Community Forums

TexasTwoStep · 04-03-2017, 05:37 AM

I am having to replace (or clean) the toilet seals about every six months. Are you other full-timers having this same approximate interval.

rockintom · 04-03-2017, 07:36 AM

I don't have the Dometic but do have the Thetford. What issues are you having that you have to replace the seal (I'm assuming "bowl seal")? If it drags and the ball valve becomes stiff to move or won't hold water, it probably because you are using a caustic cleaner or using a toilet brush past the throat opening and damaging the seal. Our first Excel toilet the bowl seal lasted 3 months. I was using harsh cleaners. It ate the Teflon coating off the seal and ruined it. After that I used the Dollar store version of "Scrubby Bubbles") in the aerosol can and never had another issue. Our seal will be 6 years old on the 26th of this month and still going good. I also use Thetford seal conditioner (CW) once a month. Works good for me. HTHs rockin'

TexasTwoStep · 04-03-2017, 07:41 AM

Mine loses water and when I remove has calcium buildup. Usually clean with vinegar, apply plumbers grease and reuse for another 6 months.

drfife · 04-03-2017, 07:48 AM

I still have the original bowl seal in my '13 Excel Winslow 34IKE. We use nothing but Dawn Blue Ultra dishwashing liquid to clean the bowl and seal with a toilet brush and add 8 oz of Dawn in the bowl after black tank dump. No other chemicals, additives or cleaners used.

I did the same with our previous trailer for 10 years and never replaced the seal.

I have used a water softener for the past two years. It has decreased mineral deposits on fixtures and shower walls.

TexasTwoStep · 04-04-2017, 05:19 AM

I must have a defective ball to be damaging the seals. May replace. Thanks

drfife · 04-04-2017, 08:30 AM

Gary, that sounds like a good idea to replace the ball.

rockintom · 04-04-2017, 10:16 AM

If you had a damaged ball, there would be obvious gaulding/scratched on the sealing surface. Gaulding is caused from a lack of a smooth/slick surface. IE caustic cleaners eating the sealing surface away. Rubber on the seal and plastic of ball valve = gaulding/binding. Just sayin'!