Dometic Toilet leak at water input valve.

[pitt3rivers]

On our last trip out we developed a toilet water leak at the inlet valve behind Dometic toilet. With a mirror and light was able to determine the leak was from the water inlet valve and not from the PEX line going into it. Since RV manufacturers are to cheap to install shutoff valves in any toilet or sink lines, we had to shutoff the water to the whole RV and go old school and use the facilities at the campground.


Called RV dealer "Avalon RV" in Medina, Ohio to get it fixed under warranty which the first year ends in July, but of course the could not get it in until July 2, 2020 (and only because they had a cancellation that day). That's just to take pictures to send to Forest River for approval, then have to wait until July 8,9 or 10th before they can work on it! Frustrating, bur what you gonna do.


So I thought I'd try and install a PEX shutoff valve behind the toilet so we can still use the RV until the repairs are done. Was iffy, as the 1/2" PEX line in back is only 5 5/8" long. Couldn't use Shark Bite connectors as they are too long. Never worked with PEX and hate plumbing but thought what the heck try it. Ran into a gentleman at the PEX area who gave a few tips and I bought a new line (Home Depot has short lines about 12" long) and a pack of stainless clamps, PEX shutoff valve and a crimp tool ($45). That gentlemen told me not to buy the clamp removal tool, just use a screwdriver to pop the clamp teeth up at the lip (that did not work). Had to buy an End Cutter hand tool and used it to cut the tab off by twisting and cutting it. That worked and had to remove the toilet hold down bolts to get some play to disconnect the line from the nut on back off toilet to release the line. Using the new shutoff valve it was almost to long for the short distance but it did fit (See pics here). Made the line with shutoff valve in garage and connected it back in with 4 new clamps. Now we can at least use the water elsewhere in RV by shutting off water to the toilet until the dealer repairs the toilet.


The crimp tool was the most expensive piece of the whole repair, total cost about $70.

[L.C.Gray]

DIY for about $35 and have your camper to use not sit and wait in line at the shop for who knows how long.


Getting warranty work done on small stuff is more trouble than the warranty is worth.