Forum Discussion

J-Rooster's avatar
J-Rooster
Explorer
Sep 01, 2016

Toilet Seal

I have a question for all of you who had minor toilet seal problems. My toilet seal is leaking water at a very slow rate. Even though it won't hold freshwater inside the bowl there is absolutely no foul smells coming into the bathroom whatsoever! This has been going on for years now with no problems. My question to you is there something that I can use to swell the toilet bowl seal so it won't leak.
  • Matt_Colie wrote:
    Rooster,

    As an Ex-engineer with Thetford, I will tell you that there is a good possibility that the seal system has been fouled by calcium papitate. Just a little CLR (easier to get than most acids) and that may do it by itself.

    Matt
    Thanks, Matt I'll give it a try!
  • JnJnKatiebug wrote:
    Mineral oil. Been using it for years. Just pour a small amount in the bowl when you are not using the RV. Keeps your seals working good and also will keep your dump valves working smooth. Take a teaspoon and it will keep you smooth as well.
    J&J, Thanks, I'll try it first!
  • CG Dawson wrote:
    There is a seal product avail, can't think of the name but made by Thetford I get it at Camping World. It really works!
    Thanks, Greg I'll look for it on the next trip to CW. Shouldn't be hard to find!
  • usersmanual wrote:
    Matt_Colie wrote:
    Rooster,

    As an Ex-engineer with Thetford, I will tell you that there is a good possibility that the seal system has been fouled by calcium papitate. Just a little CLR (easier to get than most acids) and that may do it by itself.

    Matt

    mine will leak and its not any calcium. I use vasoline as a lube and when sitting all summer I use cooking oil.Just pour a little around the seal and fill bowel with water. holds all summer long
    Interesting post?
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Matt_Colie wrote:
    Rooster,

    As an Ex-engineer with Thetford, I will tell you that there is a good possibility that the seal system has been fouled by calcium papitate. Just a little CLR (easier to get than most acids) and that may do it by itself.

    Matt
    . How old is your toilet? After trying the things other suggested with no luck I removed the toilet and took it apart, what I found was this mineral buildup that had to be scraped of with a putty knife. I could not see how to replace my seal and even if I could it still would not have sealed do to this deposit. My Thetford is 20 years old so I guess it takes awhile for this to build up. It still seals fine with the original seal.
  • It's fairly easy to replace the seal and have it function like new. That is what Irecommend after trying all the tricks mentioned here. You can find you tubes on how to do it.
  • tjfogelberg wrote:
    It's fairly easy to replace the seal and have it function like new. That is what Irecommend after trying all the tricks mentioned here. You can find you tubes on how to do it.

    depends on brand and model on my sealand electric its not a 15 minute job by any means