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Old 10-03-2018, 06:34 PM   #1
vipermanden
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Toilet does not hold water in bowl plus smell?

I'm thinking there must be a small air leak in the toilet drain going to the black tank, because the toilet bowl does not hold water in it any more, and when we use the fireplace which is right on the wall behind the toilet, we are starting to smell a slight sewer smell because of the fan drawing air where it can get it, so if there is a slight air gap going to the black tank below the floor I'm thinking the fireplace is sucking air and bringing it up? Would it just be the gasket on the toilet bowl ball that rotates when flushing, or is it maybe where the toilet connects to the black tank? It is not a real bad smell yet, but we noticed it recently. We don't smell any bad smells in the cabin areas otherwise? Is this something I can fix, or is it time to call the RV mobile repair guys since we are traveling right now.
 
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Old 10-03-2018, 07:12 PM   #2
PNW Fireguy
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Do you have the Thetford OEM toilet? If it is, it sounds like a great tome to swap for a Dometic 310 or 320.
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Old 10-03-2018, 07:36 PM   #3
vipermanden
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The toilet works fine, and we are on a 9 week trip, so if i can just replace a gasket, or tighten a fitting, I'm good with that for now.
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Old 10-03-2018, 07:43 PM   #4
Butch & Kathy
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It sounds like the problem is the toilet seal on the ball in the bottom of the bowl. Try cleaning and pet some silicone lube on it. If that does not solve the issue replace the seal.
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Old 10-03-2018, 08:42 PM   #5
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The toilet works fine, and we are on a 9 week trip, so if i can just replace a gasket, or tighten a fitting, I'm good with that for now.
Try applying Vaseline jelly on the bowl gasket.
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Old 10-03-2018, 09:23 PM   #6
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Take an old toothbrush and run it around the black gasket on the ball drain of the stool where it touches half ball that closes over the hole. Just make sure you do the cleaning both on top of the gasket and under the gasket. Once you think you have it clean try and see if it holds water then. Let the ball snap back into place not letting it back slowly. If not. take that toothbrush and put some Vaseline or plumbers grease on the toothbrush and lube the gasket. I have to do it to mine every so often because I'm to cheap to go and buy a Dometic 310 or 320 toilet. LOL
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Old 10-03-2018, 11:13 PM   #7
twindman
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I HAVE a Dometic 320 and mine does the same thing. Gradually got worse over summer to where it started leaking after 12 hours or so. They sent me a new gasket under warranty but I haven't used it yet since I live in AZ and don't travel when the weather is good here.
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:29 AM   #8
vipermanden
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I am assuming I have the OEM Thetford toilet. Where would I get the correct gasket to replace if I need to? Would Camping world stores have it? I'm sure we will be near one in our travels? Is it hard to replace, or does it just push into place?
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:42 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by vipermanden View Post
The toilet works fine, and we are on a 9 week trip, so if i can just replace a gasket, or tighten a fitting, I'm good with that for now.
Actually if the seal isn't holding water it is not "working fine" as the water is what completes the seal and keeps odors from coming back into the camper.I see your Montana is soon going on the market. Having a 310 or 320 already installed could be an asset.
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Old 10-04-2018, 07:41 AM   #10
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Try some "The Works" in the bowl let it sit for a while.
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Old 10-04-2018, 10:24 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by twindman View Post
I HAVE a Dometic 320 and mine does the same thing. Gradually got worse over summer to where it started leaking after 12 hours or so. They sent me a new gasket under warranty but I haven't used it yet since I live in AZ and don't travel when the weather is good here.
Both the Dometic 310 and 320 have a seal which needs periodic cleaning to keep it from leaking. Once a year or so clean it to remove any "junk" on the bottom side. It pops out very easily and reinstall is also easy but you do have to take care to get it positioned in the groove properly. Here is a video on the cleaning process.


Note the valve is only open long enough to grasp the seal and pull it out. Replace it with ball closed to avoid dropping it somewhere bad.
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Old 10-04-2018, 11:58 AM   #12
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Great video Carl. Thanks for sharing.
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Old 10-04-2018, 12:07 PM   #13
twindman
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Carl, I have done all that. Early summer after cleaning it would be good for 5-7 days. By the end of summer it was only a day or less. And I removed it and cleaned it the last time too. Hopefully the new gasket takes care of things.
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Old 10-04-2018, 12:36 PM   #14
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I have to pull the flush pedal up on my T-ford to seal and hold water …
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Old 10-04-2018, 01:21 PM   #15
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I have to pull the flush pedal up on my T-ford to seal and hold water …

Thats how mine was until i ended up with a flooded camper in the morning. time to change it.
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Old 10-04-2018, 05:42 PM   #16
vipermanden
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Rondo is a genius! I took my toothbrush before I brushed my teeth this morning, and cleaned vigorously both top and bottom of that rubber o-ring on the ball seal, and some plastic type junk ended up on my toothbrush! I know exactly what it is, and will change my way of putting the deodorant packets in the toilet from now on. I used to let them totally disintegrate before flushing the water down, and the plastic sack would be slimy and get stuck etc. so now I only let it start dispersing and flush it down before the plastic can get stuck on the seal. So after cleaning the seal with my toothbrush, it held water all day! Woo-Hoo! Now what to do when I want to brush my teeth tonight? :-) Just kidding, I brought new extra tooth brushes!. But thanks Rondo, that did the trick, without using any lubes etc.!!
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Old 10-04-2018, 10:34 PM   #17
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I you used Happy Camper you wouldn't have that problem with the bag!
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Old 10-05-2018, 10:57 AM   #18
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I just swapped my Thetford with a dometic. My Thetford started to leak, after hearing about problems others had I just decided to replace toilet instead of fixing the seals glad I did the dometic is a much better built toilet. I was surprised by how different they where.
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Old 10-10-2018, 04:26 PM   #19
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We had the same problem with our toilet that had a ball valve but this should work for the flat gate valve. The only danger is cutting off your fingers should the valve close while you are working. First, turn off the water. Next open the valve and spread silicone grease everywhere that the gate or ball valve touches. Then close the valve spread more silicone over the entire surface of the valve. Be extremely generous with the grease (not the spray). Exercise the valve and test to see if the toilet holds water overnight. If not repeat, and be more generous. Once we did this we have to do it yearly. Silicone grease is available on Amazon. The cheap stuff works as good as the expensive.
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Old 10-10-2018, 05:02 PM   #20
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Lots of possibilities but start with the easy stuff. Use a household toilet brush to thoroughly clean the top and bottom of the rubber seal in the toilet. Sometimes debris can keep it from sealing properly and the water will drain out. If that fails, inspect the seal for cracks where it meets the valve. Also, make sure the seal is properly centered. If the bolts securing the top half of the toilet are not snug, the top half can shift and prevent the seal from doing its job. The suggestion from cliff above is good too.
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