A Leaking RV Toilet Is No Fun, But There Are Solutions
If you’re having issues with your RV toilet leaking, there are several things you can try. This issue can be caused by an overflow, a cracked bowl, or a leaky base. Of course, nobody wants to deal with a damaged and leaking toilet, but sometimes it’s part of the gig when you buy an RV.
You can fix some of these issues at home, while others might require help from a professional. It’s important to correctly diagnose the problem so you can work on solutions. It won’t be as much fun if you’re stuck with an inoperable toilet for your next trip. Plus, nobody wants to step in toilet water every time they enter the bathroom.
Many things can cause an RV toilet to leak, but fortunately, there are also many solutions. Some may be only temporary, but you will usually be able to do something to clean up the mess before you take it in for repair.
Identify the Source of The Leak
Before doing anything else, you need to discover the cause of the RV toilet leaking. If you can find the root of the problem, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the rest of the job. Toilets in RVs can leak from the top, the base, and the bowl, or they may simply overflow.
You can usually find the leak by watching where the water comes from. First, examine the entire toilet carefully. If there are no visible issues, try wrapping a towel around the base and letting it sit for a bit. If water begins to seep through at certain points, you may have a hairline fracture in the bowl that is not immediately visible.
Usually, you’ll be able to see if the leak is coming from the base or the upper part of the toilet. If you’re dealing with an overflow, that will be immediately apparent! Keep the source of the leak in mind as you move forward so you can pick the best course of action.
Upper toilet leak
If your toilet is leaking from the top, you probably have an issue with the float seal in the vacuum breaker. In most cases, this will only leak when you flush the toilet. This is tricky because you may not notice the problem for a while. It won’t constantly leak, but it will continue to have a problem until it is fixed.
To fix this, you’ll need to take the top off the toilet and examine the interior. If the seal has been damaged, it won’t be able to hold the water in and move it in the proper way. You can buy a replacement kit and a new float seal to replace the defective unit.
In other cases, the interior of the toilet might just need to be cleaned. If there’s a blockage somewhere, it can cause a lot of issues with draining, flushing, and leaks. Consult your RV manual or call the manufacturer for specific instructions for your case.
Toilet Base Leak
The most common source of RV toilet leaking comes from the base. There are a few different factors that can cause this problem. The flange seal is the most common culprit, but it could also be a worn-out gasket. If the internal seals around the base have cracked, this can also lead to leaks on the floor.
Base leaks often require you to drain the black tank and disconnect your toilet from water sources. You don’t want water to spill out while you examine/fix the problem! You can remove the toilet from the floor by unscrewing the bolts that connect it to the RV.
Examine the flange first and foremost. If there is a problem with it, you may notice warping, cracks and poor connections to the plumbing pipes. If there are issues, you or an RV repairer will need to replace this item.
The gasket is the next thing to check. It never hurts to replace these because they will get worn out over time. They may become thin, or dried out and cracked. Gaskets are quite cheap, so if this is the problem, it’s an easy fix. Just place a new one around the base and re-install the toilet!
You can also apply a layer of sealant/caulk to the base once everything has been put together. This substance will help bind the toilet to the floor and can seal up any cracks and leaks. It also prevents things from drying out!
Overflow Leak
If your problem is a toilet overflow, you’re probably dealing with a clog. These can be removed in a variety of ways. Common solutions include boiling water, vinegar and baking soda, dish soap, shampoo, and a variety of chemical cleaners. You can also use physical tools like a plunger or drain snake to break up any blockages in the pipes.
RV toilets can sometimes overfill with fresh water, even if there is no blockage. That’s because, unlike a conventional toilet, the water has nowhere to go as it fills up. If your toilet is filling on its own, the valve that allows water to flow in the toilet when the flush handle is opened may be defective.
Cracked bowl leak
Cracked bowls are somewhat uncommon when it comes to RV toilet leaking. However, it’s still a possibility that you should keep in mind. Some cracks will be obvious, while others are so fine that you will need help from a flashlight and a dry towel to detect them.
If you locate the crack, you can sometimes seal it up with sealant. This won’t solve the problem permanently though, so it’s usually better to just buy a new toilet bowl and install it. It’s a pretty simple fix, but you will need to pay more to implement it.
If your RV toilet is leaking, we hope that you’ll be able to fix your toilet quickly and easily with these tips!
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If it’s a Thetford throw it away, they aren’t worth the time and money to work on, replace it with a Dometic 310 they are easy to work on and a much better toilet.