Toilet bowl question

[Bill-N-Donna]

Ok, I know this has been discussed before because I read it. I even tried to search the subject using the word “Toilet” with “0” results. I even clicked on the archive box to boot.

Anyway, the seal isn’t working anymore and the water is running out instead of holding a little water in the bowl like it should. This is causing an odor inside the camper. The toilet is only about 2 years old and I wouldn’t think it should be doing that. I was wondering if there is something that will work on the seal to soften it up such as Vaseline or something else that will get it working again properly.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

On Edit: It is more like 3 years old!

[PapaBeav]

We had this problem and it turned out that I was releasing the foot pedal to slowly and it wasn't completely sealing. So now we release the foot pedal a little harder and it seems to be holding the water.

[8.1al]

Rich has the right idea, let it slam shut once in a while

[bncinwv]

Depending on the toilet type, there may be a screw on the back of the bowl that tightens a band that surrounds the flush ball area. When ours leaked, we tightened this screw and it stopped the leaking. The foot-slam approach has been used since the tightening and we have had no problems since.
Bingo

[footloose]

Also, there might be some toilet paper stuck where it closes. We were having that problem this week and I pushed the toilet brush down and swiveled it around. It is working now. Just a thought . . .
Sharon

[Bill-N-Donna]

It has been leaking for a while but when it leaks it has been leaking quite fast. You can watch the water drain out in less than a minute. I looked for debris on the seal and I couldn’t find anything and tried the slamming method without any success. So I put some Vaseline on the seal and worked the lever a few times and this seems to have helped. It slowed the leak way down and it will hold water now. However, I think it is still leaking slowly so I’ll watch it for a while and see. The only other thing I know of is to replace the seal which requires the toilet to be removed to get to the seal from underneath.

[exav8tr]

Bill, I replaced my seal after about two years. It was not holding water either even with the foot slamming method. It is not a difficult replacement at all, It also gives you a chance to thoroughly clean the thing....I think Dometic sent me a seal for gratis......

[scductman]

Bill I just had to take mine apart this pass week. it was doing the same thing as yours. I changed my seal a couple of years ago and Phil is right dometic sent me one for free. This time I took it apart and cleaned it and rotated it 90 degrees. something had gotten in it and it had a bump in it where it closed at that would let the water out quick. Cleaned and greased with with food grade grease and it works perfect now.
bobby

[Bill-N-Donna]

The problem is now fixed!
After contacting different RV parts stores, I couldn’t get what I needed without ordering it and after taking the part in, I was told I couldn’t get just the seal. I had taken the toilet apart and cleaned everything really well and put it back together and it still wouldn’t hold water. After looking at the slide assembly I came to the conclusion that the seal itself may not have solved the problem. To make a long story short, I went ahead and bought a new toilet, problem solved! Sometimes it’s just easier to bite the bullet than trying to fix things.

[bncinwv]

Following that line of reasoning then I assume that if you are ever subjected to a flat tire on the rig, that we will see you pulling a shiny new 2011 model Montana???
Bingo

[Bill-N-Donna]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

Following that line of reasoning then I assume that if you are ever subjected to a flat tire on the rig, that we will see you pulling a shiny new 2011 model Montana???
Bingo

I doubt that because I would probably have to order it!
On Edit: I did take a quick look at my tires...

[exav8tr]

Bill, That works too!!!!

[5ER]

This must be a common problem as I also have a toilet that won't hold water. I didn't have this problem on my older fifth wheel that was a plastic bowl.

[Bill-N-Donna]

I have the Thetford brand and the one I had trouble with was the “Bravura” model. I switched and I’m trying the “Aqua-Magic” model this time, also made by Thetford. It appears to me that the slide on the Bravura brand won’t keep enough tension against the gasket for whatever reason, whether its just wore out or what, I don’t know but the “Aqua-Magic” appears to place some pressure against the seal in somewhat of an upward push as it closes; that’s just my observation.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I use the cocconut oil suff CW ells for the seals. works for me.

[sailer]

Put some vaseline on the rubber seal ..use rubber gloves and it should be good for 2 more years ..sailer

[D Lefevre]

We have a 2008 3400 and the orignal toliet would not hold water after about 6 months of use, we replaced the seal twice still wouldn't hold water. We replaced with a Auqa-magic II, HOLDS NOW. Come to find out it wasn't the seals that was the problem.

[grampachet]

I finally fixed mine. I tried Pam, Silicone rubber slide lube and the snapping it closed. The snapping it closed was not well accepted during the "wee" hours of the morning!" I totally disassembled the whole unit and found that the black shaft on pedal side of the unit (the shaft that is connected to the half round valve that closes the big hole) was over-sized. This shaft was such a tight fit and was binding and not allowing the valve to close unless it was snapped closed. After much cleaning I removed the two "O" rings and put the shaft in my drill and with a fine sand paper sanded the shaft to a smaller size. I lubed it liberally with Vaseline and now it works so very smooth and no leaks. DW is much happier and sleeps better too.

This was posted in Sept 09 under "Toilet stopper not stopping" along with many other solutions to the problem.