CaspersCruiser
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2016
- Messages
- 923
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-27 Classic
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2709G112
- Vessel Name
- Cookie
- MMSI Number
- 368203460
There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the joker valve in the marine toilet system. Some folks may not understand what it is or what it does or where it is located.
The joker valve is placed in the discharge line from the toilet to the hose going to the holding tank. Many different brands of toilets have been installed on Ranger Tug and Cutwater boats, but the joker valve should be located very close to the toilet. This is what a Jabsco joker valve looks like:
Sorry for the enormous picture size. The mouth is about 2” in diameter and it’s 4” tall.
The joker valve is sometimes referred to as a “duckbill valve” because those made by some manufacturers have only one big discharge slit and resembles a duck’s bill. The Jabsco design has three small slits and doesn’t bear that resemblance.
To me, none of those names accurately reflect the purpose of the valve. It really should be called a “check valve” or a “back flow valve” because that’s what it does— allows the one-way flow of toilet effluent out and prevents it from flowing back into the toilet.
The valves are made of a very supple rubber-like material and the outflow openings are very narrow slits that expand to allow flow out, but then close up to prevent back flow. Over time and use, the valve can lose its suppleness or the discharge openings can get stretched to the point that back flow prevention can be compromised.
They’re really inexpensive as boat parts go and should be considered for addition to your spares box.
The joker valve is placed in the discharge line from the toilet to the hose going to the holding tank. Many different brands of toilets have been installed on Ranger Tug and Cutwater boats, but the joker valve should be located very close to the toilet. This is what a Jabsco joker valve looks like:
Sorry for the enormous picture size. The mouth is about 2” in diameter and it’s 4” tall.
The joker valve is sometimes referred to as a “duckbill valve” because those made by some manufacturers have only one big discharge slit and resembles a duck’s bill. The Jabsco design has three small slits and doesn’t bear that resemblance.
To me, none of those names accurately reflect the purpose of the valve. It really should be called a “check valve” or a “back flow valve” because that’s what it does— allows the one-way flow of toilet effluent out and prevents it from flowing back into the toilet.
The valves are made of a very supple rubber-like material and the outflow openings are very narrow slits that expand to allow flow out, but then close up to prevent back flow. Over time and use, the valve can lose its suppleness or the discharge openings can get stretched to the point that back flow prevention can be compromised.
They’re really inexpensive as boat parts go and should be considered for addition to your spares box.
