This document serves as the owner's manual for SeaLand Gravity Discharge Toilets, specifically models 110 and 210, manufactured by Dometic Sanitation Corporation. It provides comprehensive instructions for installation, proper usage, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranty information to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the toilet system.
The SeaLand Gravity Discharge Toilet is designed for use in recreational vehicles (RVs) and marine applications, where it discharges waste directly into a holding tank. Unlike conventional residential plumbing systems, these toilets are not designed for horizontal pipe runs. The manual emphasizes the importance of following specific guidelines to prevent damage to the toilet's seals and dump valves, and to maintain the integrity of the waste system.
Function Description
The primary function of the SeaLand Gravity Discharge Toilet is to provide a sanitary waste disposal system in mobile environments. It operates on a gravity discharge principle, meaning waste is moved from the toilet bowl into a holding tank through the force of gravity, facilitated by a flush mechanism. The toilet is designed for efficient water usage, making it suitable for systems with limited water supply.
Usage Features
To prepare the toilet for use, users must ensure the water supply is connected and turned on, and then check for any leaks after flushing. The manual outlines a simple, three-step process for proper toilet use:
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Adding Water: To add water to the toilet bowl, the flush lever should be lifted or raised until the desired water level is reached. More water is generally needed when flushing solid waste. This controlled water addition helps conserve water, a critical consideration in RV and marine settings.
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Flushing: To flush the toilet, the lever must be pushed all the way down until the contents of the bowl are completely discharged. The manual notes that water flow pressures can vary, so holding the flush lever down for 4-8 seconds might be necessary to ensure a complete flush. A minimum flow rate of two gallons per minute (7.6 liters per minute) at the toilet is recommended for effective rim and bowl washing.
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Sealing: After flushing, the flush lever should be released, allowing it to snap back into its original position. This action ensures a positive seal around the flush ball, preventing odors and leaks from the holding tank. A small amount of water should remain in the bowl after the flush to maintain the seal and prevent odors. The manual advises against holding the flush lever down longer than necessary to avoid excessive water consumption.
The manual also provides crucial "Important Information" regarding usage:
- Chemical Restrictions: Users are strictly warned against using chlorine or caustic chemicals (such as laundry bleach or drain-opening products) in the system. These chemicals can severely damage the seals in the toilet and dump valves, leading to leaks and system failure.
- Foreign Objects: It is imperative not to flush foreign objects like paper towels, paper cups, diapers, or sanitary napkins through the toilet. These items can cause blockages and damage the system.
- System Compatibility: SeaLand mechanical seal toilets are specifically designed to discharge directly into a holding tank. They are not compatible with horizontal pipe runs found in conventional residential or commercial plumbing systems.
- Regular Cleaning and Winterizing: The toilet bowl must be regularly cleaned and winterized according to the procedures detailed in the manual. Failure to do so may void the warranty coverage.
Maintenance Features
Effective maintenance is key to the longevity and proper functioning of the SeaLand toilet. The manual provides detailed instructions for proper bowl cleaning, winterizing, and selecting appropriate deodorants and special tissue.
Proper Bowl Cleaning:
For stubborn bowl stains, the manual recommends using SeaLand Toilet Bowl Cleaner, which is specifically formulated for SeaLand toilets. This cleaner helps restore the shine of the toilet bowl finish, especially in areas with hard water that can cause lime buildup. If the SeaLand cleaner is unavailable, users can opt for most non-abrasive bathroom and toilet bowl cleaners, such as Bar Keeper's Friend spray cleaner, Clorox toilet bowl cleaner, or SaniFlush toilet bowl cleaner, following their respective label instructions.
Crucially, the manual issues a strong warning about products to avoid to prevent damage to the Teflon-coated seal:
- Abrasives: Do not use abrasive cleansers like Comet or Soft Scrub.
- Caustic Chemicals: Avoid caustic chemicals such as Drano clog remover.
- Lubricants and Cleaners with Alcohols or Petroleum Distillates: Products like Pam cooking spray, Pine-Sol cleaner, or WD-40 lubricant should not be used, as they can damage the seals.
Winterizing:
At the end of each season, the SeaLand toilet must be winterized for storage. Two methods are provided: draining the system or using potable water-safe antifreeze.
