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→Vacuum Flush
A manual-pump head typically uses a foot pedal or handle to activate a manual pump to send the effluent to the holding tank. Manual pump heads are not dependent on electrical power, thus reducing the demand on the electrical system. They are very dependable and easier to install, and have relatively low maintenance costs. They can use seawater for flushing. Chief disadvantages are that users must learn how to use the pump (open the intake valve, select a dry or a wet position); users may not know if the flush is complete to the holding tank; and pipes can get clogged.
Typical vendors are [http://www.groco.net/ Groco], [http://www.jabsco.com/ Jabsco] (includes Par], [http://www.lavac.com/ Blake Lavac], [http://www.raritaneng.com/ Raritan] and [http://www.wilcoxcrittenden.com/ Wilcox Crittenden](now [http://www.thetford.com/ Thetford]).
=== Electric Head ===
An electric head uses an electrical pump, operated by a switch. Electric heads obviously impose a demand on the electrical system. They are moderately difficult to install. Typically they also macerate solid waste, reducing the possibility of clogged pipes. They are easy to use, and can be fitted with a manual pump for backup.
The chief disadvantage of electric heads is that users may not know if the flush is complete to the holding tank. So they either flush too little, leaving waste in the pipes, or flush too much, using excessive water. Macerating heads require more water to flush than any other type of head – as much as three gallons for solids. Typical vendors are[http: //www.headhunterinc.com/ Headhunter [10], Jabsco [7http://www.jabsco.com/ Jabsco] (includes Par], Lavac [8http://www.lavac.com/ Blake Lavac], Raritan [3http://www.raritaneng.com/ Raritan], Tecma [11http://www.tecma.net/nautica/accessori/ Tecma], Vetus [12http://www.vetus.com/frame-cat.htm Vetus] and [http://www.wilcoxcrittenden.com/ Wilcox Crittenden ] (now [9http://www.thetford.com/ Thetford]).
=== Vacuum Flush ===
There are only two vacuum flush systems on the market: Dometic’s electric SeaLand VacuFlush [13] and Lavac’s manual or electric Zenith [8]. The VacuFlush uses an electric pump to create a vacuum in the system. When a lever is operated, the vacuum sucks the sewage into the holding tank. It uses pressurized fresh water, and only uses 1-3 pints per flush. It requires very little preventative maintenance. Because it uses the onboard water supply, it is subject to ABYC standard H-23, <i>Installation of Potable Water System</i>.
Marine bidets are available from Dometic [13http://www.sealandtechnology.com/ Dometic Corporation], Headhunter [10http://www.headhunterinc.com/ Headhunter] , and [http://www.tecma.net/nautica/accessori/ Tecma ] (Silence, Sarinautico) [11].
== Pumps ==