Joker Valve

Hamdog

I had a Dockmate tell me late last year that my toilet needed a Joker Valve because it "burped air" after flushing. I don't know the first thing about them but I asked my Marine Service Company to replace it. They just completed putting in 2 new house batteries, a new generator impeller and new generator spark plugs. However, they forgot the Joker Valve. According to them, they are easy to install.

So two questions. Do you guys think I need a new one and, if so, how easy are they to install? Can I do it myself?

Thanks.

Goods28

You need a new one if your holding tank backs up in your bowl.
10 minute job...easy to replace remove the pump handle and buy just the valve. 4 screws

Hamdog

Thanks Goods28. No holding tank backup. We have thou come down after a couple week break and found the interior smelling a bit like the holding tank. So this is the issue?

Thanks.

Stodge

It's possible.  I'd be curious how often you put treatment chemicles down the head?  I make a habit of treating the tank weekly or whenever we get to the boat.  I use Campachem which runs about $7 for 6 treatments.  

Dream_Inn

Definitely an easy thing to change and if it's been a while, worth doing anyhow.  Make sure to get a few good flushes in before you change the valve, because the whatever was flushed last, will come back out when you remove the old valve. (yes, have a large old rag, &/or a bucket ready).  It should be right where the hose that goes to your holding tank meets your toilet.

Cableguy Greg

I changed mine last year and it was very easy. Like DI stated, give a few good flushes before starting and have some old rags with you. I flushed a few gallons of fresh clean water down before I did mine. I have heard to, and I am considering replacing it every year as part of my maintenance. Better to have it working than to have waste backing up into your toilet.

Hamdog

Thanks Guys. I will give it a go next time I go down. Sounds easy enough.

Goods28

http://bigorangefilter.com/  If you get a smell when pumping outside this is the best thing going. The holding tank is vented and this prevents the smell from being present. Many on the market but I picked this one because of the size and it is refillable If your bowl is back filling the jocker valve is the trouble. 

Peg_O_My_Heart

Our head is a Jabsco unit, not sure what you have.  But Jabsco has an excellent web page with great short videos that walk you through repairs.  Check it out.

rasbury

it's easy....a bit messy, not for the faint of heart! You may want to search for the big orange filter on this site (or what ever it's called) for the odor issue as there is no filter built into the system for the various aroma from the tank!

Capt Ron

I would also install a vent filter for your waste tank.. Big Orange has a good recommendation from members. I made my own by gluing some 1.5 " PVC fittings together and filling it with charcoal. Both will solve any odour problems and your neighbours will thank you..

Cableguy Greg

The PO of my boat added a Sealand SaniGard filter to the vent. Whether one uses a Big Orange, SaniGard or home made charcoal filter, they all make a huge difference.

bigal6030

My head on my 2006 270 is original
i'm thinking about replacing the whole thing for the new twist lock pump head form jabsco

Michael T

We just had the anti back flush valve replaced ("joker" or duckbill" valve). We weren't getting sewage back flow but were getting air bubbling about 2 minutes after a flushing. It was defective valve from the manufacturer, end of problem. We put tank treatment into the tank via the toilet after each pump-out. We have a Big Orange filter on the boat (came from the Rinker factory with one) and we had a pressure relief valve installed on the tank by the dealer tech to help prevent tank collapse at pump-out time. No smell, no bubbling no problems.....knock on wood!