Community Forums

steveh1855 · 03-11-2019, 02:06 PM

We have been full timing for a little over 3-1/2 years now. During that time I have had to replace the vacuum flush unit 3 different time. I assume this is not normal. Is there anything I can do to make the pumps last longer?? We always use plenty of water and hold the pedal down for 3 or more second when flushing.

twinboat · 03-11-2019, 02:29 PM

What part is failing ?

I had to do something to my vacuum generator every year or two, while fulltiming.

The vacuum generators are rebuildable.

Duck bill valves are easy to replace, costing $40. , and the bellows is a bit more work and about $100.

Its a dirty job but someone has to do it.

16bounder · 03-12-2019, 07:16 AM

I am right there with you-having just had to change mine out 3 times as well. I have a spare total pump which I rebuild when change out. Makes the down time much more "manageable". After all if/when pump does not do it's job-you cannot do yours. In fact, I have just yesterday rebuilt the pump that quit on us last week. Moving the plumbing this fix, hopefully will make it even easier for next change out. Like you, I do exactly what I am understanding we need to do, flush, count to 3 (I use 5 sometime) and nothing foreign goes down.

steveh1855 · 03-12-2019, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

What part is failing ?

I had to do something to my vacuum generator every year or two, while fulltiming.

The vacuum generators are rebuildable.

Duck bill valves are easy to replace, costing $40. , and the bellows is a bit more work and about $100.

Its a dirty job but someone has to do it.

The bellow is blowing out and it does make a smelly mess.

steveh1855 · 03-12-2019, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16bounder

I am right there with you-having just had to change mine out 3 times as well. I have a spare total pump which I rebuild when change out. Makes the down time much more "manageable". After all if/when pump does not do it's job-you cannot do yours. In fact, I have just yesterday rebuilt the pump that quit on us last week. Moving the plumbing this fix, hopefully will make it even easier for next change out. Like you, I do exactly what I am understanding we need to do, flush, count to 3 (I use 5 sometime) and nothing foreign goes down.

The last one I put in was one that I rebuilt and have another rebuild kit on order for the one I just pulled out.

16bounder · 03-12-2019, 10:27 AM

Yep'r, that is where mine have BLOWN as well...the inside pleat(s) seem to be the weak link. I do have to say tho, replacing and replumbing the hoses has made mine quieter when charging. Maybe if replace enough times, it will be really WHISPER QUIET...

steveh1855 · 03-12-2019, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16bounder

Yep'r, that is where mine have BLOWN as well...the inside pleat(s) seem to be the weak link. I do have to say tho, replacing and replumbing the hoses has made mine quieter when charging. Maybe if replace enough times, it will be really WHISPER QUIET...

What hoses did you replace and with what??

16bounder · 03-12-2019, 02:41 PM

Replaced the whole length of down stream from pump to black tank, and 'spliced' the upstream to the white "generator"(??). Moved the whole closer to the outside of the bin-no stretching or reaching over the residue that is found when pump fails.........Plus put wing nut/bolts to hold down-easy breezy (hopefully) when (not if) it fails again.

powderman · 03-12-2019, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

What part is failing ?

I had to do something to my vacuum generator every year or two, while fulltiming.

The vacuum generators are rebuildable.

Duck bill valves are easy to replace, costing $40. , and the bellows is a bit more work and about $100.

Its a dirty job but someone has to do it.

Really?? I have a conventional flush toilet and never have to do it. After reading of many people having problems, and hearing from them firsthand, I question whether having one is a good idea.

twinboat · 03-12-2019, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powderman

Really?? I have a conventional flush toilet and never have to do it. After reading of many people having problems, and hearing from them firsthand, I question whether having one is a good idea.

It may not be a good idea, but if the toilet isn't over the black tank, where the discharge can fall into it, its one of the few ideas left.

tmw188 · 03-12-2019, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

It may not be a good idea, but if the toilet isn't over the black tank, where the discharge can fall into it, its one of the few ideas left.

Yep many on bigger boats too. Vacuum switches sometime another problem if they are still the same design.

twinboat · 03-12-2019, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmw188

Yep many on bigger boats too. Vacuum switches sometime another problem if they are still the same design.

I know, my 35 ft trawler had a double toilet Vacuflush system. Over 10 years of ownership, I had a lot if experience with the system.

tmw188 · 03-12-2019, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I know, my 35 ft trawler had a double toilet Vacuflush system. Over 10 years of ownership, I had a lot if experience with the system.

Me too. Two heads each with their own vacuum tanks but only one vacuum pump. Once you understand them they aren’t too bad.

saddlesore · 03-12-2019, 07:25 PM

There was a manufacturers run of the bellows that were prone to failing (bean counters cut corners...) The latest ones are considerably more robust, so shouldn't fail as often..