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rovobay's avatar
rovobay
Explorer
Jun 24, 2013

HELP Leaking toilet

Had the trailer out for the first time in 8 months. all appeared to be going smoothly until I notice water leaking behind the toilet. it is very tight back there, and I am not sure exactly where it is coming from.

How do I get my toilet apart to look at it?

It is a Thetford Aqua Magic SH

with my hand I blindly followed the supply line and it is not leaking from there, but fairly close to it. So what I was doing was turning of the pump when not in use and the leaking stopped for the most part unless there was built up pressure in the lines.

Thinking it is a water valve.... thoughts please.
  • wilco wrote:
    My leak was the valve. $50 bucks from CW for an incredibly "modest" looking plastic replacement. Had to remove the whole toilet to get adequate access.

    One of those "character-building" RV days. Start by stepping into a puddle of ice-cold water at 6AM. Spend the morning looking for what ends up being an incredibly expensive (for what it is) plastic part. Spend the afternoon disassembling the one system in the RV you really never wanted to deal with! But, end the day with a satisfying flush!


    Sounds like I did not get all the water out of that valve in the toilet. I still haven't had a chance to drive out to where I store the trailer to look at it... (30 minutes away). maybe this winter I will disconnect the water line into the toilet and blow air into it.

    Lucky I did find the part on amazon for $28, if this is the actual fault and not just a loose supply line or something.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Using the shower head to flush with is really a great idea. I always learn something here!

    You're right about the dear price of that cheaply made part. Doesn't even have a stainless shaft, so rust can get right to work on the sealing surface.

    Let me share something I heard here: Be sure to WINTERIZE the Flush Valve! If it gets put away full of water the freezeing can crack it.
  • My leak was the valve. $50 bucks from CW for an incredibly "modest" looking plastic replacement. Had to remove the whole toilet to get adequate access.

    One of those "character-building" RV days. Start by stepping into a puddle of ice-cold water at 6AM. Spend the morning looking for what ends up being an incredibly expensive (for what it is) plastic part. Spend the afternoon disassembling the one system in the RV you really never wanted to deal with! But, end the day with a satisfying flush!
  • Chuck&Gail wrote:
    One point just in case. I assume you are using a pressure regulator between CG water supply and input hose, right?


    I am not hooked up to "city" water, just from my fresh water tank. and if I do, yes, I use a pressure regulator. THANKS!
  • I have the Aqua Magic V hand flush model. Found water on the floor behind the toilet. Was dripping down the water tubing. Turned out the flush valve has worn out and leaking through the stem assembly. I have bought replacement parts but will need to unbolt the toilet from the floor to replace the valve. The valve sits in slots and slides out toward the wall, but I need an extra 2 inches to remove the valve. I also bought a flange seal and the tubing and nozzle that connects to the valve outlet and toilet rim. Will probably replace it this weekend. I have a shut off valve in my line going to the toilet, toilet sprayer and accumulator tank so I was able to stop the leak. I've been using the shower wand to flush and rinse until I have time to replace the parts.
  • One point just in case. I assume you are using a pressure regulator between CG water supply and input hose, right?
  • Beverley&Ken wrote:
    Our Thetford Bravura model is held to the floor with 2 nuts/bolts, one each side at the base of the toilet. Ours are covered by plastic caps, some models may have a snap on cover to hide them.
    Just undo the bolts and lift the toilet and turn sideways to see the valve mechanism at the back of the toilet, the plastic water lines should be flexible enough. Ours was leaking from a split/crack in the water valve (about $50 at our local RV store. Also replace the wax or foam seal ($2-3 part) were the toilet seats to the pipe going to the black tank. Almost all toilets, stick house or RV are held to the floor with the two bolts held to a toilet flange screwed to floor and sealed to plumbing pipe.

    Beverley and Ken


    Yeah, newer generation a little easier to remove/install. these bolts are hidden pretty well. I'm pretty handy so it shouldn't take too many swear words!

    I better get the toilet off and see if I have a split valve or loose line somewhere!
  • Our Thetford Bravura model is held to the floor with 2 nuts/bolts, one each side at the base of the toilet. Ours are covered by plastic caps, some models may have a snap on cover to hide them.
    Just undo the bolts and lift the toilet and turn sideways to see the valve mechanism at the back of the toilet, the plastic water lines should be flexible enough. Ours was leaking from a split/crack in the water valve (about $50 at our local RV store. Also replace the wax or foam seal ($2-3 part) were the toilet seats to the pipe going to the black tank. Almost all toilets, stick house or RV are held to the floor with the two bolts held to a toilet flange screwed to floor and sealed to plumbing pipe.

    Beverley and Ken
  • Interesting.... I tried to reach back and hand tighten the supply line and it was tight, I could feel the water leaking further up from the supply line. I guess I need to take the toilet off and turn it over and inspect it before I start buying parts.

    I was also thinking that I should add some dyed water into the bowl and see if colored water leaks out the back to help eliminate bowl seals.....

    looks like a pain to take off the toilet bowl. 2 nuts hidden inside the toilet. see manual. owners manual link
  • Loose hose clamp. At least that is where mine was this spring.

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