Upward bend in sanitary line

[jssailem]

That is my expectation John.

If you only use the wet flush pump function, a 3ft rise of SaniFlush 1.5" diameter hose would have about a quart of fluid left from the joker valve to the base of the loop. From the loop to the tank should be empty based on gravity flow, if you have sloped your hose correctly (no low spots between the two ends).

 

[kloudie1]

Correct, John. If the weighted foot valve and the joker valve are good, the pump can push enough air to (more or less ) clear the hose. 4-5 quick pumps with the bowl dry should do it.

 

[john6206]

A 3ft rise of SaniFlush 1.5" diameter hose would have about a quart of fluid left from the joker valve to the base of the loop.

I was going to do the math … I just thought I’d guess. Seemed like more than a quart when it was pouring out onto my feet.

So if it’s not clearing.
and I replaced the whole pump assembly in the spring, and I visually inspected the joker valve …

could it be an air leak in a vent line preventing suction?

That seems unlikely, it would have to be on the pump side, wouldn’t it?

I noticed that ‘some’ water enters the tank in ‘dry’ mode. Much less than it wet mode, and it evacuates, leaving the bowl empty - but some water is still entering.

 

[jssailem]

When I switch from "flush" to "dry" on my Raritan PhII pump.

There is still some residual water in the lines and pump that gets into the bowl. Maybe a cup or so.
I just pump the handle 5-7 times, and what is there falls into the bowl and out through the joker valve. That is enough to send most of it over the top of the loop and flow down to the holding tank.

I used the volume of a cylinder formula.

 

[dlochner]

So if it’s not clearing.
and I replaced the whole pump assembly in the spring, and I visually inspected the joker valve …

The joker valve can look OK and still be failing. The rubber (which may really be nitrile depending on the valve) and the valve orientation can make a difference. So can some crud or undigested sees that you might find in bread.

Some chemicals and cleaning products will soften the rubber and this will prevent the valve from sealing completely. Antifreeze, especially the cheap kind containing alcohol can soften the rubber.

Raritan joker valves need to have the slit vertical not horizontal. In the horizontal position the weight of the valve can cause it to not seal completely. Jabsco valves have 3 openings, if any of them is horizontal the same will happen. Some folks believe the Raritan joker valve is a better option than the Jabsco valve and use them even in Jabsco toilets. We have a Raritan head, so can't confirm this.

Seeds or pieces of undigested food can get stuck in the valve and prevent it from fully seating. We changed the type of bread we eat on board for this reason. The multi-grain bread full of seeds was causing difficulties with the valve.

Do not use any commercial household toilet bowl cleaners, bleach or other caustic products to clean the toilet, they will damage the joker valve and other soft parts and seals in the toilet and pump. Raritan CP works well and is safe to use on the toilet.

 

[dlochner]

The joker valve can look OK and still be failing. The rubber (which may really be nitrile depending on the valve) and the valve orientation can make a difference. So can some crud or undigested sees that you might find in bread.

Some chemicals and cleaning products will soften the rubber and this will prevent the valve from sealing completely. Antifreeze, especially the cheap kind containing alcohol can soften the rubber.

Raritan joker valves need to have the slit vertical not horizontal. In the horizontal position the weight of the valve can cause it to not seal completely. Jabsco valves have 3 openings, if any of them is horizontal the same will happen. Some folks believe the Raritan joker valve is a better option than the Jabsco valve and use them even in Jabsco toilets. We have a Raritan head, so can't confirm this.

Seeds or pieces of undigested food can get stuck in the valve and prevent it from fully seating. We changed the type of bread we eat on board for this reason. The multi-grain bread full of seeds was causing difficulties with the valve.

Do not use any commercial household toilet bowl cleaners, bleach or other caustic products to clean the toilet, they will damage the joker valve and other soft parts and seals in the toilet and pump. Raritan CP works well and is safe to use on the toilet.

It occurred to me last night I omitted mentioning one common cause of joker valve failure, over tightening the bolts holding it in place. The bolts need to be just snug enough to prevent leaking. If they are too tight the valve will distort and not seal properly. Make them finger tight and then add a ¼ turn, test for leaks, repeat as necessary.