Good day all, quick question on my 2009 Marlin head system. I have 3 switches pertaining to it. The toilet is style with the foot pedal push down to flush and lift up to fill. Obviously the water pressure switch has to be on for it to fill. The discharge switch is to discharge the tank while out (which I do not use) the other says Head System. When I turn it on I hear what sounds like a pump run every few seconds. What is the protocol for how the system is used? Also, when we flush the toilet there seems to be some pressure and the goods splash up a bit when the pressure is released. Seems like a vent could be clogged. Thanks for the help!
Head System questions?
- Thread starter Gw190T
- Start date
That's a Vacuflush head. Plenty of reading material and owner's manuals out there on the net (if you don't still have the original, that is).
The pump you hear running builds vacuum at the vacuum generator. When you open the flush valve, effluent travels to the vac tank and is then pushed into the holding tank.
The pump should not continue to run if the flush valve is closed. It should only run for about 30 seconds after a flush and then stop.
It sounds like you have a leak. Duckbills in the s-pump are very common to go bad - they're a regular maintenance item.
The flush valve seal could be leaking. Does the water level remain constant in the toilet or does it slowly go down?
Some of the better boat manufacturers use a carbon filter in the vent line from the tank to the thru hull. Does yours? It can be changed if it's gotten clogged. Yes, check your vent line - but that's a different system than the vac system.
The pump you hear running builds vacuum at the vacuum generator. When you open the flush valve, effluent travels to the vac tank and is then pushed into the holding tank.
The pump should not continue to run if the flush valve is closed. It should only run for about 30 seconds after a flush and then stop.
It sounds like you have a leak. Duckbills in the s-pump are very common to go bad - they're a regular maintenance item.
The flush valve seal could be leaking. Does the water level remain constant in the toilet or does it slowly go down?
Some of the better boat manufacturers use a carbon filter in the vent line from the tank to the thru hull. Does yours? It can be changed if it's gotten clogged. Yes, check your vent line - but that's a different system than the vac system.
Fishtales
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To identify the pump noises. Turn the water switch on to pressurize the water, this will have a unique loud sound like an amplified beating heart. It will stop once the water lines are pressurized.
Turn on the head. As Dennis noted, there is a vacuum pump that will pressurize the head. I have a Vaccuflush head and this is pretty quiet. If making noise, I'd say you have a leak. It will charge and the system is ready to use. You should have some sort of Tank Monitor Panel that will show level of head (dial or lights) and have switches on it. Only use this when the seacock (outlet) is open. When you want to discharge, open the seakcock and engage the on switch to the macerator. The lights or dial should go slowly down as the macerator does it thing. On mine, it cycles between the first yellow light and the green empty light. I usually hold the on button until it is solid green to get as much out as possible. Don't forget to treat the head to keep the junk at a minimum and easier to pump.
Turn on the head. As Dennis noted, there is a vacuum pump that will pressurize the head. I have a Vaccuflush head and this is pretty quiet. If making noise, I'd say you have a leak. It will charge and the system is ready to use. You should have some sort of Tank Monitor Panel that will show level of head (dial or lights) and have switches on it. Only use this when the seacock (outlet) is open. When you want to discharge, open the seakcock and engage the on switch to the macerator. The lights or dial should go slowly down as the macerator does it thing. On mine, it cycles between the first yellow light and the green empty light. I usually hold the on button until it is solid green to get as much out as possible. Don't forget to treat the head to keep the junk at a minimum and easier to pump.
When you use the head. Turn on the water switch and the head switch. Do your business then flush the toilet with the pedal. Once you're done shut both switches off. To pump out the holding tank open the through hull valve, turn on the head switch and discharge switch. The turn the key for discharge until the board light up green for empty, then turn both switches off and close the through hull valve.
Agree with all the comments, especially having a lot of guidance on YouTube. Assuming you haven't done any maintenance since 2009, step up and replace toilet bowl seals and duck bill valves at a minimum - it's time! Also, suggest using factory Dometic parts - there are lesser cost substitutes, but, in this case, you get what you pay for. Hopefully, you get another 15 years!!
Another thing that you may want to take a look at. There's a clamshell fitting on the starboard side of the hull that is the exit point for the head vent. There is a screen on that fitting that can clog up and prevent proper venting. I just poked out the screen and that cleared things up.
Thanks for all the advice. Been trying to find the correct ball seals cause that is for sure an issue. Gonna go ahead and do the duck bill seals as well. Anyone know the domestic model number. Can’t seem to find mine and previous owner didn’t give me the manual.