Trouble in the head, a plumbing question.

[Andy]

Greetings all,I picked up my 1976-27 last November and the crew and I are just starting to take it out on over night trips in preparation for some longer trips in the summer.A problem has come up, and in this case won't go down.It would appear that the discharge valve for the head is not functioning (the one at the hull under the forward seat of the dinette model), I can turn the handle in either direction for hours and not reach a stop point (closed/open) I have no idea at what point the valve is stuck, I suspect partially open as liquids did appear to pass a few days ago.However the first time any solids went down, (this last weekend) things are plugged up, I can not bring in any water nor can I pump anything out. The pump handle just will not move.My eager crew (the wife and kids) all assure me that only reasonable amounts of paper work accompanied each job.So here is my dilema.Is it the pump? jammed and refusing to work.OrIs it the valve? not open for business.Having said this, what can I do with the boat in the water. I am shy of taking the pump apart with the valve position in question. Is there a method to replace the valve while still in the water? perhaps plugging the hole from the outside?Any thoughts, solutions, or condolenses would be appreciated.Cheers from the poop deck.Andy

 

[Denny Fegan]

Head Problem

Andy,Need some more information. It appears that your boat does not have a holding tank. If you are located anywhere in the US, unless you are at least 3 miles offshore, you can not legally discharge waste. Most boats have had the discharge valve plugged (or removed) and the head is pumped into a holding tank. My guess is that the previous owner plugged the discharge valve to make the boat legal or possibly installed a Y valve. You will have to install a holding tank and then find a pump out station to empty as necessary.Let me know how you make out.Regards,Denny Fegan

 

[Andy]

Denny. Thanks eh.

Thanks Denny, that was a good thought, however here on the west coast of Canada the regulations are different. The natural flow and ebb of the tide around Vancouver island typically provide enough action to reduce the requirement for holding tanks.I still intend to have a tank installed (project for another day) as most marine parks and moorage locations do not allow anything overboard.That still leaves me with a problem, rats, any other thoughts?Oh, and by the way, today is the first time visiting this site, is this the correct way to respond in a thread?Cheers!Andy (the Canuck)

 

[Todd Osborne]

Ye olde plunger!

I'd "clear" the initial possibility first, your through hull valve. If it is plastic (Marelon) they tend to freeze up & break off, or a Gate valve - (like the hose faucet on the outside of your home), they tend to corrode & freeze in position. you should replace the valve in either case. You will have to pull the boat unless you are the sporting type...To ensure it is not just a faulty head pump, bring your trusty plunger & give a few shots to see if anything breaks loose.Good luck! By the way, I hope you get a holding tank. I visit your waters regularly & hope Canada learns from misteaks of the U.S., for it is not the flow of the tides, as much the ebb of politics that allows discharge in such pristine waters... (no offense meant, as we (the US) sit in our polluted waterways)