Frequently Asked Questions

The owner’s manuals for SeaLand® and VacuFlush® products address most aspects of operation and troubleshooting. Please download and refer to these manuals for specific product questions. This FAQ section discusses general aspects of VacuFlush system installation, use and care.

How is a VacuFlush toilet different from a conventional marine toilet?

How much water does a VacuFlush toilet use per flush?

How much electricity does a VacuFlush system draw per flush?

What does my boat need for a VacuFlush installation?

How can I get a VacuFlush system installed on my boat?

Can I install a VacuFlush system myself?

If I install two VacuFlush toilets, why do I need two vacuum generators?

Where can I get parts and accessories for my onboard VacuFlush system?

Do I need special toilet paper to use with my VacuFlush toilet system?

Q. How is a VacuFlush toilet different from a conventional marine toilet?

A. Conventional marine toilets can be either manually operated or electrically operated. All conventional marine toilets move the waste from the toilet bowl to the holding tank or overboard by pushing it with a column of water. Electric or macerator toilets function somewhat like a garbage disposal and break up the waste before it enters the pump. VacuFlush toilets use a powerful burst of air pressure to move the waste through the piping system. When the VacuFlush toilet is flushed, the waste is literally blown out of the bowl through an orifice under the flush valve and completely broken up.

Q. How much water does a VacuFlush toilet use per flush?

A. On average, a VacuFlush toilet flushes with about 1.5 pints* (.8 L) of water. A conventional marine toilet consumes about one gallon (3.8 L) of water per flush. A VacuFlush toilet will greatly extend the use of a holding tank between pump-outs as compared to conventional marine toilets.

*VacuFlush toilets use as little as 1 pint (.5 L) of water per flush. Because we recommend adding more water when flushing solids, we conservatively estimate average water use at 1.5 pints.

Q. How much electricity does a VacuFlush system draw per flush?

A. In 12 VDC systems, foot-pedal operated VacuFlush toilets draw 4 – 6 amps per flush for less than one minute, and electronic Flush and Forget® models draw only an additional 7 amps during the five-second flush cycle. (Some competitive marine systems can consume up to 60 amps per flush.)

Q. What does my boat need for a VacuFlush installation?

A. Boats must have:

An onboard freshwater supply system. Freshwater is highly recommended for flushing. VacuFlush toilets consume very little water from the onboard supply. Sea water use can cause malodors and maintenance issues.
A thru-hull vent fitting. This vent fitting is connected to the holding tank and allows the air in the tank to move overboard as the holding tank fills.
Appropriate discharge fittings. These fittings include a 1.5-inch (38mm) through hull fitting with seacock for overboard discharge and/or a 1.5-inch (38mm) deck discharge fitting for connecting to a dockside discharge pump. A vented loop or in-line check valve may also be required depending on the standards or regulations effective on a specific vessel.

Water supply and electrical requirements:

For 140, 500 Plus, 700, 1000, 5000 series toilets:

VacuFlush system minimum requirements:

Toilet (plumbing)

- 2 gpm (7.6 lpm) water flow rate at water valve
- ½-in. (12.7 mm) ID water supply line
- shut-off valve in water supply line

Vacuum generator (electric)

- 12 VDC: 10-amp fuse or circuit breaker
- 24 VDC: 5-amp fuse or circuit breaker

For 3000, 3600 series toilets:

- VacuFlush system minimum requirements:

Toilet (plumbing, electric)

- 4 gpm (15 lpm) water flow rate at water valve
- ½-in. (12.7 mm) ID water supply line
- shut-off valve in water supply line
- 12 VDC: 8-amp fuse or circuit breaker
- 24 VDC: 4-amp fuse or circuit breaker

Vacuum generator (electric)

- 12 VDC: 10-amp fuse or circuit breaker
- 24 VDC: 5-amp fuse or circuit breaker

Q. How can I get a VacuFlush system installed on my boat?

A. Through our SuperTech™ program, Dometic’s Master Sanitation Distributors have trained hundreds of professional VacuFlush system installers and dealers across the USA and around the world. They can recommend, sell and install the best components suited to your boat. For the name of a certified SuperTech installer near you, first contact your nearest Master Sanitation Distributor (see the Master Sanitation Distributor locator). They will give you the name of the nearest VacuFlush SuperTech dealer that would be best suited to your location and installation needs.

Q. Can I install a VacuFlush system myself?

A. You can install a VacuFlush system if you keep in mind several important issues:

Proper installation is as vital to the long-term performance of a sanitation system as the quality of the individual components.
Remember that each VacuFlush system is a custom-built vacuum sanitation system. It is extremely difficult to create a single set of components for all installations due to the wide variety of boat configurations and types of toilet operation. For example, Dometic offers toilets that vary in height, bowl size, outlet location, means of operation, color, styling, and mounting method (over 800 different part numbers).
Usually, the installation of a VacuFlush system involves more than just unbolting an existing fixture and reconnecting a few hoses. Installing a VacuFlush system requires working with shipboard DC electrical systems, cutting into structural bulkheads or decks, working with fiberglass, and general knowledge of standards and “good practice” related to marine systems.

Participating SuperTech installers are happy to provide VacuFlush installation consultation at the time of system purchase. If required, an hour or two of onboard consultation can be arranged at a nominal cost. Once your installation is complete, a certified SuperTech installer must inspect and approve the installation to activate the warranty.

Q. If I install two VacuFlush toilets, why do I need two vacuum generators?

A. An onboard operating toilet system is vital to the enjoyment of any pleasure craft. A boat equipped with two toilet systems allows boat passengers to operate the toilets independently – especially if a problem occurs with one. Most experienced boat owners appreciate this approach as a redundant system safeguard.

Q. Where can I get parts and accessories for my onboard VacuFlush system?

A. Parts and accessories for SeaLand and VacuFlush systems are available in several ways.

Master Sanitation Distributors

We have 10 Master Sanitation Distributors located throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Any of these distributors carries a complete inventory of parts for VacuFlush, SeaLand and Mansfield marine sanitation systems. If you contact them before 2:00 p.m. local time, they can ship the same day, and they accept all major credit cards. Distributor staff members are also trained to handle technical questions.
Marine Dealers

SeaLand/VacuFlush systems are installed as standard or optional equipment on most powerboats over 26-feet sold in North America. The dealer for any of these brands of boats will have parts either on hand or available to them.
West Marine retail stores
West Marine carries a selection of the most frequently ordered repair parts for SeaLand/VacuFlush systems. Contact West Marine at www.westmarine.com to order online, or phone 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262-8464) for the location of the closest store.
International Distributors

For countries other than the U.S.A. and Canada, there is a strong, worldwide network to assist in servicing and maintaining your sanitation system. For the authorized service center nearest you, please call 330-496-3211 or fax 330-496-3221.

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Q. Do I need special toilet paper to use with my VacuFlush toilet system?

A. Most residential toilet tissues will work fine in a VacuFlush toilet. However, a few can be troublesome in any toilet system (including home toilets). These troublesome tissues contain adhesives that bond together the paper fibers from which the tissue is made. The adhesives prevent the tissue from breaking apart, and their use in any toilet can cause blockage. One brand of tissue we don’t recommend is Charmin® Ultra (trademark(s) of the Proctor & Gamble).

SeaLand brand tissue is especially formulated for use in low water consuming toilets. Its rapid dissolving properties prevent tissue paper from accumulating in the holding tank or elsewhere in the system.

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