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StateofConfusio's avatar
Jun 30, 2015

HELP! Thetford RV Toilet Question

Hi Everyone!

I am new to RVing and desperately need help with the toilet in my travel trailer (literally this is the first week in the trailer). I am not mechanically inclined so please, if you offer advice, tell me in simple terms, lol!

Forest River Flagstaff Super Lite TT
Thetford Toilet with the handle in the back of the toilet

Problem

1. No water comes into the bowl at all, have to add water manually
2. HORRIBLE SMELL comes from inside the toilet as soon as you flush, and I mean like, gag you and make you want to vomit smell!

Please help!

Thanks in advance!

21 Replies

  • The good news is most of the smell will go away with enough water used when flushing. I also use some stuff for the smell like Travel Jon Waste Digester (available at Camping World and elsewhere)... but that's another debate we won't get into now. There are those who think just using enough water and timely dumping of the tanks will solve the smell... and they're right, in a perfect world. Often, my world is not perfect. Lol

    So... let's move on to the water, or lack thereof. You're hooked up to "city" water or you have tank water with the pump turned on, right? If yes, you've bled the air out of the lines? If not, turn on the highest spigott you have (probably the shower) and let run until the air stops and water flows. If you've been sucking air into your toilet line, hold the handle (or pedal, whatever you have) for a sufficient time for the air to get out. Fixed? If not, that's all I have (not knowing your trailer). Someone more familiar with your setup will need to continue. But, rest assured, the above steps will not be in vain because these steps must be taken before moving on to the next.