EcoVac Toilet – Ball, Shaft & Cartridge Kit 385310954

What Are the Benefits of VacuFlush for RVs vs Boats?

VacuFlush was originally developed for boats. The system offers major advantages in both marine and recreational vehicle (RV) applications, especially regarding low water use, odor control, and flexible installation.

Benefits in both RVs and boats:

• Uses very little water (about 1 pint per flush), extending holding tank capacity.
• Excellent odor control thanks to vacuum-assisted waste removal.
• Flexible installation—tank doesn’t need to sit directly below the toilet.
• Quiet, reliable operation with a residential-style flush.

Advantages in boats:

• Ideal for tight spaces and complex hull layouts.
• Helps reduce pump-out frequency on longer trips.
• Performs reliably in rough water and while underway.
• Considered a premium marine feature that can add resale value.

Advantages in RVs:

• Enables layouts where gravity toilets won’t work (slide-outs, rear baths, basement tanks).
• Conserves freshwater—great for boondocking/off-grid camping.
• Easier maintenance due to better system access.
• Keeps interior living spaces more odor-free for full-time use.

How Difficult Is DIY VacuFlush Installation?

DIY installation of a VacuFlush system (or major components like a new toilet, vacuum generator, or holding tank) is moderate difficulty—feasible for experienced boaters/RVers with plumbing and basic electrical skills, but not beginner-level. Many owners successfully do it themselves, especially for replacements or upgrades, but improper setup leads to common issues like vacuum leaks or constant pump running. Like with anything else, taking your time, planning your build in detail, using the right tools and selecting your equipment carefully can go a long way towards a successful installation.

Difficulty Breakdown:

• Toilet replacement only (e.g., swapping an old bowl/base): Easy to moderate (1–3 hours). Often direct bolt-on fit; main challenges are hose disconnection/reconnection and cleaning old sealant.
• Full system install (toilet + vacuum generator + tank + hoses): Moderate to advanced (4–12+ hours, possibly over days). Involves routing 1.5″ sanitation hoses precisely (short/straight runs critical), PVC cementing rigid sections, electrical wiring (dedicated circuit), and ensuring vacuum integrity.
• Key Challenges:
  • Tight boat/RV spaces limit access.
  • Maintaining vacuum seals (proper hose insertion, no traps/low spots, correct fittings).
  • Electrical (wiring to 12/24 VDC, breakers, grounding).
  • Testing (multiple flushes to build/hold vacuum).
• We offer many YouTube tutorials that you can check out at: https://www.youtube.com/@aquastardistributors 

How to Upgrade from an Old SeaLand to New Dometic VacuFlush?

SeaLand (now Dometic) VacuFlush systems are backward-compatible in most cases—upgrading an old SeaLand (e.g., 800/1000 series bowls, older pumps) to newer Dometic models (e.g., 4700/4800/5000 series) is common and straightforward for improved performance, quieter operation, and better parts availability.

Upgrade Steps:

1. Assess Current System:
   • Identify old model (e.g., 806 bowl, old S-series pump with noisy motor).
   • Check compatibility: Most old SeaLand VacuFlush plumbing (1.5″ hoses) works with new units.
2. Choose Upgrade Path:
   • Bowl/Toilet Upgrade: Replace old bowl with new 5000/4700/4800 series (often direct bolt-pattern fit; gains height/contact area; includes check valve in some).
   • Pump/Motor Upgrade: Swap old motor (e.g., #310246) for Whisper quiet kit (12V/24V, P/N 385311423/424)—includes bellows, O-rings, clamps.
   • Full System: New vacuum generator (JW/S/W series) if old one fails repeatedly.
3. Installation:
   • Shut off power/water; pump out tank.
   • Remove old toilet: Disconnect hoses, wires, unbolt base.
   • Install new: Mount to flange (may need adapter for elongated seat); reconnect 1.5″ hoses (reuse if good; replace for odor-proof).
   • Wire per new schematic (match voltage; upgrade to thicker wire if needed).
   • For pump: Horizontal mount; connect inlet/outlet hoses.
   • Test: Flush multiple times; check vacuum hold, no leaks.
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdXTP1lLNns 
5. https://www.aquastardistributors.com/product/seat-for-500-series-vacuflush-and-traveler-series/
6. https://www.aquastardistributors.com/product/inline-check-valve/
7. https://www.aquastardistributors.com/product/dometic-5000-series-bowl/

How to Wire a VacuFlush System?

