;-) never mind..... Seriously though Peggie, is it OK to use a snake to check for/fix suspected clogs or obstructions in the head discharge line to the holding tank or will that screw up the joker valve (new, cheap Jabsco). I had the gurgling head problem and don't think it is a plugged vent (I have two stern vents, one port one starboard). Speaking of joker valves, seems to me that the joker valve would prevent any head gurgling or spitting back into the bowl. Secondly, in another post recently, you mentioned that you cleaned out your holding tank (I assume rinse-pump, rinse-pump, rinse-pump until reasonably clean) then filled it completely full and let the water run till the water comming out the vent(s) in running clear. Did I hear you correctly? Thought that may work OK on a straight through thru-hull but may cause a clog in the clam shell type thru-hull (maybe not if the screen is removed...) Thanks as usual. Tom M.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
It'll screw up the joker valve...
Remove it and run the snake through the hose starting at the fitting...there's no need to start at the toilet bowl. I don't bother with the pump-rinse, pump-rinse, pump rinse...I just pump out the tank while adding water through the toilet, then fill it up and let the water run till it runs clear out the vent. Why haven't you already removed the screen from the vent fitting? All it does is trap dust and pollen and corrode--all of which restrict the air flow.
Remove it and run the snake through the hose starting at the fitting...there's no need to start at the toilet bowl. I don't bother with the pump-rinse, pump-rinse, pump rinse...I just pump out the tank while adding water through the toilet, then fill it up and let the water run till it runs clear out the vent. Why haven't you already removed the screen from the vent fitting? All it does is trap dust and pollen and corrode--all of which restrict the air flow.
R
Ron Doescher
Vent Screen
Peggy I've heard 3rd-hand stories about mud daubber wasps nesting in those little unscreened vents. Any truth to them?
Peggy I've heard 3rd-hand stories about mud daubber wasps nesting in those little unscreened vents. Any truth to them?
Happened to us.
Ron: I have had this problem a couple of times on the fuel tank vent. The little bastards build a nest in the vent line. When you go to fill up the tank it does not want to take fuel because the air does not have a place to excape. Have not had a problem in the holding tank vent line, but that may be obvious. One, it is not protected like the fuel vent that is a clam shell type. Second, what would want to live in a holding tank vent line anyway?
Ron: I have had this problem a couple of times on the fuel tank vent. The little bastards build a nest in the vent line. When you go to fill up the tank it does not want to take fuel because the air does not have a place to excape. Have not had a problem in the holding tank vent line, but that may be obvious. One, it is not protected like the fuel vent that is a clam shell type. Second, what would want to live in a holding tank vent line anyway?
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Dirt (mud) daubers will build a nest anywhere
they can find a hole to pack with mud...I've even found a nest in the venturi pipe in my grill. That doesn't mean a screen on a vent is a good idea. What it does mean is that it's necessary to inspect ALL the through-hulls--and any other places on your boat--regularly to make sure none of 'em have become clogged by anything. And as long as I'm on the inspection soapbox...you can't just ignore ANYthing on a boat till a problem develops. Wiring and hoses can chafe, hose clamps can fail...bedding compound, like bathtub calk, eventually gives out...screws and bolts can loosen and eventually fall out, nuts loosen and fall off...etc. etc. etc. Anyone who doesn't inspect every inch of his boat on a regular schedule is just asking for major problems that could have been prevented by finding and taking of 'em while they were still minor problems. Yet some people don't even pay enough attention to know whether the pumpout actually emptied the tank or not, much less pay enough attention to notice that a rail stanchion is about to pull out of the deck before it actually happens. A boat requires constant preventive maintenance...the least of which is inspecting your thru-hulls and clearing them of any obstructions before something like a dirt dauber nest can cause a real problem.
they can find a hole to pack with mud...I've even found a nest in the venturi pipe in my grill. That doesn't mean a screen on a vent is a good idea. What it does mean is that it's necessary to inspect ALL the through-hulls--and any other places on your boat--regularly to make sure none of 'em have become clogged by anything. And as long as I'm on the inspection soapbox...you can't just ignore ANYthing on a boat till a problem develops. Wiring and hoses can chafe, hose clamps can fail...bedding compound, like bathtub calk, eventually gives out...screws and bolts can loosen and eventually fall out, nuts loosen and fall off...etc. etc. etc. Anyone who doesn't inspect every inch of his boat on a regular schedule is just asking for major problems that could have been prevented by finding and taking of 'em while they were still minor problems. Yet some people don't even pay enough attention to know whether the pumpout actually emptied the tank or not, much less pay enough attention to notice that a rail stanchion is about to pull out of the deck before it actually happens. A boat requires constant preventive maintenance...the least of which is inspecting your thru-hulls and clearing them of any obstructions before something like a dirt dauber nest can cause a real problem.
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Tom M.
Problem solved...
Peggie et al, Here is the story. I got a rebuild kit for the head (inexpensive Jabsco). Upon removing the pump, I discovered the large flapper valve which is on the inlet to the pump, the one with the silver dollar size brass weight on the top, to be standing straight up! ie: inop. I didn't even know that valve was there. No wonder the head was gurgling and spitting back. Appeared that the rubber had, for some reason, just curled up and was holding the weight vertical. Replaced that valve. Replaced the joker valve which looked OK, and while I had it out, I ran a snake through the discharge line and found no obstructions, although I couldn't get it to make that last turn into the holding tank. Replaced the little wet/dry valve assy. in the pump. Lubed the pump cylinder and and 'O' ring with vaseline, put everything back together and now it works better than ever. Tom M.
Peggie et al, Here is the story. I got a rebuild kit for the head (inexpensive Jabsco). Upon removing the pump, I discovered the large flapper valve which is on the inlet to the pump, the one with the silver dollar size brass weight on the top, to be standing straight up! ie: inop. I didn't even know that valve was there. No wonder the head was gurgling and spitting back. Appeared that the rubber had, for some reason, just curled up and was holding the weight vertical. Replaced that valve. Replaced the joker valve which looked OK, and while I had it out, I ran a snake through the discharge line and found no obstructions, although I couldn't get it to make that last turn into the holding tank. Replaced the little wet/dry valve assy. in the pump. Lubed the pump cylinder and and 'O' ring with vaseline, put everything back together and now it works better than ever. Tom M.
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