Thetford blade ball seal replacement

[KarenEK]

Toilet no longer holds water. Looks like I need to replace the blade/ball seal on our Aqua Magic Style toilet. Has anyone done this? How hard is it? Any special tools required? Any info would be helpful.

KarenEK

[Ray,IN]

Before tying into this replacing parts, try something else. Get an old stiff toilet brush, the kind with stiff wire holding the bristles that can be bent to different shapes that will fit into and under the opening. Tie a cord onto the brush and around your wrist in case you lose your grip. While holding the pedal down brush the ring, using a commode cleaner. After cleaning the sealing ring, underneath too, make sure the ball/blade edge is smooth and free from anything that can disturb the seal.
This may not work, but doesn't cost anything. If it doesn't, then you can begin spending money.

[BigSkyBob]

A liberal (unintentional political term) coating of silicone makes my ball seal for about 2 weeks, then I clean and do it again.

[KarenEK]

Tks Bigsky,
What type of silicone do you use? I have tried to use thework dry silicine spray kind , but it did not work.

TIA

KarenEK

[Ray,IN]

Karen silicone grease is available in a squeeze tube, like toothpaste. It will last much longer than a spray.

[Wayne M]

I use Vaseline.

[BigSkyBob]

Ray's suggestion of silicone grease is probably better than the spray I use, but both will work well.

[Ottawa]

If you have to replace the valve it is probably better to replace the whole toilet. I had my done a couple of years ago, and the only reason I did it, was that it was covered by insurance.

[Max Hubrich]

I have a porcelain Sealand. Mine was not holding water also. About 3 years ago I called the manufacturer and got the number of a supplier for the ball seal. It took a little time but it wasn't a hard job removing the toilet to replace it. Never had another problem with it. I ocassionally use the stiff toilet brush to clean the opening where the ball seats.

Good luck,

[paz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarenEK Tks Bigsky, What type of silicone do you use? I have tried to use thework dry silicine spray kind , but it did not work. TIA KarenEK

Silicone plumber's grease is available in hardware and home improvement stores in the plumbing department. I have seen it in flat, plastic containers about 2" diameter. It is typically used to lubricate O-rings in faucets and other plumbing assemblies.

[KarenEK]

Hello,
Just got back from ACE Hardware with the silicone grease. Will try it over teh next several days, but I have also ordered a new seal as a contingency plan.

TKS

Peter K

[DSouthw524]

You will not have too much problem with replacement based on the the couple of ones I have had to repair. I assume that you are smart enough to shut off the water prior to beginning and I suggest that you look for the instructions for your model and read them prior to begining.