Duckbill Valves

The repair jobs cruisers find the most unappealing are ones involving the black water system.  Motivator is equipped with VacuFlush heads that are a 3 component system: the bowl assembly, the vacuum accumulator tank (not to be confused with a holding tank) and a vacuum pump.  The vacuum pump has 2 functions: it suctions the air out of the plumbing between the toilet bowl and itself while simultaneously pushing the flush the rest of the way to the tank, or thru-hull.

For guests, we provide written instructions:

Toilet 101, or 10 Steps to Take a Poop

Number 1 (when you are doing #1):

1.    Ensure the VacuFlush switch is in the “ON” position and you have a green light.

2.    After completion of #1, CLOSE THE TOILET SEAT, you do not get to watch.

3.    Step on the foot pedal, count to 5, then let the pedal go.  Do not ease the pedal back, it is spring loaded for a reason.

4.    A red light will appear until the pumping action is completed.

5.    For females, it is best that any toilet paper used with #1 be deposited in the waste can.

Number 2 (when you are doing #2):

1.    Ensure the VacuFlush switch is in the “ON” position and you have a green light.

2.    If you have been especially “productive” add more water to the bowl by lifting the foot pedal.

3.    Limit toilet paper to only 4 squares and deposit in center of bowl.

      A wad of toilet paper will not fit through the 4 duckbill valves!

4.    CLOSE THE TOILET SEAT, you do not want to watch.

5.    Step on the foot pedal, count to 8, then let the pedal go.  Do not ease the pedal back, it is spring loaded for a reason.

6.    A red light will appear until the pumping action is completed.

7.    By lifting the foot pedal add water to the bowl (count to 10).

8.    Repeat step 5 and 6, this cleans the system and helps to prevent odors.

9.    Ensure bowl is clean.

At 12:30 AM last night, the head in the master’s suit suffered fault number 11: 

Because I did not know the last time, if ever, that the duckbill valves had been replaced, I decided that was surely the problem. 

Provided by Dometic Corporation

#18 Duckbill Valves

Other than access (see first photo), the replacement is rather straight forward using the exploded view provided in the owner’s manual.

Oops, wedged in between two duckbill valves was a floss pick.  The dentist can’t say I haven’t been flossing.