To Drain:
- Thoroughly flush the system with fresh water.
- Empty the holding tank completely.
- Shut off the water supply to the toilet and remove the inlet waterline (refer to Fig. B in the manual). Users are specifically instructed not to remove the brass cap on the bottom of the valve.
- Press the flush lever until all water has drained from the toilet.
To Use Antifreeze:
- Drain the potable water tank.
- Add freshwater antifreeze to the potable water tank.
- Flush the potable water antifreeze and water mixture through the toilet and into the waste holding tank. The manual notes that the amount of antifreeze needed may vary depending on the installation, requiring user discretion for adequate protection.
- Empty the holding tank.
Important Note: Only nontoxic antifreeze designated for potable water systems should be used. Automotive-type antifreeze must never be used in freshwater systems.
Deodorants and Special Tissue:
The manual emphasizes the regular addition of a deodorant product to reduce malodors and aid in breaking down holding tank contents. Factors to consider when selecting a deodorant include:
- Liquid vs. Granulated: Liquid products dissolve quickly, while granulated powders require less storage space and are less prone to leaking if the package is damaged.
- Formaldehyde vs. Non-Formaldehyde: Dometic offers both types. Formaldehyde formulas are effective at various temperatures and water hardness levels. SeaLand Environment-Friendly brand is formaldehyde-free and similarly effective.
- Dosage and Application: Deodorant is added directly into the toilet bowl and flushed into the holding tank. Users should follow bottle or package instructions. Conditions like warm weather, longer waste holding times, or larger tank capacities may require more deodorant. Regular cleaning of the holding tank (at least once per season) is recommended for optimal odor control.
The manual also explains why household toilet paper should not be used:
- Household Tissue Issues: Household tissues often contain adhesives that bond paper fibers, preventing them from breaking apart. In "ultra-low flow" systems, this can lead to clogging.
- SeaLand Tissue: SeaLand tissue is specially designed for low-water toilet systems. Its rapid dissolving properties minimize residual paper in the holding tank, allowing deodorizers to work more efficiently.
Troubleshooting Guide:
A detailed troubleshooting guide is provided to help users diagnose and resolve common issues. It lists various problems, their possible causes, and corresponding service instructions. Examples include:
- Toilet emits odor (flush ball open): Possible causes include odor from the toilet base or a plugged holding tank vent line. Service instructions suggest using SeaLand brand deodorants or clearing the vent line obstruction.
- Water will not stay in bowl: This could be due to a loose band clamp, improper seal around the flush ball (due to dirt/debris), or a worn/damaged seal or flush ball. Solutions include tightening the band clamp, inspecting/cleaning/replacing the flush ball, or replacing the seal.
- Flush ball will not close completely: Possible causes include too much friction between the flush ball and ball seal, overly tight water valve screws, or a defective spring cartridge. Solutions involve lubricating the flush ball and seal, loosening screws, or replacing the spring cartridge.
- Water does not shut off in toilet (overflows): This points to a worn/defective water valve or spring cartridge, requiring replacement of the faulty component.
- Water is leaking from water valve: Causes range from a cracked water valve body (due to freeze damage), loose connections, or stripped threads. Solutions involve replacing the water valve or ensuring connections are properly tightened.
- Water is leaking from bottom of toilet base: This could be due to the toilet not being secured to the floor, a worn/defective toilet mounting floor seal, a cracked base, or a defective floor flange. Solutions include tightening mounting bolts, replacing the floor seal, replacing the base assembly, or replacing the floor flange.
- Water is leaking from rear of toilet bowl: This typically indicates a worn/defective or loose vacuum breaker, or a cracked/defective toilet bowl. Solutions involve replacing the vacuum breaker, securing its connection, or replacing the toilet bowl.
- Water is leaking from the base/toilet connection: Possible causes are a loose band clamp or worn/defective ball/bowl seals. Solutions include tightening the band clamp fastener or replacing the ball/bowl seals.
The manual also includes a comprehensive warranty statement, outlining Dometic Corporation's 2-year and 10-year limited warranties for personal, family, or household-like use, and a 90-day warranty for commercial or business use. It specifies exclusions, implied warranties, and other rights, advising users to contact their local dealer for warranty service.
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