How often should vacuflush pump run?

[Dark Horse]

On my boat we have Vacuflush system. It seems to work well. But I her it run every 7 to 10 minutes or so. Is this normal or should it run once and hold its vacuum?
I will probably rebuild it with new duck valves in the near future but asking just the same.

Thanks

[bud37]

Not normal.....should hold it's vacuum for a long time if the system is all in good shape.

[Midnightsun]

Never have I heard mine run unless there was paper caught in the flush mechanism as in an improper flush. Answer is never.

[g36]

Agree with above never. If your bowl is holding water then duck bills probably will fix your issue. But before opening the system You should check the tightness of all your hose clamps you can find may just have a leak from a loose one.

[Dark Horse]

You all say never but shouldn't the vacuum pump run each time its flushed as you are losing some of the vacuum?

[Midnightsun]

Let me elaborate, yes each time you flush it will start to pump, pump for about 7 seconds until it creates a vacuum and then stop. The never run part is between flushes. What we are saying if it runs in between flushes you have a leak and should be serviced.

[Dark Horse]

Ok yes that is what it is doing. About every 5 - 7 minutes you will hear it come on for a few seconds and then shut off. I don't believe its the toilet seal itself as water stays in the bowl.
I will replace the duckbills and hopefully that will cure it.
Thanks!!

[g36]

personally i think 5-7 minutes is a rather slow leak . i again would check hose clamps etc first. duck bills still might be but alot of times you will build no pressure if they are the problem. i will not leave vac pump on all the time. i see no need in it being pressurized all the time. you probably have a switch by the toilet to turn the unit on/off. i turn it on when using the head and let it build pressure do my thing and then turn the unit back off after its been used and and clear rinse cycle if paper was used. also something else to remember to turn off when leaving the boat. i just had a new dock neighbor who i havent met yet leave his boat only to hear his vacuflush pumpinig away for 4 nights in a row never turning off. told the dockmaster so he contact him. personally i dont know if i would be in a big hurry on changing duckbills.

[Dark Horse]

I will check all the hose clamps first.
I would rather not replace the duckbills yet if I don't have to.
We never leave it running, only switch it on while we are on the boat and certainly never leave it running while we are away from it!
Thanks

[Midnightsun]

My experience is the duckbills need to changed every 10 years or you will have issues. I have noted every 8 years now so I do not have to deal with a problem as opposed to preventative maintenance which can be done when you feel like it and when you have the time not to mention it gives you plenty of time to locate them a a really good price. I carry a complete set of duck bills for each head on board just in case.

As for the head being on or off when away from the boat I guess off or "sleep" is the best way to do it. I do know when we return there is still a vacuum in the system after a week.