manual sea toilet not pumping out

[paulo72]

hi all,

having major problems with pumping out a manual jabsco sea toilet. takes water in no worries but does not pump out. not been used for a while and boat only just back in the water about 2 weeks ago.

is there a way of draining the water without pumping out so i can check the pipe for any blockages? have tried drain unblocking liquids but these are not flowing into the pipes. when operating it seems that there maybe a valve that is stuck closed so not letting the water out. i have taken off the top cover where the pump handle is but the this is full of water too so can't see down into the pipes.

after reading some old posts it seems like i may need the service kit, are these simple to fit? the pump has been quite stiff sometimes so could be due for a good tune up.

any help would be much appreciated

thanks

 

[SRB]

It sounds like you either have a sea cock turned off or you have a blockage, because you said the pump is stiff, from my previous experience's it sounds like a blockage, and the only way to clear it will be to take all the pipes off and rod them through, not a nice job but hey, one of the not so pleasant things about boating!!!

 

[Adrianwool]

Service Kit

I had the same issue a few weeks back. From memory the service kit is about £25. Includes new Joker valve pump kit etc. Ensure you have the right service kit (they vary slightly according to year range). Ensure you turn off the inlet and outlet secocks for the loo. Don the marigolds and remove the pump/handle mechanism, this entails removing the bowl flush pipe, the inlet supply pipe from the pump and the screws which locate the pump to its base and the outlet, (DO NOT REMOVE THE OUTLET ELBOW). You can then service the pump mechanism on the bench, follow the instructions with the kit carefully. All you need is basic tools plus cleaning equipment & some petroleum jelly to lubricate the plunger seal. DO NOT use any oil based lubricants or household loo cleaners or you could damage the seals

 

[nherring]

How old is the boat? after 7 years my outlet pipe blocked just on elbow past the sea/tank diverter, a real difficult one to get to. Paid a well known company of engineers to replace one piece of pipe from loo to diverter which solved problem for a few months and had it cleared by factory but again lasted a couple of months. Finally got pipe cleaning gear disconnected pipe at sea valve and with a lot of pushing and shoving cleared a load of limescale/calcium build up, no problems since, thankfully, not a nice job.

 

[Ifraser]

Blocked at the sea cock..?

I had this problem a few weeks back when I foolishly put some super strength kitchen roll down the loo while cleaning. It blocked at the first point where the pipe narrows which, on my boat, is the sea cock. Took the pipe off at the cock.. large lump of kitchen roll wedged on the sea cock...removed it job done..so to speak!! My advice.. as you remove the pipe have a backet handy so you dont end up with a load of toilet water in the bilge!!
If you do find out that your pump is knackered you can either use the service kit or, as mine was pretty old, I bought a whole new pump unit for about £50 and now its like a new toilet... good luck... Iain

 

[paulo72]

thanks for all the info. looks like my weekend will be spent servicing my loo.
all sea cocks are open so i guess it must be a blockage.
i'll try to syphon out the water in the bowl and then check the pipes.

once again thanks for the advice

 

[sailorman]

I had the same issue a few weeks back. From memory the service kit is about £25. Includes new Joker valve pump kit etc. Ensure you have the right service kit (they vary slightly according to year range). Ensure you turn off the inlet and outlet secocks for the loo. Don the marigolds and remove the pump/handle mechanism, this entails removing the bowl flush pipe, the inlet supply pipe from the pump and the screws which locate the pump to its base and the outlet, (DO NOT REMOVE THE OUTLET ELBOW). You can then service the pump mechanism on the bench, follow the instructions with the kit carefully. All you need is basic tools plus cleaning equipment & some petroleum jelly to lubricate the plunger seal. DO NOT use any oil based lubricants or household loo cleaners or you could

petroleum jelly

DO NOT use any oil based lubricants or household loo cleaners or you could damage the seals

 

[sterntube]

had the same problem ,turned out to be the ball valve had snapped in the closed position,even when the handle was still moving.

 

[Adrianwool]

As recommended in instructions!!

petroleum jelly

DO NOT use any oil based lubricants or household loo cleaners or you could damage the seals

Exactly as stated in the JABSCO instructions, I think they ment things such as motor oil, WD40 etc, butthey specifically mention applying vaseline/petroleum jelly to the pump seal

 

[DavidJ]

Installing the service kit is quite easy (sometimes a bit mucky!) but for my boat I needed a really long flat bladed screwdriver to get at the base screws. From memory at least a foot long.

 

[DIW]

Sea Toilets

Installing the service kit is quite easy (sometimes a bit mucky!) but for my boat I needed a really long flat bladed screwdriver to get at the base screws. From memory at least a foot long.

Correct and also a waist like Twiggy so you don't get stuck in the doorway when attempting to gain access to the various bits and bobs!!!

 

[Trundlebug]

Unblocking sea toilets is always a horrible job and should be the last resort after trying everything else.

Try putting some cheap vegetable oil down the toilet. As well as being environmentally OK it lubricates the seals a real treat. Works best when you put some down, pump a few times to get the oil onto the seals, then leave it a bit. Next time you use it, it really pumps freely.

The other thing I've noticed with our Jabsco is that the lever has to be right over to the Empty position otherwise the pump seems to jam solid. Nothing wrong, nothing blocked, just the lever not over far enough. Worth checking!

Good luck.

 

[DIW]

Blocked Sea Toilets

Unblocking sea toilets is always a horrible job and should be the last resort after trying everything else.

Try putting some cheap vegetable oil down the toilet. As well as being environmentally OK it lubricates the seals a real treat. Works best when you put some down, pump a few times to get the oil onto the seals, then leave it a bit. Next time you use it, it really pumps freely.

The other thing I've noticed with our Jabsco is that the lever has to be right over to the Empty position otherwise the pump seems to jam solid. Nothing wrong, nothing blocked, just the lever not over far enough. Worth checking!

Good luck.

Good advice re veggy oil or you can use Boots Baby Oil, a lot lot cheaper than the special toilet oil you can by from the Swindlery.