Community Forums

LETMGROW · 07-10-2016, 04:44 PM

There is a hole in my toilet. Probably every other RV toilet has one too. I'm talking about the 1/2" or so hole under the bowl fill nozzle. I believe this is to prevent overfilling the bowl.
This hole has to lead to the black water tank so the water doesn't go onto the floor. I can't see into the hole so I don't know if there is or is not some sort of check valve in the tube or channel leading from the opening to the tank.
If there is no check valve why wouldn't fumes from the tank rise and travel throughout the camper? I read all the time about cures for smelly sewage tanks but are we really fighting a losing battle?
I have owned and used campers since 1977 and today is the first time I really looked at that hole.
Lynn

nomad95 · 07-10-2016, 06:42 PM

i was wondering the same thing on my toilet. after doing some research. i think your right about it being a overflow tube. it has a trap in it also . as long as it has water in it should be fine.

LETMGROW · 07-10-2016, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad95

i was wondering the same thing on my toilet. after doing some research. i think your right about it being a overflow tube. it has a trap in it also . as long as it has water in it should be fine.

If there is a trap in the tube wouldn't it have to be winterized along with the rest of the system?
Lynn

**CountryFit** · 07-10-2016, 09:01 PM

i planned to work on my toilet tomorrow, this came right in time. i'll have a close look.

phays · 07-11-2016, 06:33 PM

The toilet bowl seals come in two forms. One with the extra hole and one without. My toilet doesn't have the hole you are talking about so if it overflows I guess I have water all over. But, I also don't get a black tank odor. You could replace the seals with the one without the extra hole and solve the problem.

LETMGROW · 07-12-2016, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phays

The toilet bowl seals come in two forms. One with the extra hole and one without. My toilet doesn't have the hole you are talking about so if it overflows I guess I have water all over. But, I also don't get a black tank odor. You could replace the seals with the one without the extra hole and solve the problem.

I am not having an odor problem but it seems as though many folks do have.
I have found keeping the tank(s) clean is the best chance to keep odors at bay. I do use chemicals as insurance and use water softener and detergent to keep the tanks clean and the sensors functioning properly.
If someone does have a partially full black tank, the toilet valve is sealing properly and the vent is working properly there shouldn't be any odor coming from the tank. My question was could the odor be coming from that overflow hole?
Lynn

lynnmor · 07-12-2016, 07:07 AM

When I had a toilet with the overflow, I periodically filled the bowl till water ran into and replenished the trap. I wanted to replace that trap, but parts were no longer available.

My current toilet is the type that will spill over if the inlet valve is less than perfect, so I turn off the water whenever I am away.

mel s · 07-12-2016, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

If there is a trap in the tube wouldn't it have to be winterized along with the rest of the system?
Lynn

LETMGROW
My Sealand 510 toilet has 2 overflow holes near the top of the bowl.
If/when that toilet is dissembled you can see the design of the trap and why that trap does not have to be winterized.

BTW those overflow holes do not prevent an overflow if the flush valve happens to stick open.

Last Feb mine stuck for the 1st, and only, time in 20 years.
The fresh water that flowed over the top of the bowl onto the floor in less than 15 minutes caused $1,260 worth of floor damage, (of which my insurance company paid $1,010).

Mel
'96 Safari, 148k miles

lynnmor · 07-12-2016, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mel s

BTW those overflow holes do not prevent an overflow if the flush valve happens to stick open.

I would think that it would handle a trickle till the black tank eventually overflows. I'm sure that a significant flow would spill over.

The newer toilets, without an overflow, can be a serious problem if even a small grain of sand lodges in the fill valve.

mel s · 07-12-2016, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynnmor

I would think that it would handle a trickle till the black tank eventually overflows. I'm sure that a significant flow would spill over.
The newer toilets, without an overflow, can be a serious problem if even a small grain of sand lodges in the fill valve.

lynnmor
I thought the same thing.
(Unfortunately I thought wrong).
Mel
'96 Safari

Jamie65 · 07-12-2016, 10:59 AM

Some Dometic toilets have that design, talking to the factory they have changed the design, the new seal design eliminates the bypass problem. the hole in the middle seal for the overflow vent is no longer there, this is the seal in the middle of the toilet, replaced seal problem went away.

nomad95 · 07-12-2016, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LETMGROW

If there is a trap in the tube wouldn't it have to be winterized along with the rest of the system?
Lynn

If you look at the hole when you flush toilet.
The water also goes into that hole .
So if you winterize with rv antifreeze and flush toilet
It will go into trap .

LETMGROW · 07-12-2016, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad95

If you look at the hole when you flush toilet.
The water also goes into that hole .
So if you winterize with rv antifreeze and flush toilet
It will go into trap .

I use anti freeze and I did notice water runs down into the vent when the lever is pulled. I am wondering about those who blow their lines out with air and don't use anti freeze. Where does the water caught in the trap go? If it drained completely out you have that opening from the toilet base up to the opening.
My toilet is a Thetford with the lever you pull not a foot pedal.
Lynn

nomad95 · 07-12-2016, 03:24 PM

I don't know what brand mine is . It has a flush
And rinse handle on top right hand side . Just found
Out there were two levers this weekend . One inside the other . only had TT for couple of months.
I did take a q-tip and clean it out. Very dirty . I was thinking of blowing it out with some low pressure
Air from my compressor. Could be clogged .
I did put in some tank cleaner this weekend.
If it continues to smell I mite pull toilet and replace
Or pressure wash the hole thing. It does hold water
In bowl . So seal is ok.