[rbyham]

I have recently purchased a new to me boat. This will be my first marine head. It is a basic jabsco manual with 30gal holding tank. The head and tank have not been used for many years. I am curious how those with more experience might approach waking this baby up?

 

[ianjoub]

Drop a giant bomb in it, then see if it works

 

[knuterikt]

Buy a service kit and service the pump.
Check hoses and replace it necessary.
Test system using water only first.

 

[Multihullgirl]

I found this book to be of assistance:

Get Rid of Boat Odors: A Boat Owner's Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor: Peggie Hall: 9781892399151: Amazon.com: [email protected]@[email protected]@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/[email protected]@[email protected]@51c0oAGGw1L

 

[doug1957]

And before you service, pump lots of fresh water, if you can, to clear the lines to the direct overboard throughhull before you start to service the head. Don't ask how I learned this.

 

[SloopJonB]

Pump some olive oil through it first to lubricate the seals, then fresh water.

If it doesn't leak and seems to be working, move on to salt water.

If not, replace it.

I got a screaming deal on a brand new Jabsco last year from the local Jeanneau dealer. Apparently they automatically change all their new boats over 40' to electrics so they have a somewhat steady supply of mounted but never used Jabscos.

$100 for a new full size twist & lock - test pumps only.

 

[Minnewaska]

The above boat odor book by Peggy Hall is the bible. It will contradict some of the advice you received above, so I highly recommend getting it.

It may be really good news, if your head was not used, because the vast majority of boat owners improperly flush their heads. That causes the waste hoses to permeate and you can't fix that, you have to replace the hose. You can test your hoses by wrapping them with a hand cloth soaked in hot water. Remove it, after it cools, and take a whiff.

Your head could probably use a rebuild kit, which aren't terribly expensive and necessary every few years anyway. Buy two. The joker valve is probably dried out and a new one would be in that kit.

Good luck. Read that book!

 

[TQA]

If you think you will be using the head a lot and have people on board who would be horrified at the idea of using a bucket having a spare complete pump assembly is a good idea.

West Marine have them at $109 and the service kit is $79.

 

[bvander66]

If you have a good head dont need a spare pump. Our PhII is 12 years old and only part ever replaced is jocker valve.

 

[rbyham]

Thanks folks. I am presently focused on getting the yanmar rounded out, install new battery bank, followed by good overall cleaning, mount a new prop, then the head before sails are bent on. But this info is helpful and who knows I find myself at times I get bored with the current project of the day and just might dive into the head project.

 

[SloopJonB]

I find myself at times I get bored with the current project of the day and just might dive into the head project.

I can't imagine ever getting that bored.

I mean...there's always sleep.

 

[PorFin]

I'm envious (OK, really the wife is) of your 30 gal holding tank. Our 39' cruiser has a really tiny tank that (seemingly) fills up after a couple of flushes -- I've only pulled the clean-out plate on the top of the tank once, and I didn't keep my head in there long enough to figure out internal dimensions. My suspicion is that it was thrown in as a "wink-wink" way to claim that you're A-OK in the MSD department, back before Y-valve checks were a big deal.

Anyway, since it hasn't been used in some time I think that this would be a great time to tear it down and clean/inspect all the parts. Clean out your holding tank. Replace whatever needs replacing; strike that -- replace all the rubber parts no matter what. Then test it with water.

Having done a rebuild when it's clean (and you're not underway, and your wife's not sitting in agony giving you the stink eye) is REALLY good to have under your belt for that day -- and it will come -- when you ARE underway, and your wife IS giving you the stink eye.

 

[travlin-easy]

Marine heads are not complex devices - very few parts, and most rarely go bad, other than maybe the "O" ring. A bit of vegetable oil lubes the "O" ring, and I can highly recommend Rid-X for the holding tank. It does a great job of cleaning out any solids that may have been left by the previous owner. Be sure to use fresh water as much as possible early on, which will help activate the Rid-X.

One of the other problems with marine heads is the tubing used - it tends to permeate over the years, thereby emitting some foul odors. The only real solution to this is to run PVC pipe from the head to the holding tank, which sometimes can be difficult because of the bends and tight areas you must work with, but one thing is certain, no odors with PVC.

Good luck,

Gary

 

[Minnewaska]

.....A bit of vegetable oil lubes the "O" ring, and I can highly recommend Rid-X for the holding tank.......

The problem is that these work against each other. Veg oil in your holding tank will rise and skim over the top of the contents and not allow the aerobic bacteria to propagate. I personally never found the lubricate with oil thing necessary anyway. Seals don't dry out, if used regularly.

I've often thought of whether Rid-X was a substitute for the Raritan KO that I use. I know they are both bio-active, I just don't know if KO is better suited to the marine environment, other than identifying it by the price tag.

edit..... I see Rid-X actually sells a specialized version for RVs, which they claim to be appropriate for marine use. Same stuff, different price? Wouldn't surprise me.