Jabsco Head Won’t Pump

Posted by the-montser@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 11 comments

Our Jabsco manual head won’t pump. The handle is stuck in the up position, and I can push it down, but it requires nearly all of my weight and I can only do it very slowly. It will then slowly return itself to the up position. Has anyone had this issue? How can I fix it? Seems like it might be a clog, but where in the system? Thanks

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11 Comments

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MrSnowden@reddit

pump out then start taking it apart. I took mine apart and once it was in front of me, it was clear what was needed.

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FoxIslander@reddit

I had a jabsco marine toilet on my C30. Constant joker valve problems. I finally switched to a Raritan PHII....zero problems and I swear to God you could flush a pair of jeans down it. Ok...exaggerating a bit.

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don_laze@reddit

If you want to make it a little less messy, I recommend getting a fluid transfer pump. Take off the top of the pump unit and then use the transfer pump to pump out what liquid is in there. I've been doing some head work lately and the fluid transfer pump has come in very handy.

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2RM60Z@reddit

Tampon or something like that clogging up the toilet Good luck. Things need to be taken apart.

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Einar_Birkebeinar@reddit

Also consider just buying a new pump unit, they are easily switchable and run around a 100$ over here. Much less of a dirty job. If your problem is with a clogged pipe or tank, then that will most likely not fix the issue.

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hilomania@reddit

And just like the IMOCAs, that's why my head is a bucket..

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8AndAHalfInchNails@reddit

You have a clog and you are pressuring the discharge line. Try switching the discharge valve between the holding tank and overboard. That may help you isolate where the issue is. You’re going to have to get dirty on this one. Also, there’s a good chance that you’ve inverted the joker valve at the base of your toilet, so even if you replace the clogged discharge line you’re going to have to take the head apart and fix/replace the joker valve.

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Broad-Situation7421@reddit

Time to start taking stuff apart! Sounds like you've really worked hard to pressurize those lines. Have fun!

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MongolianCluster@reddit

I'm imagining the fun and it doesn't seem very fun.

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NewEdo_RPG@reddit

May just be the rubber seal on the top of the pump is failing and the little up/down preventer magnets are stuck in a half position due to gunk accumulation. Very easy fix assuming you haven't super pressurized your system. Take things apart slowly. Might want to check that your tank vent isn't blocked too.

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ptProgrammer@reddit

At the bottom of the vertical part of the pump, there is a non-return valve that leads right into the discharge hose. Odds are your problem is right there, or the whole discharge pipe to the black water tank is clogged. Have fun.