Avoid clogging the toilet
When sailing, there are two types of toilets: marine and chemical. Here, we are talking about marine toilets, directly connected to a black water tank that must be emptied (in the harbor or offshore, of course, and especially not near swimming or anchoring areas). There are two types of marine toilets: electric toilets and manual toilets, which are used via a pump (electric or hand-held).
In any case, the fear of boaters - and rental companies - is to find themselves with clogged toilets. To avoid the worst, Christian Gotsiriduzé, technician for the Mediterranean rental company Locasail, advises first of all to avoid throwing toilet paper or other intimate protection into your toilet. "It will save a lot of trouble." However, there are toilet papers that are suitable for boats.
"The black water tank can also become clogged, at the drain valve - closed when using the toilet - if the toilet is misused. This is the biggest problem with black water tanks, they get clogged with material and not cleaned regularly. A layer is created, blocks the valve and it's a disaster." says Christian.
Even so, if your toilet ever gets clogged, here are the steps to take.
Unclog the black water tank
There are two ways to unclog it:
- Use a product that breaks down the material and will eventually unclog the black water tank.
- Drain the black water tank from the outside (top cap). Some ports are equipped with a vacuum cleaner, located at the fuel stations. To unclog the valve, you must then pressurize the black water tank. It is best to do this operation at the dock, which is more pleasant to do than diving. With this technique, it is almost guaranteed that the tank will be unblocked.
Unclogging the toilet
Here again, two solutions are possible:
- Vacuuming with a conventional household vacuum cleaner
- Dismantle the pump using gloves, bleach and a mask (for odors) and remove the plug.
Maintain your marine toilets properly
Depending on the use of his boat, Christian Gotsiriduzé recommends changing the pump bodies and seals regularly, about every 3 to 4 years for regular use.
"If you use your toilet often, the seals will tend to get damaged. There are gasket kits available, which you can change by taking the pump apart. All you have to do is attach the new gaskets and test to see if there are any leaks."
Another tip is to regularly flush your toilets with seawater, pump out regularly, evacuate and add clean water regularly.
"You can always put oil in, but that's not what's going to keep your toilet well maintained."
Finally, use specific marine toilet cleaning products found in ships. Marine toilets are more fragile than household toilets and do not respond well to caustic soda and bleach products.
