Jabsco Toilet flush problem

[knotflying]

I looked all over and can't find the joker valve on my Airhead. :lol:

 

[wincrasher]

JIm,

Have you ever used an RV style deodorizer in your holding tank? I use the blue Thetford brand in my RV and it seems to keep odors in check. Reading the bottle, it supposedly also lubricates all the valves and parts in comes in contact with, which I was thinking would add to the longevity of the macerator and the rest of the sewage system. I think it's very effective at the oder control because it contains formaldehyde, which some may frown on using, but it's not illegal,....yet.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Yes we do use a holding tank deodorizer, usually the Teftforxd brand that you mention. If definitely helps with odors but I was not aware of its lubrication abilities.....good to know.

Jim F

 

[bradcarolR29S]

At this year's Seattle boat show I was introduced to a product called Forget About It for Boats. I bought a bottle for $25 thinking that if it was one tenth as good as claimed it would be money well spent. I have used it for some months now and the results are amazing. It has totally eliminated any odor from the holding tank system. Look it up online and check out the info on it. I was totally shocked that there was a product that actually performed as advertised.
Brad

 

[wincrasher]

I'll check that one out Brad.

In the past, I've found that these types of products vary in their effectiveness with the weather. In the cooler months almost all of them work great. In the summer, not so much. Especially here in the south where most summer days are above 90 degrees and 95% humidity. I suspect in the PNW, you don't have to combat such oppressive conditions.

What I don't quite get yet, is how using raw water in the sewage system effects these types of treatments, as that's what I have. I assume that with lake water, it's not a big deal, but the warm saltwater may pose a challenge.

 

[bradcarolR29S]

I have tried them all and you are correct ambient temperature does effect things considerably. But we use our boat all year and pumping out has always been a stinky job. This stuff so far has eliminated all odor. My interest is in seeing whether others get the same results as me.

 

[Brian B]

At this year's Seattle boat show I was introduced to a product called Forget About It for Boats. I bought a bottle for $25 thinking that if it was one tenth as good as claimed it would be money well spent. I have used it for some months now and the results are amazing. It has totally eliminated any odor from the holding tank system. Look it up online and check out the info on it. I was totally shocked that there was a product that actually performed as advertised.
Brad

I checked out the website and didn't see any info as to the treatment ratio, how much do you add to a 30 gal tank? They claim it reduces pump outs, I can't see how that can happen with regular use. We just spent 98 consecutive days/nights on the boat and I needed a pump out at least once a week.
The best thing I did for odors was making a charcoal filter that I installed on the vent line. I also installed an external tank gauge.

 

[bradcarolR29S]

The maker of this product makes a number of claims that I can not attest to as I have not used it long enough. The claim of reduced pump outs probably is based on the premise of reducing the amount of hardened sludge that acumlulates in the tank. I use 2 oz. per pump out, so a bottle is good for 15 or 16 tanks. I have noticed that the effluent appears to more fluid than before and pump outs are faster.

 

[JamesTXSD]

We have been RVers longer than we've been boaters. Every RV manufacturer recommends using a holding tank treatment for the black tank; besides controlling odors, it breaks down solids and toilet paper. We always used it in the boat holding tanks, as well. We use the packets (and the type without formaldehyde) for the motorhome, and the liquid type for the boat (smaller holding tank). Available at Walmart.

For further discussion, you can use RV/marine toilet paper (rapidly dissolving), but we have always used Angel Soft toilet paper for both. It is less expensive and will break down just as fast as the RV/marine toilet paper. You want to make sure the toilet paper will break down - test it in a glass of water. The "good stuff" toilet paper is reserved for the more robust plumbing in the house.

It is also important to run plenty of fresh water into the toilet when pumping out (if your toilet is the type that can use fresh water) - it will futher reduce any "build-up" problems down the road.

This may be a crappy subject, but toilet maintenance and good usage will is important for the health of your toilet. I have been driving and maintaining commercial boats for most of the last decade... fixing the head because a guest "didn't realize you shouldn't use an entire roll of toilet paper or flush feminine products" down the head. 😱 Be frugal with your paper usage. Check that the valves are functioning properly at each pump out. If using the macerator, be sure to run some fresh water through it after you pump.

As seen in this thread, most folks have a preferred type of toilet system on a boat - my preference is the RV type (gravity always works) that uses fresh water.