the learning curve stinks..head problem

[Joyce]

OK- I admit - I'm a real novice. We have a new H260 and even I have to admit (not liking the water) I really enjoy the boat. We went on our first real trip this weekend- on the great south bay from Massapequa to Fire Island (Long Island, NY.) Long story short, on the return trip we found the marine head (Jabsco) full. Of course no one could use it/we weren't near a pumping station. Then we found a small leak under the big tube near the toilet. It didn't seem to be so bad however, by the time we got back, upon further investigation, it seems to have actually run from the head through the rear wall to the the mattresses. Now I have to dry clean the covers (and pray they fit again) and of course pump out the head. What I don't understand is if the "stuff" backed up - shouldn't it back up into the toilet and not seep out from this wide tube (with 2clamps on it???) Please say yes- we have to find the real leak but if you agree then don't you think Hunter also has to take some resp?? or am i dreaming. thanks for your patience.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

There's a valve in the toilet discharge

Without seeing your boat, I can only guess... The tank was full--prob'ly overfull, which put pressure on the leak because there's a valve, called a "joker valve," in the discharge fitting on the toilet that's supposed to prevent backflow from entering the bowl and overflowing it. That valve can seep, but because the "line of least resistance" was out your leak, it came out there instead of into the bowl. The lesson in this nasty experience: NEVER ignore a leak in the sanitation system. I think it'll help you prevent learning other lessons the hard way if you read the articles in the Head Mistress forum Reference Library (on the right side of the forum homepage) and also the article at the link provided. Between them they answer more questions about marine sanitation systems than it ever occurs to most boat owners to ask. And I'm here to answer any that it doesn't.