Toilet valve

[JerryKatt]

My 1997 era Thetford toilet no longer holds water in the bowl. I have cleaned the groove that the valve slides into to no avail. What looks like an o ring from the top is apparently a $195 valve assembly. Am I missing something here?

[SUMDALUS]

Jerry,

I don't want to seem impolite, cruel, or down right natsy, but it is time to buy a new toilet!

14 years is way beyond what is considered to be safe and sanitary use of an RV toilet. Get a flashlight and open the valve. Now look past the valve, down into the bottom of the toilet (toward the floor flange). The inside of the lower toilet used to be white (or parchment) like the outside. What you will more than likely see is a layer of thick "brown," almost glossy looking, sludge growing on the inside of the toilet, around the flange opening, and in the tube of the holding tank. Two guesses what that is. And I guarantee you, it is not healthy!

I replace my toilet every three years. No matter what I've tried, I cannot keep the sludge from growing. And it is a brutal mess to just clean the tube to the holding tank.

Besides, a new toilet costs a little more than a new valve assembly. I think your health is worth the money.

[4Knights]

Disagree completely, ours is a 1994 and still works great! No sludge build up and holds water. Search for threads on the forums, many discussions about replacing the seal or the whole thing. Lots of water is the key to keeping it working.
Obviously your choice to fix or replace, you can get a replacement for as little as $125.00 or just the seal for $8.00.

[J Walker]

You can replace the entire toilet for about $200, so don't spend $195 for a part. If the O ring is not damaged perhaps some grease will restore it to sealing. If you want to replace the O ring that would be ideal, assuming you can get access to it. Take the O ring to a parts place and see if they have one. I did a repair on my Thetford water valve which was leaking. I was about to buy a new valve for about $25 but noticed that an O ring was badly worn. I took my assortment of O rings and matched it and and fixed the valve for "free". Only my labor was required and it wasn't much at that. The O ring for the flush valve would be a large diameter so matching it might be a bigger challenge. I doubt that Thetford will sell you an O ring.

[Jackm]

Quote:

The inside of the lower toilet used to be white (or parchment) like the outside. What you will more than likely see is a layer of thick "brown," almost glossy looking, sludge growing on the inside of the toilet, around the flange opening, and in the tube of the holding tank. Two guesses what that is. And I guarantee you, it is not healthy!

In actuality, the discoloration that occurs inside the pipe is not a threat to the health or safety of anyone. PVC is subject to severe staining, even from gray water. The decision to replace or repair a toilet (or anything for that matter) in our motorhome is normally based on financial considerations. Since you can get a new toilet for less than $150, any repair approaching that sum might not make much sense. We're upgrading our 8 year old Sealand Traveler with a Dometic 310 because the Sealand has a leak that cannot be fixed. As for its appearance under the flushing ball, it is a toilet after all.

Jack

[J Walker]

Any updates from the OP?

[Rnicfingrp]

I have a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star and my Sealand 511 toilet just today began not holding water in the bowl. I tried cleaning the rubber seal and sprayed the seal with silicone spray and it continues to leak. Is there a YouTube like video or directions as to how to repair and replace the rubber seal?

Also, where do you buy this single part?

If I remove the Clamp Ring, does the upper bowl separate from the lower bowl where the Ball is located?

Rnicfingrp

[Downsizer]

You can get great dental type tools at Quartzite for about $2-5 each to clean out the seal. It goes between the toilet and the rubber on both sides of the rubber seal... the toilet side and the "dump" side. Use plenty of water and use this tool once a month or two and you'll be fine - it just scrapes all the crude off so it seals fine again....

[Rnicfingrp]

Thank you Downsizer. I've been doing the scrub brush treatment for several days now and now the bowl is holding water most of the time. I'll continue this for a few more days and see what happens.

My other question was: Is there any videos on how to replace this seal???

Rnicfingrp

[RVhauler]

Check Camping World for parts. Most replacement parts on hand. If you don't have a parts breakdown believe they can furnish that also or go online to mfg. A table fork with one tine bent 90 degrees makes a good tool for cleaning the Sealand bowl seal. Caution- drill a hole in the handle and run a loop of cord to put over your hand, Don;t even think of dropping the tool into your tank.

[Rnicfingrp]

The seal continues to slooooowly leak water. I'm in GS Alabama and the local CW is out of the seal kit. I'll order online and replace when I return to TX.

Is there any online videos that illustrate how to change the seal?

Rnicfingrp

[BZam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rnicfingrp The seal continues to slooooowly leak water. I'm in GS Alabama and the local CW is out of the seal kit. I'll order online and replace when I return to TX. Is there any online videos that illustrate how to change the seal? Rnicfingrp

Yes, just search youtube and there are 3 or 3 good ones.