Wiring a VacuFlush system is straightforward but critical for safety and performance—always use marine-grade materials and follow ABYC/ISO standards. It’s low-draw DC power, typically 12 VDC or 24 VDC. Professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended to avoid shorts, fires, or system failures.

Key Electrical Requirements and Steps (from Dometic manuals like JW series, 4700/4800 series, and VHT):

• Voltage and Draw:
  1. Toilet/base: ~2A @ 12 VDC; ~1A @ 24 VDC (flush mechanism only).
  2. Vacuum generator/pump (e.g., JW/S/W series): Average 6A @ 12 VDC (peaks higher during recharge); ~3A @ 24 VDC.
  3. Holding tank (VHT) with sensors: Low draw (~5A total if discharge pump included).
  4. Total system: Often <10A running; use dedicated circuit.
• Wire Specs:
  1. 14-gauge stranded tinned copper wire (or per ABYC for length/voltage drop—e.g., 12-gauge for longer runs).
  2. Use crimp connectors (no wire nuts in marine environments); heat-shrink for corrosion resistance.
  3. Ground properly to boat/RV chassis.
• Circuit Protection:
  1. Dedicated breaker/fuse: 8–10A @ 12 VDC; 4–5A @ 24 VDC (or inline fuse).
  2. Separate circuit for discharge pump if present (e.g., 10A+).
• Wiring Steps:
  1. Turn off all power.
  2. Route wires from battery/DC panel to components (vacuum generator first, then toilet/status panel).
  3. Connect per model-specific schematic (included in manual or parts list): Positive to motor/switch terminals; negative to ground.
     • Vacuum generator: Wire to pump motor and vacuum switch (auto-cycles on demand).
     • Toilet: Connect to flush switch/pedal (pre-wired on many models).
     • Optional: Tank level sensors, status panel (e.g., DVS01/DVS02), or full-tank shutdown relay.
  4. Use pre-wired connectors if available (some JW/S models).
  5. Test: Power on → vacuum builds (pump runs briefly); check for green status light; flush multiple times.
  6. Troubleshoot: Use volt/ohmmeter if pump won’t run (check voltage drop, fuses, connections).

Warnings: Low voltage causes slow recharge or constant running. Match breaker to specs. Refer to your model’s wiring diagram (download from dometic.com or contact us at AquaStar Distributors).

When is it Time to Replace a VacuFlush Vacuum Generator?

A vacuum generator (e.g., VG4 or similar models) doesn’t have a strict time-based replacement schedule—it’s condition-based. Replace it when rebuilds no longer restore performance or when major components fail repeatedly. Generally, the most common approach to maintenance is to rebuild. This is especially true for discontinued models where rebuilding is much more cost-efficient than attempting to replace with a newer current-production model.

Common Signs It’s Time to Replace:

• Pump runs continuously or takes increasingly longer to build/reach vacuum (e.g., >60 seconds or never shuts off)—often due to worn bellows, inverted/worn duckbill valves, or internal leaks.
• Visible leaks (sewage around the unit), overheating, blown fuses, slow operation, or unusual noises/grinding.
• Repeated failures after replacing rebuildable parts (duckbill valves, bellows, gaskets, eccentric)—if issues persist, the motor or housing may be worn out.
• Vacuum can’t be maintained (system loses vacuum quickly overnight) despite no external leaks.

Typical Lifespan: 5–15+ years depending on usage, water quality, and maintenance. Annual rebuilds (duckbills/bellows every 1–2 years) often extend life significantly. Many users replace the full unit only after 10+ years or when rebuild kits fail to fix vacuum issues.

Recommendation: Start with a rebuild kit (available on our site). If that doesn’t resolve it, upgrade to a new vacuum generator. Contact us for model-specific compatibility—we stock Dometic replacements.

Major Rebuild Kit for S and J Vacuum Pumps