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Boddhisattvha's avatar
Boddhisattvha
Explorer
Aug 31, 2013

Advice/tips on changing a toilet? Grey water drain cleaners?

Hey everyone,
I have a two fold question. My first question is about replacing a toilet. I have a 19 ft Hi Lo from 1985 that I am about to swap out the original toilet for a new one. In fact I'm installing this toilet.

I've changed many a toilet in a standard home and I'm wondering if there are any differences? For example do I need a wax seal? If so is it a special wax seal or the standard will work?

Also does anyone know what the grey semi flexible piping is called? The entire trailer is plumbed with it and I need to make some changes to it so I can install the new toilet. The flush pedal is on the opposite side on my new toilet.

It appears really straight forward but past experience has taught me that with RV's it rarely is as it appears.

Second question is about using drain cleaners for my grey water lines. My local hardware store has a formaldehyde free drain cleaner for septic systems that uses only natural enzymes. It says it's safe on any surface that isn't harmed by water. Anyone have any experience with this? I'm just trying to avoid having to special order the drain cleaner and pay shipping on it.
Thanks in advance!

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  • Boddhisattvha's avatar
    Boddhisattvha
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2013
    Thanks for the response. I actually found this videothat pretty much told me just about everything I need to know.

    My issue with the grey lines is that the sink in the kitchen is draining pretty slow so I think I've got some build up. I'm not concerned with the tanks themselves, just the lines.

    And do you know what the lines are made of? They aren't pvc, cpvc, or abs.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 31, 2013
    Toilet.......

    Turn off water supply
    Disconnect water line to toilet
    Remove the hold down bolts (just like residential)
    Remove toilet

    Clean floor flange....install gasket that comes with new toilet
    Set toilet
    Tighten hold down bolts......snug, just enough to compress gasket and so toilet is solid
    Hook up water supply (NOW is a good time to install a shut off valve)
    Turn on water and check for leaks/toilet operation

    As for the grey tank (and black tank) cleaners........unless tanks are really dirty with crud built up FORGET about all them chemicals, deodorizers, enzymes etc. The tanks are HOLDING tanks not septic tanks.
    Dump them when they are full (almost full---higher the level the better)
    Rinse/flush
    Add couple gallons back into tank after dumping----keeps tank bottom wet so crud doesn't build up/dry out and STINK

    Water is the only chemical you really need.

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