head is clogged / no holding tank

[goodoldboat]

had some women on board last night and the needed to use the ladies room
and used to much TP


I cant pump out he head ? how do I clear it ?

any thoughts

[Dave Neptune]

Certainly hope you were not in a marina. Disassembly and poking around is about the only way, not fun.

Dave Neptune

[JOHN COOKSON]

If You Didn't Put It In Your Mouth Don't Put It In The Head!

This is why I insist and enforce the only thing that goes into the head is something that went in through the mouth. All paper goes into a plastic bag not the head. If the bag gets a bit gross closed it up and replace it.
If the outlet for the head is near the edge of the boat you can try securing the boat near the dock, reaching under the boat, and reaming the through hull opening from the outside with a screw driver while someone pumps the head inside. Been there done this. Good luck.
Sometimes being owner\captain involves being the HEAD man in more ways than one. Comes with the territory.

TRUE GRIT

[goodoldboat]

head

Thanks for the update ... it looks like I am going over the side the weekend ..

no way to use a plunger like at home ?

[Administrator]

This is why I insist and enforce the only thing that goes into the head is something that went in through the mouth. All paper goes into a plastic bag not the head. If the bag gets a bit gross closed it up and replace it.

+1

Bill

[JOHN COOKSON]

GOB
You can try the plunger if you like. In my experience plunging only packs clogs tighter. Careful you don't force the hose off the through hull fitting while plunging.

TRUE GRIT

[Tim]

Why are you going over the side? The head should discharge into a holding tank, not overboard.

Edit - Opps, I see that you don't have a holding tank. Now might be a good time to install one.

[sastanley]

Tim, GOB must not be in the Chesapeake..a proper (oversized) 25 gal holding tank was the first thing on my list before I even splashed my new to me boat in 2009. Until 2014, I had more black water tankage than fresh water!

gob, the clog is likely about the joker valve which is going to be just outside of the pump body. Disassembly and cleaning is likely the proper remedy.

A word of advise, part of the boat "briefing" for landlubbers is the uncomfortable talk of the head use..In the future, explain to them that a head failure on a boat is catastrophic and anyone unfamiliar with them should get an education on its proper use..That is always easier on everyone. At least with this announcement, they will ask someone prior to use and get a one-on-one that isn't as embarrassing as a group session.

Where are you that you can get away with no holding tank?

[Tim]

I have a 1979 pearson 10m like GOB. It didn't have a holding tank when I bought it in 2003. I made a holding tank out of an 8 inch diameter, 42 inch long schedule 40 pipe, two end caps and various pvc fittings. There was a water tank under the port settee. I cut the top off the water tank and placed the home made tank there. It holds about 10 gallons and has had no problems, so far.

[ndutton]

Of course none of us can know for sure but my money is on the clog hung up inside the head itself at the joker valve or output elbow. If I were taking on the repair I'd bag up the head in a medium sized trash bag, remove the mounting bolts,disconnect the raw water and discharge hoses and take the whole thing straight to the dumpster.

Yep, there would be a brand new water closet on the boat if it were me. Choose yer battles.

[JOHN COOKSON]

Thanks for the update ... it looks like I am going over the side the weekend ..
?

GOB
Before you go into the water be sure the plug isn't in the head itself as others have suggested.

TRUE GRIT

[goodoldboat]

head

Well after a good soak over night I was able to pump it though the system
but all guests will be instructed no paper in the Head .

[Ken Rockwell]

I'd be more upset about plastic and radioactive waste going overboard. Where are all the fish pooping?

[sastanley]

I'd be more upset about plastic and radioactive waste going overboard. Where are all the fish pooping?

Ken, I agree 100%...but none of us make the discharge rules. Our 'buddies' up on Capitol Hill do that for us.

[JGiffing]

I have not band TP in the head.
I did buy the bio-degradable stuff although I am not sure it make much difference.
So far so good... but maybe I need to change my policy on the boat!

I am reminded of my trips to South America where their sewer systems cannot handle TP. They all have a waste baskets next to the toilet and you are suppose to dispose of your used TP in the waste basket so that it does not clog the sewer system.

Furthermore in some public restrooms they either have attendants that give you a piece of TP or there is a dispenser outside of the stall... so make sure you get a few pieces before you need it!!!