pumpout head

[Burtonair01]

Hello all, this is my first post as I'm new to the forum. I just bought a new to me boat(2001 Doral 250 SE). I have a question about the head. It's a pumpout style where you flip the lever to suck in water from the lake and flip it to the other side to pump the waste out when you are done, so my question is, should there be something that opens and shuts at the bottom of the bowl like my trailer toilet has so when you are done using the thing it doesn't smell? Does that make sense? Thanks, for any info or even a pic of you're head so I can see what it should look like, I'm just not sure if mine is stuck open or if thats the way it should look. Thanks again, Craig.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: pumpout head

I'm pretty sure that pumping waste into any freshwater lake is pretty much illegal. Just sayin...

Or am I misunderstanding and you have a holding tank for waste?

 

[Burtonair01]

Re: pumpout head

It goes into a waste tank. It has a position to draw water from the lake and then when you're done doing you're business then you flip the lever to another position and then you pump it to the tank. My question is should there be a something or other so when you're done doing these steps that it closes the whole bowl off from the piping so it doesn't smell so bad? I would love a pic of the inside of someones bowl so I could see if mine looks the same so I know if mine is stuck open or if thats's the way it's supposed to be. Thanks for the reply.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: pumpout head

Is there a brand name on the head? That might help in looking up your answer.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: pumpout head

Looking at the marine heads, it looks like they all have an anti-backflow valve that should prevent the problem you're having. Yours may not be functioning properly. Search for Head here on iboats and see if you can identify yours. Parts kits are available to overhaul them.

Certainly, there must be some way to prevent holding tank smells from coming back.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: pumpout head

mine has a foot lever that opens what looks like a ball shaped flapper. - make your deposit-step on lever and it opens. it you lift the lever water rinses the bowl.- both are spring loaded and seal off the tank when released-

we have a rule- no paper flushed-put it in the trash bag- and no solids unless there is no other option! We have not tried it out yet but you need water in the bowl before you drop a deuce.

it is against federal law to pump the black water anywhere in lakes or coastal areas with in several miles of shore.
I use the blue RV chemical disinfectant/deodorizer per MFG instructions-
also you can read up online about using vinegar to clean tank & pour a cup of vegetable oil in to lube the seals.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: pumpout head

Depending on the make & model, there may not be a valve at the bottom. After flushing, a small amount of water should remain in the bottom to prevent odors from escaping. (And there is also a valve that prevents backflow from the tank.)

If the odor you're smelling is rotten eggs or sulfur, it's probably from the fresh-water side. Algae grows inside the rim and it can smell nasty. There may be a fitting on the intake side where you can inject some blue deodorant to kill the algae.

 

[Burtonair01]

Re: pumpout head

26aftcab, my buddy has them same type head as you, wished I had that one. Mine is a manual pump type head where you have a handle with the lever I've been refering too where you have to pump the water in(by hand) and then when you're done you manually pump it out to you're tank.
RickJ I think my model is the type as you are saying that doesnt have the spring loaded valve that closes the ball off. I just thought they were all the same, you step on a foot lever and it opens up when you step off the lever it closes. I guess not. I do have the blue stuff in the tank but I still have a smell, maybe it needs a good rinsing and the vinegar treatment. I just bought the boat and maybe the other owner isn't as anal as me about rinsing the tank really good after every trip. I have a trailer and it doesnt smell at all just figured the boat would be the same. Thanks for the replies, I like this site already and I'm sure I will be lurking around for all you guy's to help me with my questions. Craig.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: pumpout head

Regarding paper in the holding tank: They make a toilet paper designed specifically for marine heads. It dissolves in water in 3-4 minutes. I have been using it for years and never have had a problem. I have the tank pumped whenever I fuel up and ALWAYS dump 3-4 gallons of fresk water back in through the waste port and then pump it back out. This helps clean any residue and keep the waste discharge hose clean.

Reconsider not letting them dump paper (as long as it's the proper stuff). The more "at home" people feel on the boat, the more fun they will have. get some of the marine head toilet paper and fill a sink with water at home. Peel off a foot and put it in. You might be surprised.

maybe the other owner isn't as anal as me.

That's a Freudian slip that's just frickin' funny...

 

[dumy1]

Re: pumpout head

Probably a Jabsco head? We use Odorlos in ours after useing the "blue stuff" for years. Seems to work better. Just don't mix chemicals. You could try leaving a little water in the bowl,as there is in your home toilet.
Often the smell comes from the vent. I know of some folks that use fresh water, as opposed to lake water,to flush. Of course that depends on having the space to carry extra water. Or if you're docksike often enough, just draw water from your fresh water holding tank and refill the tank more often.
Good luck.
Ron

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: pumpout head

Plus the water that stays in the head after flushing .
Also acts as a plug to keep the smell in the holding tank.
Just like your house toilet does.

 

[Burtonair01]

Re: pumpout head

Thanks, you are all very helpful. I'll have to see if I can find some Odorlos. We actually put it in the water on Friday and I was able to get some water in there and now it smells a ton better.(Should have thought about that along time ago) I think it was just the blue stuff was so strong of an odor and being in the little headroom it was overwhelming at times. My neighbor with the same head came over as well friday and explained how the head works, it doesn't have the spring loaded ball like trailer toilets and vacu flush heads, so everything is in fine working order, I just jumped the gun thinking it should be like the other type heads. Thanks again, Craig.