Sheila Hurley

Dear Bargebuilder & others who've contributed, thank you so much for your help. Unfortunately due to a medical emergency I've not been able to take up your advice. The boatyard at our home mooring is now sorting it out. Best wishes & THANK YOU!

Thanks!

The fuses are OK. We have a multimeter but it doesn't seem to work so we need to try & get a new battery for it tomorrow & see if it comes on. The original problem was the loud groaning noise which is why I thought it might be a blockage. Assuming we get the multimeter working, how do I test the evacuation pump? I assume the black & red wires have to go on specific places?

I'm back! Bit the bullet & emptied the loo, pulled it out as far as I can but limited space due to the pipework & boxing panels round radiator pipes etc. I've taken a couple of photos as the space is so restricted I can't see in properly. Can I disconnect any of the pipes? I think the most restrictive one is probably the water pipe which is metal. If I turn off the water pump will that stop water gushing out? If I do all of this what do I do next? Sorry for all the questions! I've just tried to attach photos but even tho I've reduced the size this site won't accept them 😤 All suggestions gratefully received!

👍 🤮🤣

Thanks I managed to get the trim off (I thought that was probably the way but didn't want to risk it) but couldn't get to the bit you mentioned as the rear panel won't slide back enough. I'm also not moving the toilet itself as it is now full to the brim as I accidentally pressed the button while removing the front panel. Anyway thanks guys for your help & encouragement!

Thanks guys for your help but this is now beyond my DIY capabilities. The boat is 18 years old but we've only had it for 3yrs so I don't know if the toilet is as old as the boat! It was a hire boat & we are just leisure users.

If you mean remove the front trim round the switch I've tried just pulling it with my fingernails but no joy. I'm worried about breaking it. I had a look at the back of the switch unit & the rear panel comes off so you can see inside but not enough that I can tap the 2 black boxes

It now makes no noise and nothing happens. I've removed the panelling & shelf to access behind the toilet but don't know what to do next.

It made no noise at all when I last tried to flush. Just added water. I looked at a YouTube video on how to unblock but the pump doesn't look like the same kind as that. I've taken a photo but the file size us too big!

We've been using the same brand of loo paper for years & definitely no wet wipes. We havent been flushing every time, if it's just urine, so maybe that caused it? Just used loo & now won't flush at all now. The water came in but nothing was sucked out 😭 If it is blocked any suggestions?

We have a tecma pumpout flush toilet. It is still working but it has been making a much louder noise for the last few days & doesnt always get everything out. Its more of a loud groan than a whoosh sound. Any suggestions very welcome.

It's not a macerator (I don't think- but I'm new to this- just a holding tank) pipes & tank are all plastic. The pump out operator is husband! He thinks it seemed to take the usual amount of time 😂but I think we'll be brave & try opening the hatch! Also I think the red light indicator is working ok as you get about 3 or 4 flushes b4 it stops disappearing into the tank! I'll report back but it's 31C & time for cold beer 🍺 I really appreciate all your suggestions!

Yes I think so- my photo is too big to upload but it looks like a round screw lid about 20cm in diameter. I've never dared touch it! Would you advise having a peek? Luckily we've got two which came with the boat but I prefer the pump out loo

We have a pump out toilet on our narrowboat. It is a flush toilet not a dump through. We have pumped it out several times without any problems, however this week we pumped it out when the indicator light went red (we knew it was due as we log how many flushes) later that day it showed red again & the flush water did not go down. We are leisure users & the last time we pumped out was October 2020, as due to lockdowns & maintenance work etc we've not been able to use the boat. Any advice gratefully received: Is this something we can sort ourselves or do we need to get professional help?