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As with most systems aboard a boat, regular maintenance is the key to trouble-free performance. And of those onboard systems, the one that will have the most deleterious effect on crew comfort when it does malfunction is your Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) system. Therefore, while it’ll never make anyone’s top ten list of "fun things to do aboard," we highly recommend that you learn to maintain your boat’s sanitation system in good working order.
Rebuilding a marine head is actually a pretty straightforward process.
Here’s what we suggest:
Get Ready
Assemble the parts and tools you’ll need. Virtually every permanently mounted marine toilet has a specific service kit with all the gaskets, valves and other parts that deteriorate with use, so purchase one. In addition, you’ll need the correct open-end wrench, a screwdriver, a roll of paper towels, some rubber gloves, your favorite all-purpose cleaner and several large plastic garbage bags. An exploded view diagram of the head and/or or a pencil and paper to note the relationship of the parts is also extremely handy.
Valves
Close intake and discharge thru-hull valves and note their condition. Remember, gate valves have no place aboard a boat, so if your boat has them, plan to replace them with proper ball valves at your next haulout.
Remove It From Your Boat
To avoid the elbow-banging hassle of working in a tight space, disassembly is best accomplished by first removing the head from the boat. First, unbolt the base from its mounting surface. Then, with paper towels at-the-ready, loosen the intake and discharge hose clamps. Next, pull the flush-water hose away from the head. Now, slowly ease the discharge hose off of its fitting-and be ready to mop up residual black water with the paper towels.
Hose Inspection
Inspect the hoses. Unless you’re super-frugal, we recommend simply replacing the hoses rather than trying to clean them. Both Sealand's OdorSafe™ Plus Hose (Model 1874882) and Shield's Series 101 No-Odor Super Head Hose (Model 159186) are specifically made for this application and are highly resistant to odor permeation. Old hoses, soiled rags and paper towels should be placed in a plastic bag and removed from the boat. Consult with your harbormaster or local landfill regarding proper disposal.
Washdown
Remove the head from the boat and disassemble. Rinse the bowl, pump cylinder and base assembly with fresh water. Soften scale with white vinegar. After softening, most scale can be broken away with an improvised non-scratching tool, such as the sharp edge of a broken-off toothbrush handle. Inspect flush passageways under the bowl rim for blockage due to scale or marine growth. Flush with a heavy stream of fresh water. It is OK at this point to scrub the bowl with a powdered cleanser.
Pump Disassembly
Disassemble the flush pump and clean it thoroughly. Install the new O-rings and gaskets that are supplied with your head’s service kit. Before reassembling the head, apply a thin coating of SuperLube (Model 250399) to pump cylinder walls and moving parts. Reassembly is the reverse of taking it apart. To avoid cracking the porcelain bowl, do not overtighten the bolts when assembling it to the base.
CAUTION:
A common cause of boat sinkings is from backflow created by siphons in the head and engine seawater intake hoses, and head discharge hoses. Installing a vented loop in the hose above the waterline prevent siphons from occurring and won't impede normal flow. They're usually mounted against a bulkhead. We offer them in both bronze and Marelon (reinforced nylon) models.
To avoid future problems with your newly overhauled head, post a notice that instructs your guests in the correct operation of the head and that reminds them that, apart from the obvious, the only other material that should be flushed is marine toilet tissue. This differs from household tissue in that it’s designed to decompose readily to minimize the chances of clogging.
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