Have you had problems with your yacht's sewer system, especially the marine toilet? Any boat plumbing repair company will tell you that this is a normal occurrence caused by trying to flush thick and bulky materials through the system or a lack of proper regular maintenance.
In this article we list common problems with marine toilets and some tips for toilet maintenance to ensure smooth sailing.
How does a Marine Toilet Work?
Before we dive further into marine toilet repair and maintenance, let's first review how portable toilets for marines work.
Traditionally, marine toilets work by dumping waste into a tank to be emptied on shore. Today, there are less invasive and cheaper means of storage and disposal.
However, there is a general rule when it comes to disposing of sewage and waste on a yacht or other vessel of water. In accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, fasces and sewage must be collected in a waste tank on board. Waste can only be disposed of when your yacht reaches a certain distance from shore. Generally, untreated wastewater is not permitted to be discharged within one nautical mile, island, reef, or mainland.
Common Problems that Require Marine Toilets to be Repaired and Maintenance
Water Leak
Leaks near the pump handle usually need repair and maintenance in marine toilets, especially if they have not been maintained for a long time. But don't worry about the mess you make, the water leaking here is seawater used in the cleaning system.
Leaks are usually easy to fix. The problem usually comes from an old, broken or worn seal around the rod where the pump handle connects. To reveal the old seal, you can simply unscrew the plastic nut on the top of the pump. You only need a marine toilet repair expert when the heads are flushed with salt water, which causes limescale to build up in the drain hoses. Limescale tends to make it difficult to flush and allow water in the vacuum line to flow back into the bowl.
Calcification
One of the most difficult marine toilet problems to fix is clogged outlet pipes with calcium deposits. This problem develops slowly, so it's easy to miss early signs of poor toilet performance.
As a remedy, try cleaning the area regularly with white vinegar to help slow buildup. The acidic vinegar (which also acts as a mild disinfectant) will dissolve the deposits inside the hoses and head. When vinegar passes through a marine toilet system, flush the lines by pumping a gallon of fresh water through them.
Joker Valves
Without properly maintained marine toilets, valves at the pump outlet can become contaminated with calcium deposits. This will impair its operation to the point that the pump will not function properly, making it more difficult to flush the contents of the toilet bowl.
You can replace the joker valves using the replacements included in the service kits. If you need assistance, it is best to seek assistance from a company that provides yacht repair and maintenance services.
Unpleasant Odors
There are two main reasons why marine toilets develop bad odors. The first is that the outlet hoses are not of the appropriate sanitary grade. If using a regular reinforced plastic hose, odors from the interior will eventually travel to the exterior and then into the cabin.
The second possible cause is the result of bacterial decomposition of organic matter in a space lacking oxygen. This problem comes up when you don't use your yacht very often. You can solve this problem by installing a freshwater or chemical treatment flush system in the inlet pipe.
Blockages
This is one of the worst problems that can happen, but if you invest in regular maintenance of marine toilets, there is no need to worry. If this occurs, do not use too much force to push the clog through your sewer system.
Over time, most clogs will become looser and will pass through the plumbing system more easily. If the clog doesn't move, your only solution is to dismantle the pump.
For more information and inquiries about marine toilet repair and maintenance, feel free to contact CKW Store today(https://www.ckwstore.com/). We are experts in marine plumbing and mechanical yacht maintenance. Our plumbing experts and engineers will recommend the necessary and most efficient solutions and modifications to ensure your vessel is always running at its best.
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