T&T: Toilet won't flush

[Peggie Hall]

> We have a Jabsco Electric 37045. When you hit the button to flush, the
> contents of the bowl swirl and swirl, but won't flush through. The holding
> tank has been pumped and we even tried a plunger, but to no avail.
> Any thoughts/suggestions?



Most likely causes:

1. A blocked tank vent that's pressurized the tank, creating 
backpressure that prevents bowl contents from going anywhere. A blocked 
tank vent will also cause a pumpout to pull a vacuum that prevents it 
from pulling out more than a gallon or two...so the fact that the tank 
has been pumped out doesn't mean a thing unless you're sure the tank is 
empty. So the first thing to do is check the vent thru-hull...scrape out 
whatever is built up in it. Knock out any screen if necessary.

2. Someone flushed something they shouldn't have (wet wipe, paper towel, 
tampon) that's gotten tangled up in the macerator blade and or discharge 
impeller. A plunger won't fix it...requires taking the pump apart. Nor 
will a plunger used in the bowl do anything for a clog downstream of the 
toilet because the pump assembly is in the way. However, a plunger CAN 
mess up rubber parts in the toilet. Never use a plunger in ANY marine 
toilet.

3. Worn out discharge impeller.

4. One of the most causes of sluggish discharge is low voltage the 
toilet. Without enough power, the motor doesn't turn the impeller enough 
  for it to impel anything through it. Low voltage can also damage the 
motor--which is why all electric toilets should be on a separate 
dedicated circuit, shared by nothing else that can pull power away from 
the toilet. Put a volt meter on it...if it's getting less than a full 
12v WHILE FLUSHING, that's at least part of the problem. If so, check 
for loose or corroded connections and make sure the battery is fully 
charging.





-- 
Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and 
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/boat_odors/