The results not only revealed a preferred valve, but also gave us a clear picture of what various concoctions can do to our marine plumbing. If one is best, then shouldnt we all convert to that one that lasts longest? We decided to get to the bottom of this by testing each valve against various chemicals and other substances that are often introduced into the head. Interestingly, the joker valves for Groco, Jabsco, and Raritan manual heads are so nearly identical in dimension and shape as to be interchangeable. All these years that we thought we were coddling our Lil Skipper, we were actually shortening its life.Īt the heart of the marine toilet lies the lowly joker valve, the oft-abused gateway through which all waste must pass on its way into the holding tank. A comprehensive series of tests recently undertaken by Practical Sailor contributor Drew Frye indicates that we are the ones who are ruining our toilets-ruining them with half-baked home remedies and dubious maintenance regimens passed down through generations of sailors who should have learned by now. We like to joke about our uncooperative marine head.

Instaling Joker