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John Jenkins · 02-12-2020, 01:02

Hi
I have a 42 ft Bavaria Vision 2014 model. Toilet completely blocked. Pump works as water is pumping in via inlet.Toilet is glued solidly to fibreglass base and back wall. It appears that toilet will need to be removed by breaking seals to gain access to pump and hoses.
Has anyone had any experience in dealing with blockages in this totally sealed unit.
Is it ok to use a plumbers snake to explore pipes or will it damage pump and seals on its journey?
Thanks
John

mvweebles · 02-12-2020, 02:33

Type/brand of head and configuration would be helpful. I've seen a couple total blockages of raw water flush toilets where clog was at the thru-hull. I was able to clear the clog by adapting a garden hose to the last length of sanitation hose (meaning the other end was still connected to the thru hull) and turning on the water. It took about 30- seconds of pressure, and there was a loud "bang" when the blockage dislodged, but it worked pretty well. Would not recommend this approach if blockage was into a holding tank though.

Good luck

Peter

sv_pelagia · 02-12-2020, 08:02

Clog could be due to buildup of scale (reaction between urine and seawater) in the outlet hose, making hose very narrow or closed, especially near the seacock.

Can you pump into holding tank?

Had this happen to us this September, while at anchor. Worse, the scale broke off and then had clogged the seacock. Taking hose off, no water came out even with seacock open. Had to get in the water (16 deg C... brrr) and clear thru-hull/seacock from the outside. With my wife standing guard inside and communicating.

Even though we always pump 20+ pumps to clear lines, the final section of our outlet hose had at least 1 cm layer of scale. Cleared it out and with seacock cleared, all worked again.

Of course, your clog could be due to toilet paper... not an issue for us as we NEVER put TP down our head.

grantmc · 02-12-2020, 09:32

What fun, happy times sailing.
The garden hose idea is a good one. You can also try it the other way, shove it in the through hole from the outside.

Plumber's snake should also be fine to use too, again you could also try that from outside the hull.

Many people don't seem to understand the difference between a marine and home toilet. Wet wipes, sanitary items, food scraps just don't pass through, even with a decent macerator.

Isn't it fantastic how we can all give advice from the comfort of our keyboards without even knowing the make/model of the offending toilet and it's fit out, nor ever even having surveyed the scene onboard. Isn't the internet fantastic.