Sanitary System

WC Operation

Both toilet compartments are fitted with a Lavac water closet. It works on the suction principle and therefore it is very important that the seals of the lid and the seat are clean. The system does not work if the lid or the ring is broken.

There is about 1 litre (¼ gallon) of water in the bowl. Close the lid and press it slightly, then pump 8-10 strokes. Due to vacuum salt water enters the bowl through the supply (narrower) hose. Wait 5 seconds and pump about 10 more strokes. The vacuum keeps the lid closed until the pressure has diminished. This takes about 30 seconds. When the pressure is released you can lift the lid and pump superfluous water out of the bowl. If the bowl is empty and you want to have water in it just close the lid and pump 10 strokes. Wait until the pressure is diminished and the bowl can be used again. The supply hose has a bend above the waterline before it is connected to the bowl. The upper point of the pipe has an air vent which prevents siphoning back.

Never force the lid open. It will loosen the seals and make the vacuum less efficient.

If the water level in the bowl tends to be too high, you can lower it by making the anti-siphoning vent bigger with a hot needle.

The intakes and outlets of the water closets are fitted with seacocks under the floors of the forward and aft cabins. The wash basin outlet seacocks are in the same places.

  • The thin plastic hose: toilet supply
  • The thick green hose: toilet outlet
  • The thick transparent hose: basin outlet

Never flush foreign bodies (matches, pins or sanitary pads) down the bowl. Soft absorbent toilet paper should be used.

  • If the boat is fitted with a septic tank (made out of acidproof steel) there is a 3-way cock next to the bowl, which selects emptying either into the tank or the sea. The tank is large enough for about 20 operations.
  • When on the open sea, the tank can be emptied with a mechanical pump after the seacock under the tank has been opened. Rinse the tank after each emptying by pumping it full and emptying it a couple of times. This will lessen the risk of clogging very much.
  • If you want to eliminate vapours due to gas expansion in the tank, we recommend Natriumhypochlorite (NaC10), which will also dissolve the toilet paper to a certain extent, and lessen the risk of clogging. Consult your pharmacist, who will supply you with the substance and instructions for how much to use.
  • Do not add it into an empty tank!
  • We do not recommend the chemicals intended for caravan toilets, since they strongly contribute to pollution of the sea. The NaC10 will react in the tank and turn into table salt.
  • After use at sea, empty the bowl completely by pumping a few strokes the lid open, in order to prevent splashing due to the movements of the boat.