Community Forums

stevechris · 05-30-2016, 02:29 PM

We have just installed a new toilet in our MH. We normally have it in storage between 2 and 4 weeks and then use it for from

2 to 12 weeks. The question is do we leave water in the bowl or leave the bowl dry when the coach is in storage

paz · 05-30-2016, 02:37 PM

I would definitely leave a little water in the bowl (in winter, leave a little antifreeze).

RV toilets normally have about 1/2" of water in the bottom to seal out odors. Unlike home toilets that have a water trap behind the bowl, RV toilets dump directly into the waste tank. The water seal keeps odors from the tank from getting into the RV.

Mike and Cha · 05-30-2016, 02:42 PM

I leave it empty and have absolutely no odor issues. In our climate( we live fairly close to you) the water will evaporate in a few days anyway, and will leave an ugly ring after repeatedly doing this. The real seal is the part that opens/closes when you flush and the water does not keep odors from rising.

Jeffcarp · 05-30-2016, 02:53 PM

Leaving the tank dry or putting antifreeze in it can dry out the gasket that is around the flapper at the bottom of the tank. That seal is what keeps the water in the tank and seals the odors. If I'm leaving the tank set for a month or more than I put a toilet seal lubricant and conditioner in the tank. This product is a little thicker than the aloe gel that you put on a sunburn for comparison. You will know if your gasket is dry or sticking if you release the foot pedal and the gasket doesn't completely closed or doesn't close quickly.

The lubricant that I'm familiar with comes in a bottle by Thetford and I buy it on Amazon for about $10 and I believe it handles three treatments.

Mr_D · 05-30-2016, 02:56 PM

Yep, keep water in it at all times. I did that with our last Dutch Star and after 13 years the toilet was still holding water and never been repaired.

twogypsies · 05-30-2016, 04:09 PM

To avoid evaporation of the water left in the bowl, put a couple dabs of Vasoline on the rim and then cover the bowl with saran. The water stays in there. This is an Arizona trick.

azpete · 05-30-2016, 04:15 PM

in arizonas dry climate, the water is gone in two days. i use mineral oil. an oz or two keeps the seal lubricated, and no odor.

Old-Biscuit · 05-30-2016, 04:19 PM

Water in toilet bowl IS what prevents odors from black tank coming back into RV

Residential toilets have a built in 'P' trap.......and you can see the water left in bowl after flush.
RV gravity toilets do not have that 'P' trap.......but after flushing a small amount of water flows into bowl to provide the 'vapor barrier' . THat water comes for the vacuum breaker
RV macerator toilets have a 'P' trap do to routing of discharge hose
RV Vacuum toilets do not require it as all stuff is sucked out.

If you have a gravity toilet.....water should be in toilet for a vapor barrier

'twogypsies' trick works

MSHappyCampers · 05-31-2016, 10:29 AM

As others have said, I would leave a little water in the bowl so the seal doesn't dry out! In fact, we leave quite a bit in there just in case there is a slow leak!