Toilet Replacement

This spring, during fitting out, after the boat was launched, we discovered a new and large toilet leak. The blue, treated water was appearing on the mounting surface for the toilet. We checked all of the hose fittings, the pump and valve body and found no leaks. Yet, treated water kept appearing. Further investigation, with a mirror and flashlight. revealed that rear surface of the toilet bowl was wet with treated water and seepage from what appeared to cracks in the bowl itself.

This toilet is the original Wilcox-Crittendon "Headmate" toilet that is now about 36 years old. We obtained a Jabsco compact toilet as a replacement. This Jabsco toilet has comparable dimensions to the W-C and should fit in the same space. It also has all of the same-sized hose fittings that are in same locations as the old toilet.

We then proceeded to remove the old toilet. After removal, we could the get a good view of failed surface of the toilet bowl. This picture shows the evidence of multiple cracks in the rear part of the bowl.

The root cause of these cracks has not been determined. A Google search did not yield any clues as to the cause of these cracks. They appear be related to some form of water-related freezing. It seems to as if the water penetrated the glazed surface of the bowl and then froze, causing the cracking. We are continuing to investigate the probable cause of these cracks.

The new Jabsco toilet fit easily in about the same position as the old one. Installation did involve plugging of the old mounting holes and the drilling of new ones to fit the new base. All of the old hose connections were re-used for the new toilet.

This picture shows the new toilet in position, with a picture of the old toilet on the seat cover.