Hi Blair, I have a number of thoughts: 1). The backflow into the head is likely caused not so much by the joker valve as the flapper valve at the bottom of the pump itself where it is screwed to the pipe leading to the bowl. You can take it apart and clean it manually (4 screws) but realistically if it is bad, you're better off buying a whole new Jabsco pump (not the whole head). They are almost the same price as an overhaul kit but are a lot easier to replace. 2). Back pressure on the handle is generally caused either by not having the flip-style valve all the way to the right when pumping or a blocked vent. Check that vent! They tend to get clogged with spiders and such that like to make it their home. Check it every time you pump out as well, and even flush it with water each time. It's remarkable, as on other boats I've even found a holding tank bowed out to the point you could stand on it from the increased pressure, but as soon as I poked around the vent a little bit the pressure hissed out of the tank immediately. 3). To test the hose for permeation, wipe it down with a damp rag or paper towel, and smell it. If the smell transfers to the towel, your hose is due for replacement. 4). Flush, flush and then flush some more! Inevitably I find smells that come from the head and holding tank are almost always caused by people wanting to conserve how much water they pump through. I get that people don't want to fill their holding tanks, and the fact that I can flush seawater back out like you can means that I can pump waste into the tank, but use seawater to flush lots of water through the system and back overboard afterwards. We've never had a problem with smells since. As to the issue of fresh vs. salt water, I understand why people use fresh water to flush, but if you're not putting enough volume through, I personally think it is counterproductive.
5). If you want to clean the holding tank, I would fill it about 1/2 way after adding Dawn or other detergent and go sailing on a windy day to slosh it around. Then pump out. Hoping you find this helpful. Bruce Whitmore (847) 404-5092 (mobile) [email protected] On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 2:53:01 PM EDT, Blair Clark via CnC-List <[email protected]> wrote: I beg patience as i am hoping there is some quick troubleshooting hints that can be provided. Purchased a 1990 C&C 34 +. really really happy with boat and currently working through some smaller items to get her up to speed. one of these involves the holding tank. My jabsco manual toilet exits through a Y valve to sea or to holding tank. No external macerator system is in place.. Even when Y valve set to sea I am having a smell go away and then return to the head area. Holding tank was pumped before transport after purchase and appears close to empty. Steps to date: 1) Had a group out on the boat2) next day head ines appeared blocked as there was back pressure on handle3) removed lines got shop vacuum cleared lines and flushed with vinegar and water4 thought everything would be good5) Noticed smell in head2) noticed back flow of liquid into bowl3) again fought with stiff lines and replaced joker valve3) back flow and Smell went away4) a few days later after not using boat the smell came back but not from toilet bowl5) noticed that when I opened door under vanity sink bowl in the space that houses the holding tank that the smell was more extreme6) thought of taking tank out to inspect during winter but have no idea how to access it to do so. Does anyone have any suggestions as to troubleshoot tsmell, holding tank or lines and or remove tank? Thanks, BlairC&C 34+_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
