Hi Peggie, I know you recommend just buying a new head instead of the rebuild kit (and for those prices, I definitely agree) but was wondering about just general cleaning. I have the WC Head-Mate and it's REALLY stiff to pump. Not only that but green river goo is coating the part of the handle that goes into the pump itself and a little water dribbles out when I pump. I was wondering if, instead of buying a new one, I should try just cleaning the parts first. Does the leak indicate rotten parts? Do you think this would be a total waste of time? You're the best! LaDonna
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Not very lucky with rebuilds.
LaDonna: I have not been very luck with rebuilds. My NEW idea on heads involves purchasing a new throw away (like a VCR) when the old one starts giving me trouble. You can find Jabscos for as little as $99-$120 on sale. You can spend as much as $40-50 on a rebuild kit. If it works you are ahead by $50 if it does not, you spent the money on the rebuild kit and still need a new head anyway.
LaDonna: I have not been very luck with rebuilds. My NEW idea on heads involves purchasing a new throw away (like a VCR) when the old one starts giving me trouble. You can find Jabscos for as little as $99-$120 on sale. You can spend as much as $40-50 on a rebuild kit. If it works you are ahead by $50 if it does not, you spent the money on the rebuild kit and still need a new head anyway.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Bite the bullet, LaDonna...replace it.
If it's leaking, chances are that neither cleaning nor a rebuild will sure that problem. If you'd rather avoid head maintenance altogether, I recommend the Raritan Cricket...it has a diaphragm pump, which means no moving parts to wear and need replacing every 2-3 years. And from your comment about "river goo," I'd also recommend a strainer on the head intake. Raritan also has those. You'll have to clean that periodically, but at least you won't have to take the toilet apart to do it.
If it's leaking, chances are that neither cleaning nor a rebuild will sure that problem. If you'd rather avoid head maintenance altogether, I recommend the Raritan Cricket...it has a diaphragm pump, which means no moving parts to wear and need replacing every 2-3 years. And from your comment about "river goo," I'd also recommend a strainer on the head intake. Raritan also has those. You'll have to clean that periodically, but at least you won't have to take the toilet apart to do it.
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Rob Rich
Me Too.. But no leak
My head pump still works without leaking, but does not feel as smooth as it did. I think it's the seals - I get a mild squeaking. I remember you once wrote that head lube is not effective and upsets the chem balance in the tank, so I will not go that route. Would a seal kit work in place of a new head in this instance? It's a Jabsco I think. The fifty bucks dosen't bug me as much as unbolting the entire assembly and removing it. Anyway, your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Rob P.S. - Did I ever mention how great KO is? I love that stuff!!! It makes having a holding tank so much more pleasant. Thanks!
My head pump still works without leaking, but does not feel as smooth as it did. I think it's the seals - I get a mild squeaking. I remember you once wrote that head lube is not effective and upsets the chem balance in the tank, so I will not go that route. Would a seal kit work in place of a new head in this instance? It's a Jabsco I think. The fifty bucks dosen't bug me as much as unbolting the entire assembly and removing it. Anyway, your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Rob P.S. - Did I ever mention how great KO is? I love that stuff!!! It makes having a holding tank so much more pleasant. Thanks!
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Eric Steege
Replace it
I just replaced my head,and honestly it was much easier than rebuilding the head, which I did last year. I found that it was necessary to remove the head in order to easily rebuild it, so once it is removed, why not replace it. I went with a $100 JASCO and I am very happy with a new head. I had a couple new holes to drill, but it was a half hour deal. Well worth having everthing working like new! Eric Steege s/v Perfect Union Bayport MN
I just replaced my head,and honestly it was much easier than rebuilding the head, which I did last year. I found that it was necessary to remove the head in order to easily rebuild it, so once it is removed, why not replace it. I went with a $100 JASCO and I am very happy with a new head. I had a couple new holes to drill, but it was a half hour deal. Well worth having everthing working like new! Eric Steege s/v Perfect Union Bayport MN
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
I never said lubricating is ineffective,
nor that it upsets the balance of the tank. But both those things ARE true of just pouring vegetable oil down the toilet. Slathering the inside of the pump with a liberal amount of SeaLube or SuperLube--which are both thick teflon grease--once each spring will do wonders for a squeaky pump, should last a season, and won't upset the holding tank at all. And as long as you have it apart to lube it, it's a good time to rebuild it--while it's clean and dry...instead of waiting till the bowl is full and won't go down. Or maybe not. If it's a cheap toilet and it needs more than just a good lube job, it can just as cost-effective--and a LOT less aggrevation--to replace instead of rebuild. But as long as just lubricating keeps it working as well as it ever did, a good "dose" of teflon grease should make it good to go for a full season.
nor that it upsets the balance of the tank. But both those things ARE true of just pouring vegetable oil down the toilet. Slathering the inside of the pump with a liberal amount of SeaLube or SuperLube--which are both thick teflon grease--once each spring will do wonders for a squeaky pump, should last a season, and won't upset the holding tank at all. And as long as you have it apart to lube it, it's a good time to rebuild it--while it's clean and dry...instead of waiting till the bowl is full and won't go down. Or maybe not. If it's a cheap toilet and it needs more than just a good lube job, it can just as cost-effective--and a LOT less aggrevation--to replace instead of rebuild. But as long as just lubricating keeps it working as well as it ever did, a good "dose" of teflon grease should make it good to go for a full season.
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Rob Rich
Thanks for the correction...
I'll give the teflon a try. If it doesn't work, I guess I'll just replace it.! Rob
I'll give the teflon a try. If it doesn't work, I guess I'll just replace it.! Rob
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