.
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