Jabsco sea toilet - embarrassing problem !!

Digbydog said:
How about an anchorage:confused:
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Can't say as i use a lot of them, but in general, unlike enclosed marinas, they will be in locations with tidal flows that will disperse the offending materials. In any case, the population levels are a lot lower than a crowded marina. If there is a significant doubt about the local environment's ability to absorb my effluent, I'll close the holding tank and dump the next day in open water.
 
snowleopard said:
Two tips - when flushing, make sure you pump water into the bowl before emptying it. The second is to pump as you go - every time you put something in, pump it out, whether it be paper or wastes. Don't wait till the end and try to pump it all out at once.
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That's the method I would recommend, especially after a big night out.
 
RupertW said:
Presumably you'd never have a holiday in Greece then, as that's the rule even in hotels?...
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I hope that I am never invited on any boat with such unecessarily primitive and foul toilet arrangements as on yours.

On our own boats we would be ashamed to expose guests (and ourselves) to such poor and unsanitary arrangements when it is so easy to have a marine toilet (even Jabscos always worked fine for us) and holding tank that functions properly.
 
This subject always ends up with cries of horror over putting used toilet paper in a bin rather than down the toilet.

I can assure you that eventually it becomes second nature so that even when in an area where it is possible to flush more than bodily waste you still look for the bin. I now find it extremely distasteful to consider flushing anything that has not been in my mouth.

We anchor a lot in Greece and at the start of the season the sea bed is healthy, lots of fish and plant life visible when snorkelling. Towards the middle and end of the season it is easy to see the popular stopping points as there is always a pile of toilet paper on the seabed with little plant life and fewer fish.

We always bag used paper and dispose of it whenever we go ashore (at least daily).

This 'unsanitary' practice has saved us a lot of hassle with holding tanks and toilets blocking and saves the seabed from being 'blinded' by tissue.
 
Having spent a lot of time travelling around the Far East, putting paper in a bin has become second nature. We always ask guests on the boat to do the same and never had a problem. It causes far less grief and embarrassment in the long run than having to own up to having gummed up the works.
 
prv said:
My understanding is that it's not a case of blockages, but that the sewage treatment systems used outside urban areas (ie, where seaside hotels are) can't cope with lots of paper.

Pete
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Several hotels we've stayed at have notices saying that it is the size of the pipes that's the problem. Toilet paper (soft type) soon reduces to mush even in a simple treatment plant like a septic tank.
 
Well for those unfussy people who love binning rather than flushing and use the argument that it is fine because those in countries with poor sewerage infrastructures do so then I have the answer for you.

It is common in some countries to use no toilet paper at all, just a cupful of water and one hand (usually the same hand each time). So there, a method for you that uses no paper at all.

For the most commited followers using the example of pooer nations as an excuse to have incompetent systems on their own boats then there are of course some who don't wipe or clean at all - so if you are slightly fussy about using your hand then this is the answer for you.

In the end, do you choose to bin used toilet paper in your home if you live in a country with adequate infrastructure? If not then the only reason you do it on your boat is because you are just too lazy to provide proper facilities on it. If you do bin it in your home as a matter of choice then you are at the filthy habited end of society.
 
you are at the filthy habited end of society
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One might make the same comments about anyone who doesn't use a bidet to clean themselves properly after 'going'. Many Japanese toilets have built-in facilities for washing the nether regions, and they certainly regard westerners as being generally unhygenic. As I've never seen such facilities on a yacht, I assume we're all equally filthy...
 
greenalien said:
One might make the same comments about anyone who doesn't use a bidet to clean themselves properly after 'going'. Many Japanese toilets have built-in facilities for washing the nether regions, and they certainly regard westerners as being generally unhygenic. As I've never seen such facilities on a yacht, I assume we're all equally filthy...
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I have only spent time, being some of most days over a month or so, on one Japanese super yacht and that was while it was in port berthed beside us. During all that time they were discharging their black water directly and untreated in any way, apart from being mascerated, into the harbour.

They also had no facilities for cleaning themselves in the manner you mention.

So perhaps if your claim as to their opinion of western toilet hygiene is concerned is indeed true (and is not a claim I have ever come across before) then it would seem that even in the circles of the wealthy they are not perfect either?
 
I believe the 'getting your own back' phrase originated in the submarine service, where a mistake in operating the head valves could have various dire consequences...
 
Well I haven't read all the posts but I recently replaced the sea toilet on my Vega with a Porta Potti. It is very small to sit on but doesn't smell and is no hassle to empty. It has freed up a surprising amount of space that I can now use for storage. I live aboard in a marina as well so can now use the toilet with impunity. Could maybe work for you?
 
CelebrityScandel said:
Well for those unfussy people who love binning rather than flushing and use the argument that it is fine because those in countries with poor sewerage infrastructures do so then I have the answer for you.

It is common in some countries to use no toilet paper at all, just a cupful of water and one hand (usually the same hand each time). So there, a method for you that uses no paper at all.

For the most commited followers using the example of pooer nations as an excuse to have incompetent systems on their own boats then there are of course some who don't wipe or clean at all - so if you are slightly fussy about using your hand then this is the answer for you.

In the end, do you choose to bin used toilet paper in your home if you live in a country with adequate infrastructure? If not then the only reason you do it on your boat is because you are just too lazy to provide proper facilities on it. If you do bin it in your home as a matter of choice then you are at the filthy habited end of society.
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And what's the answer for those of us who bin paper because we don't like to see it all laying on the seabed?

We must remember that everybody is entitled to their opinion and just because yours doesn't match mine doesn't mean that I am lazy or filthy!
 
CelebrityScandel said:
For the most commited followers using the example of pooer nations
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I think you'll find all nations are pooers....

I have heard of boats having a special potato masher available for breaking up purposes- there are indeed some medical conditions/natural circumstances where things are bigger/harder/floatier than others.

For the record, we are a Lavac/nappysack into main rubbish disposed of ashore/strictly no paper flushed boat. Keeping the pipes clean and clear as/more important than the actual pump. I too have seen seabeds carpeted with paper blanketing out growth, and have had too many close encounters with 'tissue fish' whilst swimming.

Re Hydrochloric acid/Muriatic acid (same thing?)

I too thought it was the bees knees BUT maybe it's coincidence- but after the last use my Lavac pump became 'chalky' and developed splits all over it (the rubber seals were fine), so I'm a little hesitant to use it now. I'm going back to vinegar.
 
replacing the hose

Same issue aboard breezer at the moment.

I am going to replace the pipe from holding tank to seacock as i believe this is furred up.

Question is, how do i get the new pipe onto the fittings ( seacock and tank)

Shall i boil it to make it flexible?

Any tips gratefully received

Cheers

Andy
 
AndyPandy said:
Same issue aboard breezer at the moment.

I am going to replace the pipe from holding tank to seacock as i believe this is furred up.

Question is, how do i get the new pipe onto the fittings ( seacock and tank)

Shall i boil it to make it flexible?

Any tips gratefully received

Cheers

Andy
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I strongly recommend using only Vetus piping.
I had a difficult run (excuse the pun) to make in new toilet piping and then couldn't get the wretched piping (bought off the shelf in local chandlery)to expand enough to go onto toilet, even though I poured boiling water over it and tried heating with a hot air gun.

I was sold some Vetus pipe from the catamaran builder in my yard who said most cheaper pipes are a problem. The Vetus pipe was more flexible and slipped onto the toilet with just the right friction fit.
 
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