Keeping a clear head

[SeanRW]

Not to offend delicate sensibilities or be oafish, but I've got a few questions about proper "head" maintenance. And no, I don't mean bloody mary's the morning after.

As a soon to be owner of a boat with something more sophisticated than a bucket, I'm looking for some advice. The thought of having to disassemble this device because of poor maintenance is something I would rather avoid until it's a forced issue. I know that my time will come and I've both read and heard horror stories but I'd prefer to defer the experience until absolutely necessary.

Educating myself and then educating my guests and crew will go a long way.
I know that they're sensitive to the contents being disposed. So....
- No q-tips
- No sanitary products
- No freakin' huge wads of tp
- A little vinegar once a week can help reduce the calcification in the hoses
- Vegetabe oil monthly can help keep the innards lubricated

But what else ?

[Cruisingdad]

"DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THIS HEAD THAT HAS NOT BEEN EATEN FIRST!"

Although, we put tp in.

I have heard not to use vegetable oil, but use Mineral Oil instead as the vegetable oil can build up on the lines. We use it everyti me we leave the boat for the weekend, or about once a week. It really works well.

Hope that helps.

- CD

[SeanRW]

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

"DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THIS HEAD THAT HAS NOT BEEN EATEN FIRST!"

Although, we put tp in.
- CD

I hope you don't eat the TP

Seriously though, I've already thought that some kind of signage would be helpful with some basic instruction.

One other question I didn't ask though. I've read that flushing with fresh water can help reduce the buildup in the hoses and reduce any odor. Any truth to this ? Should I be considering an occasional "fresh water clean flush" ? To er..umm...clean the pipes ?

[Bene505]

I heard that mineral oil will form a layer on the surface of the holding tank and prevent bacteria from doing it's thing, resulting in strong smells. I hearn that vegetable oil should be used instead.

[CalebD]

I recommend the book by Peggy Hall, "Get Rid of Boat Odors", which is mostly about heads, tanks and plumbing. She calls herself the 'Headmistress' on some other forums.
I recommend only using KO as your tank treatment (as does Peggy Hall).
Amazon.com: Get Rid of Boat Odors: A Boat Owners Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor (9781892399151): Peggie Hall: Books
Disclaimer: not affiliated with the author in any way. I just thought her book was good.

[Bene505]

Caleb,

You have a head for logic. A head for sniffing out solutions to these things.

Regards,
Brad

[cabron99]

I have found that a lot of the odor from the head is from the sea water that dies in the john. Flush with usual method to the dry stage and top off with fresh water. Takes about a pint. Improving your aim doesn't hurt either.

[imagine2frolic]

We have a sticker above the guest head. A man peeing into the toilet while standing in a red circle with a line through it. No aim needed....lolololl.....i2f

[SeanRW]

Originally Posted by cabron99

Improving your aim doesn't hurt either.

It's not my aim that's the problem.....it's the damn target that keeps moving !!

Seriously though, I think my signage will include something like "If you miss, it's your mess so you mop" or maybe I'll just include a magazine rack to encourage longer stay in the head from all concerned

[scottyt]

i have had my boat for about a year now, i flush with fresh water from 2 liter bottles, no sea water for me. i use a splash of tank deodorant from the store after every pump out, no oder problems. i would bet my hoses are from 1983 when the boat was built. i have also had no problems with any stoppages.