Chaparral 2009 Signature 250, Owner'S/Operator'S Manual, Page: 53 / 148

Vacuum Toilet
The EcoVac toilet operates in a way different from other marine toi-
lets. EcoVac systems use a small amount of water (a little more
than a pint) per flush in addition to a simple vacuum. The toilet is
connected to a pressurized freshwater system. Fresh water is the
key to an
odor-free bathroom compartment . EcoVac toilets are
equipped with an integral vacuum breaker which prevents the possi-
ble contamination of the potable water supply.
Vacuum Tank
The vacuum tank stores vacuum energy. System vacuum level is
monitored by a vacuum switch located on the vacuum tank. When
this switch senses a drop in vacuum in the system, it automatically
signals the pump to energize and bring the vacuum to operating
level. This process is normally completed in less than one minute. In
a properly operating system, the stored vacuum will leak down
between flushes, causing the vacuum pump to run for a short period.
Vacuum Pump
The vacuum pump is an electric, straight-through bellows type. It is
manufactured of long-lasting polypropylene and draws only 4 to 6
amps of current at 12 VDC. This unique pump design is both an effi-
cient air and liquid pump, and handles solids without a problem. It
has two duckbill valves on each side of the pump chamber.
Vacuum Generator
The vacuum generator combines the vacuum tank and vacuum
pump in one unit. It greatly reduces installation time and eliminates
the hose run between the tank and pump. Its compact size makes it
especially well-suited to smaller crafts.
Vacuum Holding Tank
The vacuum holding tank combines the vacuum tank, vacuum pump
and holding tank. Refer to the Vacuum Holding Tank Owner’s
Manual for installation and troubleshooting information.
Note: See the owner’s manual supplied by the manufacturer for
safety precautions and for detailed operation, maintenance and
winterizing procedures. The manual is in your owner’s packet.
Flushing fresh water through the head is also a good idea if you will
be leaving the boat for two or more days. Doing so will clear all
waste from the lines into the holding tank. Waste in the lines tends
to dry out. These hardened wastes may affect future operation
because they make the inside diameter of the hose smaller.
Overboard discharge
Important: Overboard discharge of untreated sewage within 12
miles of shore on the east coast and within 9 miles of shore on
the west coast is prohibited by law. Check with the local author-
ities for proper discharge procedures in your area. If your boat
is going to be used on inland waters, have your dealer seal the
overboard discharge portion of your waste system.
If regulations permit, the macerator can be used to pump waste
from the holding tank overboard. The MACERATOR circuit breaker
at the battery selector switch panel protects the power supply to the
macerator. The macerator pulls the waste from the holding tank,
grinds the waste into small particles, and pumps the waste over-
board through a hull discharge fitting above the water line.
Follow these procedures to operate the macerator:
1. Switch on the MACERATOR switch in the head compartment.
2. Allow the macerator to run until the holding tank is empty, but
not longer. Running the macerator when the tank is empty
will cause damage to the pump.
3. When you hear the pump speed up (indicates tank is empty),
immediately turn the switch off.
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