Repacing a Groco HF Head

[Mickey Goodman]

Hi Peggy:Two questions: Head Replacement - I have a Groco HF head in the boat which is about 13 years old. I have rebuilt the head in the spring and, as I wrote before, I can't get it to dry flush without putting additional water in the bowl.What is your recommendation for a replacement? Should it be Groco or another brand.  Odors under the sink - I have the white PVC sanatation hose in place and I have found an elbo which is leaking. I will replace the elbo this weekend and hopefully that will take care of the problem. Question: the fitting for the hoses going to the holding tank are not accessable without taking out cabinets and more. Is my understanding correct that the white sanatation hose does not absorb the odors from the tank and should not have to be replaced.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

You've been misinformed about sanitation hose

All sanitation hose--white or black--permeates with odor eventually, with one possible exception: the SeaLand "OdorSafe" brand white sanitation hose. The only thing that's different about it is a "skin" on the outside that SeaLand claims is similar to Saran Wrap (which won't permeate). The hose itself almost certainly does permeate, the odor just can't make it through the "skin" on the outside of the hose. It does work...in the 5-6 years "OdorSafe" has been on the market, I've yet to hear of a single case of odor permeation failure.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

As for your replacement toilet...

(Missed this question the first time around)...I'm not particularly fond of Groco toilets...they're temperamental. The Raritan PH II has always been rated the best manual marine toilet in its price range (below $500). I also like the newer Raritan Cricket a lot. Both are about $100 more than the Groco HF, Wilcox Headmate or the Jabsco manual, but are a LOT more durable and reliable. Just depends on how much you want to spend.