Toilet Joker valve replacement schedule

[Richard19068]

@Peggie Hall HeadMistress

Joker valve in any manual toilet should be replaced at least annually...here's why:

(Excerpt from my book)
Most people think that the only thing the joker valve does is act as a check valve to stop backflow from returning to the toilet or odor from the tank from escaping through the toilet. But that's the joker valve's LEAST important function...in fact, the joker valve is THE single most important replaceable part in a manual toilet. Here's why:

On the upstroke of the piston, a vacuum is created in the area beneath the piston. This causes the joker valve to close tightly, and the flapper valve beneath the pump to open, allowing some of the contents of the toilet bowl to be drawn into the bottom half of the pump. Then, on the down stroke of the piston, the flapper valve is slammed shut, and the effluent is forced out of the bottom of the pump, through the joker valve, and off down the line. But when the joker valve becomes worn and/or there's a buildup of sea water minerals on it, it can no longer seal tightly on the upstroke of the piston so less and less vacuum is created, requiring more and more pumping to move bowl contents.

You prob'ly won't notice the loss of efficiency at first because it's so gradual. But I guarantee you that if it's been two years or longer since you replaced the joker valve, you need to pump the toilet at least 50% more times to move the bowl contents to the tank or all the way out the thru-hull....IF they're getting there at all any more.

--Peggie

First, Thanks for all the good information you provide.

I understand what the Joker valve does and why it needs periodic replacement but why is the replacement schedule based on time rather than actual use, like number of flushes ( I know " who counts flushes?")? If the toilet is only used a few times a year, and let's say it is flushed with fresh water after use, why would the Joker valve need to be replaced every year or two if it didn't get stretched much?

Thank you.

 

[FastOlson]

I wonder if, an long as you have access to a new one somewhere nearby, one could just note & keep track of the performance? I find that our "light use" cruising of about a month of nights on board per year seems to lead to some slight limited water back flow after about a decade. (Our experiences may also be different than the majority because we boat in fresh water 90% of the year.)

If going cruising into a geographic area with no access to a chandler, I would carry a spare one.
That said, the head plumbing is among the majority of thruhulls that we turn off when leaving the boat, pretty much every time.

 

[JoeWhite]

I have replaced it once in 7 years. I go out twice a month on a day sail, anchor overnight 5 times a year and sail 300 miles for 9 days once a year. I now see that I need to replace it. I can not remember where I got the last one from.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I understand what the Joker valve does and why it needs periodic replacement but why is the replacement schedule based on time rather than actual use, like number of flushes

You raise a good point. But time may not be the best way either and keeping track of an entire season's worth of flushes is more trouble than it's worth. So IMO, keep "annually" as the replacement target and pay attention to your toilet's performance. However, if you have freezing winters, stick with annually as part of spring recommissioning--which is also the time to give your toilet pump its annual or semi-annual lubing with SuperLube thick grease.

--Peggie

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I wonder if, an long as you have access to a new one somewhere nearby, one could just note & keep track of the performance?

Exactly the way I run it. Keep a spare Joker valve in the onboard stores.

I run in salt water but have a fresh water line installed to wash out everything with fresh water from the sink after a day's outing. Weeks, and month's as well.

 

[Richard19068]

Peggie, thanks for the response.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Ralph, I see you've added evenmore "improvements" to what, for most people, is a very simple toilet intake and pump fresh water rinse system...reminding me of the old joke about engineers:

To most people, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. To an engineer, if if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet.

And I have no doubt you WILL get there!

--Peggie

 

[Benny17441]

It is a matter of convenience. It is better to replace at the comfort of your dock vs. the interruption on a trip to locate and install a new part. These rubber parts will age even when sitting in a package as spare parts.

 

[FastOlson]

It is a matter of convenience. It is better to replace at the comfort of your dock vs. the interruption on a trip to locate and install a new part. These rubber parts will age even when sitting in a package as spare parts.

Good Point! That can happen with those $ raw water impellers we all have set aside, too.