Commode not holding water

[ferndaleflyer]

This past week end the commode stopped holding water. I am far from a plumber but it seems to have a rubber seal that is not sealing. How hard is this to fix?????

[Matt_Colie]

Before you do anything else, try the vinegar. It that sort of helps then use some muriatic acid or LCR like stuff. That may work because the typical fouling is calcium papitate.

Then again, you may have to get in there and really clean it or replace the seal, but they the easy stuff first.

Matt - once a Thetford engineer

[is_it_friday_ye]

This is what mine looks like closed. When you push down on the pedal, it moves back towards you to open and flush.

[2oldman]

Provide the make/model and we'll find a kit for you. Seem to be getting a lot of these posts lately.

It may be easier to replace the entire commode. If it's a few years old it may be time anyway.

[ferndaleflyer]

Guess I need to go see what kind it is----looks like a "ball" that rotates when I push the pedal down and a rubber seal? around the outside ring. That make any sense????

[is_it_friday_ye]

I just did this about 10 minutes ago. My valve wouldn't close all the way everytime and just last week, it got stuck open. I applied plumbers grease around the opening being sure to get it into the grove wearing a glove of course. I hope it works. It was cheap anyway. $1.97

[bshpilot]

I had this problem (after letting my seal get dry, from not having some water sit on it).
Thetford makes a product to "renew" the seal - worked great on my "blade" style toilet.

[midnightsadie]

get a old tooth brush,some real soapy mixed water ,and clean the seal have some one hold the gate open, after your done, put some water in the bowl see if it holds water. you don,t need a plumber just gotta be willing to get a little dirty. nice long pair rubber gloves is a good idea.

[donn0128]

What brand toilet? Mine started doing that yesterday. New gasket kit on order. Five minute fix with parts.

[tjfogelberg]

Try using white vinegar to clean the bowl. Or hot water to "soften" the rubber seal and get it working again. If these tricks don't work, take it in for service as this is a job I don't recommend doing at home. 😉