Toilet Filling with Water...?

[nich]

Hello Ericson community!

I ran into a weird problem after taking the sailboat out a few times. I noticed the toilet is being filled with water (or sewage???). I have not gone to a pump out station since I bought the boat so I am thinking this might be the problem? Any suggestions?

I have an Ericson 32-2

 

[kapnkd]

Is the bowl filling mostly on one tack over the other? (Rail down on the head side?)

the water in the bowel is clear, it’s more likely from your head’s water intake side. Especially if you’re leaving the boat’s thru-hull intake open while sailing. Without a vented loop, which the older E32-2 didn’t have, the system can easily act as a siphon and overflow the head.

Your problem could simply (likely) be the head’s inlet water valve shutoff. Look for a dried out/worn out valve seal if your head is an older unit.

The good news is this is easily fixed dockside but remember to close the boat’s thru-hull when working on your head.

 

[gabriel]

A taste test can determine the source of water.

 

[Frank Langer]

If this doesn't fix your problem, let us know what brand of toilet you have, as some have gaskets on different places.
Frank

 

[kapnkd]

A taste test can determine the source of water.

A good dose of humor is always essential whenever tackling any issue of fixing problems with the head. ;-)))

(Best tasted with a STRONG dose of spirits mixed in as well.)

 

[Christian Williams]

Also, a holding tank should be pumped out pretty much after every use, or at least as soon as possible.

They're not designed to hold effluent a long time, even with Odorlos treatment. Gums things up and stinks.

 

[Martin King]

A taste test can determine the source of water.

Now that's funny!

I don't trust vented loops much and always sail with the head seacocks closed except when in use.