Vacuflush Marine Toilet Troubleshooting - How to Fix VacuFlush Problems on Your Boat

Need to troubleshoot VacuFlush problems you're having and what may be wrong with your marine toilet system? As a follow-up to our popular video on how to replace VacuFlush Duckbill Valves, we're answering some questions we've gotten from a lot of boaters trying to diagnose VacuFlush problems on their boats. We'll walk you through some common problems and what could be wrong with your VacuFlush head system.
MORE VIDEOS IN THIS SERIES:
- Duckbill Valve Replacement: • How to Replace VacuFlu...
- Head Vent Replacement Video: • How to Replace Holding...
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[@MyBoatLife]

Here’s that Duckbill Valve video ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXqTi2ppa61mhpY

[@jeffjacobs2281]

Also the y valve for overboard or holding tank discharge. One of my hoses going into that valve was leaking at the valve.

[@MyBoatLife]

Yep good to check that too! 👍

[@Brenda-jf2pe]

Great video Captain! I have a 2002 formula 27Pc, docked at Bear Lake Marina Utah, I replaced the whole pump, Jason a nice guy in Huntington L.I., N.Y, where I use to live! Has all the parts you need! I found the ball seal gets partials of dirt in it and the seal will leak, gloved hand and use your finger to clean it out! Also if you cannot find the liquid seal, use silicon tire shine to loon the seal for winter storage . Chow JohnBoyUtah, Brenda’ hubbie!🇺🇸😎🚤🚤🚤🚤🚤🚤🚤

[@MyBoatLife]

Thanks great tips!! 👏

[@airman6822]

Good explanation. I don’t have one but it seems simple.

[@MyBoatLife]

Thanks! It’s a good system but super common to have problems. We try to break it down as simply as possible! 😊

[@jetlag4754]

Great information, thanks for sharing.

[@MyBoatLife]

Thanks & glad you found it helpful!

[@scotttaylor2411]

Thank you for sharing this great information. Do you have any information on the pedal seal. I looked for it online and cannot find that seal. If you have any information you could share, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[@MyBoatLife]

Thanks - glad you found it helpful! We’ve never had to replace seal by foot pedal but I believe you’ll find the part of you search Dometic/SeaLand Vacuflush Spring Cartridge Kit (Plastic Pedal) which seems to include the proper seal too.

[@DianeSeltzer]

Once again… you da man!! 👏🙌

[@MyBoatLife]

🥰🤩

[@timothyphelan853]

I have replaced the duck bills 2 times. There is always water in the bowl and it leaks down so quickly, maybe 2 min. Between pump ups. I dont think the shaft at the foot pedal can be leaking you would hear air sucking right?

[@MyBoatLife]

If it’s draining out of the bowl then it can only be the bowl seal

[@SeaRay380DA]

Good video. Mine cycles every 30 minutes or so. I replaced the duck bills and the seal at the pedal, same result.

[@MyBoatLife]

Hmmm so you’re losing vacuum pressure from something- there are 2 seals by the head, in bowl and by foot pump, but could also be a hose connection back by pump worth checking

[@SeaRay380DA]

@@MyBoatLife correct, I replaced the one seal by the foot pump, the other one you reference in the bowl doesn't appear to be the issue because it's holding water.

[@MyBoatLife]

@@SeaRay380DA sounds right, so somewhere down by pump is likely issue. Good luck!

[@christopherbrooks9127]

I read in the Sealand Vacuflush manual that the system will run periodically and that it's normal. So over a longer period of time, it should lose enough vacuum to start the pump.

[@MrJeffDemme]

My vacuflush wouldn't stop pumping. Even with new everything including the switch. Finally I discovered that the waste tank vent was clogged. The tank was becoming pressurized and the pump could not make enouh vacuum. Once cleared it worked fine. Now the ball doesn't move with the pedal. Next I'll pull it apart. If its a major problem we're going to a composting toilet.

[@MyBoatLife]

Wow that’s a new one but makes sense that it was too much pressure because it was clogged. Hope next fix works for you - compost sounds scary 😩

[@lifehackcoach4746]

Can someone help me? Mine the water keeps running. It looks like it’s coming from the top of the rim of the toilet. It runs so much that it overflowed onto the floor of my boat. Who knows what’s wrong? I am also considering going to a compost toilet

[@MrJeffDemme]

@@lifehackcoach4746 I did rebuild my toilet. New ball, shaft and water valve. It wasn't too difficult. I think it's better than the composter. You probably need a new water valve.

[@richardkaye2228]

The best thing you can do with a vacuflush toilet is rip it out and replace with an electric one , I’ve had a vacuflush for 10 years and live aboard , I know the system backwards and some , with the cost of parts now it’s just not worth replacing them for me , as a live aboard I wear everything out in under 12 months

[@MyBoatLife]

I suppose that’s an option, we’ve never had any problems we couldn’t handle but if you had any major parts broken a full swap might be something to consider

[@MrPbologna]

The ball went to the other side and is in the open position. Maybe it’s has to do with spring disconnected from foot pedal. What’s ur diagnosis? Thanks

[@MyBoatLife]

Oh wow never saw that problem before but does sound like the connection between the foot pedal & ball and that spring is necessary to return the ball & pedal to the proper position. Unfortunately you’re gonna have to take apart to see - good luck!

[@deaconyates2671]

Don’t cheap out of the duck valves, the Amazon ones last about 3-4 months before they harden

[@MyBoatLife]

The ones we buy on Amazon are Dometic brand & last a long time 👍

[@hershcreative9367]

Ok, so what do you make of this... push the pedal to the floor to flush and the ball valve (flap, valve, not sure what you call that round ball flap) does not move... so no flush? Thoughts?

[@MyBoatLife]

Hmmm sounds like the linkage with pedal is broke - maybe take it apart & see which piece is broken to replace.

[@you10too]

no spring action in foot pedal. have to fill water by lifting foot pedal

[@MyBoatLife]

Hmmm problem or by design? I think our last head worked that way. If problem then I believe they do sell replacement pedals.

[@colehankins]

I would be honored to use your head

[@MyBoatLife]

Errr ok 😩