Frogmogman
Well-known member
I think you are overestimating my attention span.
Switchable fresh water flush for heads.
- Thread starter Frogmogman
- Start date
Moodysailor
Well-known member
Just looking through some options, I think 2 x 3-way valves would be the lowest cost method for the sink option. About £100 for the fittings
Mistroma
Well-known member
That seems a bit expensive, 2 T-pieces and one basic valve should be much cheaper. Mine was certainly cheap as I used plastic T-pieces, an existing spare valve, some spare hose and some hose clamps.
I guess operation with 2 3-way would be (in no particular order):
- Basin side 3-way from basin drain to flush pipe
- Flush pipe 3-way from other 3-way to flush pipe
- Fill basin and pump to flush
I usually just turn off basin drain and head inlet valves before opening the middle valve and using the basin water to flush. Still a simple process.
I can't think of an advantage in using 2 3-way valves.
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Moodysailor
Well-known member
Yes, in hindsight it was specific to our last boat where the seacocks were a bit 'faffy' to access, so a set of valves under the sink would have been easier. There are many solutions depending on the individual layout. Prices were based on DZR valves, plastic are probably also better from a cost/benefit point.
Iliade
Well-known member
As well as using fresh (hot when available) water from the shower head I also add a single spray of bleach (mould remover) to the basin before leaving the boat.
Has the added benefit of being able to quickly wash down the surroundings if the sailing has been boisterous and user errors likely.
Has the added benefit of being able to quickly wash down the surroundings if the sailing has been boisterous and user errors likely.
SaltyC
Well-known member
I used to have the problem of 'Smelly' heads upon returning to the boat, not during extended trips. My solution has been a full basin of fresh water, with a squirt of environmentally washing up liquid scrubbed around and pumped out before leaving. Nice and sweet upon returning.
Mistroma
Well-known member
I tend to do that every 6 weeks or so when living on the boat. No need to add washing up liquid and only leave it there until next use as it's in regular use. It makes sense to do it more frequently for weekend type use.
I assume you must have a similar method to mine to divert basin outlet to heads flush line. Many people simply pour fresh water it into the bowl and completely miss the inlet hose where the smell is generated.
Systems vary a lot in susceptibility to smells, depending on usage, installation and many other factors. My forward head was prone to smells until I installed the freshwater flush by-pass. However, the aft head has never suffered from this problem and I've never bother to make the modification for that unit. Same boat, same model of Jabsco, same people but one head would smell and the other wouldn't.
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geem
Well-known member
My Trintella was built with that facility from new. The toilet inlet pipe and wash hand basin outlet pipe share a through hull. Immediately after the through hull is a tee. One connection to the wash hand basin, the other to the toilet inlet. Close the through hull and any water from the wash hand basin waste can be drawn in to the toilet inlet. Works well.
Mistroma
Well-known member
I don't quite understand that setup, it sounds as if there's only one valve.
If the valve is on the skin fitting then the basin and flush are always connected via the T-piece. You'd need to keep the basin plug in place when flushing with sea water.
I assume there must be another valve you didn't mention.
geem
Well-known member
You don't need to keep the basin plug in. It only has the through hull valve. It's been working perfectly since 1980. Having the tee screwed directly in to the valve means that when the valve is open the toilet pump sucks through the least line if resistance. That being the inlet from the sea
