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**hpeer** · 08-04-2018, 17:58

Well we don’t do guests and therefore I get to mount the pump where I see fit.

Thanks for the practical endorsements. We are just a practical couple, nothing fancy.

Anders · 14-04-2018, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpeer

So with all this problem why are Lavec vacuum toilets not more common?

Is there a down side of them I don’t know about?

None.
I did replace the pump a few years ago, don't expect to have to do that or any other maintenance for the next 10 years.

KeelMe · 14-04-2018, 12:38

We are long time Lavac users. Rebuilt the pump after seven years. Seven years later I bought parts to rebuild it again, but never did and that was four years ago. Two years ago I replaced the seat seal.

If we are pumping into the holding tank we use fresh water. We don't stir, we don't use any mystery chemicals or lubes, and we use Charmin Ultra. the Lavac is easy to use and easy to explain to guests.

I keep telling myself I'm going to add an electric pump but why complicate things?

peghall · 14-04-2018, 12:56

It really doesn't matter whether salt water or fresh goes into a holding tank...there's so much bacteria in waste, the tank takes no notice of any in the flush water. A second flush with only about a quart of fresh water cleans out the discharge hose and pump--something you'd need to do when flushing with fresh water anyway.

Regardless of whether you flush with fresh water or salt, your downwind neighbors would prob'ly appreciate your using a tank product that prevents odor out the vent.

KeelMe · 14-04-2018, 13:04

My boat neighbors tend to gather at my boat for beers. Being the gentleman I am I allow everyone to use my head. I can easily end up with ten gallons of liquid in my holding tank on a long weekend.

We have found using freshwater, while in the marina, greatly reduces the holding tank odor as opposed to using harbor water.

That being said when we are away from the marina we found no benefit to using freshwater.

BlackHeron · 14-04-2018, 13:39

Proper ventilation is key. A large enough vent hose to keep air flow is needed, as well as having 2 vents for cross-flow. I put in a second 1" vent with a 1" hose and through-hull mushroom fitting off of the cockpit combing. It is in a spot that is naturally a low-pressure area behind the winch bumpout that drags air right out of the tank whenever the wind blows on anchor. There is hair over 4' of hose at a nice slight incline to the opening.

Every time we pump out we backflush the vent while pumping to rinse the tank out well and it keeps the vent from plugging out. The other vent is the standard type with 1/2" hose to a 90-degree hull fitting just under the gunnel just out of view. We are in the great lakes so we can't use the macerator to pump overboard but when we do we have a cockpit shower (both fresh and salt water) just under the lazarette lid my wife is standing on so we can still flush the tank like this when offshore instead of at pumpout.

We use Raritan KO and it does a good job of keeping the tank bubbling aerobic with plenty of natural cross-ventilation. There is a little bit of healthy aerobic smell at times, but that is much better than anaerobic by all means.

Paul L · 14-04-2018, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeelMe

We are long time Lavac users. Rebuilt the pump after seven years. Seven years later I bought parts to rebuild it again, but never did and that was four years ago. Two years ago I replaced the seat seal.

If we are pumping into the holding tank we use fresh water. We don't stir, we don't use any mystery chemicals or lubes, and we use Charmin Ultra. the Lavac is easy to use and easy to explain to guests.

I keep telling myself I'm going to add an electric pump but why complicate things?

Full time live abroad? How many people? Seems a little light on needed maintenance, at least compared to my Lavac experience.