Peggie Hall wrote:
wrote:
I just bought a new boat (to me) and have some head questions.
Hoooboy...
Head - Jabsco manual head
Now my problems and questions:
1. My toilet is filling up with water after it is pumped dry.
Most likely that's because the toilet is below the waterline, there is
no vented loop in the head intake, and you're leaving the pump in the
"wet" mode. See (download and print) the installation instructions and
operation manual for your toilet he
http://www.jabsco.com/prodInfo/overv...10-0000_ds.pdf
2. My holding tank seems to be filling up a lot faster than it should.
I have about a 20 gallon holding tank and it is full after a day sail
with light use. Keep in mind this includes a week's worth of sitting
without use.
Always flushing only in the "wet" mode and leaving the head intake
seacock open will do that.
3. I'm not familar with one part of the unit...Right next to the head
there is a manual pump. A hose comes in through a thru-hull and does a
loop that wraps back through the pump and to the holding tank. Is this
to pump out of the tank to the lake or the opposite?
I'm not sure from your description of it. Can you email me a photo or a
sketch of the installation? peg(dot)hall(at)sbcglobal(dot)net.
Any help would be appreciated.
Start by reading what passes for a manual at the link I gave you. I'll
be glad to answer any more questions after you've read it (and I'm 99%
sure your first will be "what's a vented loop?")
A vented loop can be made from half of a 2 part "P" trap intended
for use under your kitchen sink. The proper style has a drain plug
on it's normal bottom.
The plug may be fitted with a shraeder valve, like on your bicycle
inner tube or car wheel if you care to roll your own. The shraeder
valve must be adjusted for a very low pressure seal by adjusting it
with a shraeder valve tool. You should be able to blow through it,
but not suck.
The vented loop is created by mounting the trap upside down on the
top of two vertical pipes connected to the remainder of the piping
in use. If vibration tolerant couplings are used, rigid pipe may
couple to other piping, or semi flexible plastic pipe. I would use
an MJ, or mechanical joint Have used several with excellent results.
The MJ was invented for the Diefenbunker, nuclear defence against
toilets backing up with over pressure shock waves. The p trap should
be situated at a point that does not usually go below the waterline,
but that is negotiable. It's function is to allow low atmospheric
pressure inside the piping to "suck in" air, thus defeating any
syphon effect which would otherwise occur.
Proper anti syphon loops are available in cast platinum at marine
stores. Lesser metals like bronze are almost as expensive.
You should be able to see if the head is pumping water into it's
self when you pump the pump. If it is, flip the little lever switch
you will find if you look, and pumping again, observe the head is
pumped dry and your tank will not fill so quickly. This limits
slopping contents when at sea. I not, you will need to replace, or
possibly only clean the duck billed, or joker valve. Buy one, since
you will need a spare, then disassemble the pump to replace it. If
the old one is torn or warped you will need to replace it, if not,
you may be able to clean it. It would probably tear the day after
you return the un needed spare, or be just wrong enough that it
won't work if you need it. This should illustrate why it is called
a joker valve. The joke would be on you.
Three lobed valves mimic heart valves, but without ligaments, are
not as reliable as possible.
Crap overboard when you can. A flexible snow slider carpet may be of
assistance keeping topsides clear for neccessary bodily functions.
It can be towed by floating line to rinse, and seized up using the
commissionaire knot, a crochet, over the bulwark to be used.
That funny, unused alladin clip on the backstay is to permit a good
rig to suspend the stern ladder horizontally for use as a sea head
frame with backrest "sissy bars" support and dinghy dock towing
harness. The horse shoe MOB float makes a good seat cushion. With a
proper umbrella, a shower curtain, the times, a good cigar, LED
headlight and an ipod, how could life be better than with an
autopilot and self tacking jib?
Clinging desperate and naked to it, you are legal to do that for
which fishes and birds need no license.
A proper harness developed from this arrangement might enable a sea
bath under way, even body surfing. Rinse with a fresh water
washcloth to avoid salt water boils. Wash clothing during rainy
periods. There is never enough toilet paper at sea, Billy.
Terry K