On the road and not anxious to get into any big jobs and will have a hard time finding a gasket right now. I would like to know if anyone knows of a temporary fix to help the situation. I have found that hot water seems to help expand the gasket to hold a little better but not a gteat solution. Tried soap, K-Y jelly, brake fluid and nothing seems to help. Thought about trying fan belt spray but thought that might make it worse.I will get into a permanent fix when back home.

mikestock wrote:On the road and not anxious to get into any big jobs and will have a hard time finding a gasket right now.Since water (from any source) is the worst enemy of any recreational vehicle I'd fix this properly ASAP. Sourcing the correct gasket is as simple as dropping by any nearby RV parts store with the make / model of toilet you have and asking for a replacement gasket ... replacing it is as simple as turning of the water source to the toilet, removing the two bolts holding the toilet in place, and replacing the gasket. Bolt it back in place, turn on the water, and your problem should be solved ... much better than a temporary fix that may or may not work.

Even if a local RV dealer does not have the correct part, order it and you could have it tomorrow. Depending on toilet make and model, you may not even need to turn the water off.

I would assume the OP is talking about the blade seal and not the closet flange gasket. Did you try running a small screw driver or the end of a coat hanger around the toilet channel were the blade slides into?

I assume that you are talking about the toilet bowl not holding water? If this is the case, turn off your water supply and check to see that there is not debris in the channel where the knife blade travels. After that, spray LimeAway in the bowl and on the seal to dissolve any calcium buildup. Turn water back on and check to see that water is being retained. You might have to repeat the above two steps. If the problem persists, a temporary fix would be to coat the knife blade and the seal with silicone grease (available at hardware stores) which is specifically made for plumbing applications. If you are referring to the seal under the toilet which is leaking, I agree with the above posts which state that you should repair this problem ASAP to prevent further deterioration. Hope this helps!

As I said, I am looking for temporary help. I will order a gasket when I get in a fixed location. I could run around from place to place shopping but that is not the way I want to spend a day. I know how to take out and replace the toilet. Done it before.

Toilet gasket not holding water. Need a temporary fix.

22 Replies

gkainz
Explorer
Jan 18, 2016
easiest least mess temporary fix is a ziplock sandwich bag with water in it. Place on top of blade, remove for use. Flush normally and replace.
mikestock
Explorer
Jan 16, 2016
The leak is very fast. If I keep pouring hot water in the bowl it finally swells up enough to seal a little better. This is my last night on the road and, as I said, Thedford is sending me all of the parts I need, some of them free.

I like the Seran Wrap idea. May try it in the morning.

I will work on it before I winterize again. It has to be removed and flipped over to change out the flush valve. I'll get it fixed or buy a new toilet. Never liked the way this one works anyway. Don't like toilet problems.

Thanks to all.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Jan 16, 2016
Quote:
New Dometic 300 Series.....seal can be replaced w/o disassembling toilet
Just pops out and back in thru bowl.
------------------------------------------------
So can the Thetfords blade seal be replaced w/o removing the turlet.
Just be careful to not drop it into the holding tank.
John_Joey
Explorer
Jan 16, 2016
Since you're on the road try this till you get the time to do it proper:

Vinegar water to dissolve any calcium
If that doesn't do it, try a little ATF fix to renew the seals
if that doesn't work then a little Vaseline to fill in the voids.
TenOC
Nomad
Jan 16, 2016
If the leak is slow. Simply add a little water before you go.
RVhiker
Explorer
Jan 16, 2016
You could try brake silicone grease or plumber's silicone grease (Home Depot or Lowe's); I had a leaky toilet ball seal and cleaned it as Old-Biscuit described. Then smeared silicone grease all over the sealing surface and so far it has held water.

When I cleaned the gasket, I found that it was very rough, from the build up of something. After I cleaned it, it was smoother.
mikestock
Explorer
Jan 16, 2016
Sorry to be MIA after posting original. Been on the road trying to make up for lost time.(Another issue. Had to have engine part overnight shipped to Midland, TX).

Talked to Thedford and they recommended only silicone lubricant, which didn't help. Got part being shipped, along with a malfunctioning flush valve replacement. Technician said to stop using Softscrub.

Only two more nights. Pouring hot water into the bowl seems to swell the rubber enough to seal pretty well. Will do an overhall when I get home.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jan 15, 2016
Saran wrap in bottom. Add water. Stops stink.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jan 15, 2016
Turn off water supply
Open toilet ball/blade
Using your hands clean the seal thoroughly top/bottom/sides flexing it as you clean (straight dishsoap)
Rinse seal clean
Dry with paper towels
Using your hands coat seal thoroughly with olive oil really working it in

IF seal will not hold water at that then it is torn/ripped/gouged or ball/blade has gouge

Replacement then is only fix. Sometimes a new toilet is easier.

New Dometic 300 Series.....seal can be replaced w/o disassembling toilet
Just pops out and back in thru bowl.
tomkaren13
Explorer
Jan 15, 2016
We have used some olive oil. That worked for us. Put in an empty toilet. Then it held water or a while.