Thetford Toilet Problem

[wyocowboy00]

I looked through the forum to see if anyone else has had this problem and couldn't find anyone who reported this particular problem. I have a Thetford Aqua-Magic V toilet in my 2013 AF 992 camper. When I began to flush & sanitize the water system this spring, I heard the sound of air and gurgling water behind the toilet when I turned the pump on. I saw a little bit of water on the floor behind the toilet, so I shut the pump off immediately and wiped the water up with a rag and sponge. Upon investigating where it was coming from, I saw that the water supply line was a little loose and the entire fitting of the Water Module (this is the water valve that is fastened to the back top of the toilet) came off when I pulled on it just a little bit. It is the black fitting that the water line connects to. The top of this fitting is cemented to the water module valve and the inside of this fitting has a ¼ inch hole for the water supply to the toilet. I'm not sure if this fitting was cracked during installation or if it froze during the winter and broke (I suspect it was the latter or maybe a combination of both). After digging out all the information I could find on the toilet, I found a short 2 paragraph blurb about winterizing the toilet. It says to disconnect the water line and completely drain it. That allows the water to drain out of the fitting on the water module valve with the tiny ¼ inch hole in it. It evidently doesn't always get enough antifreeze in that fitting to insure it doesn't freeze. Sure wish I would have read that before I had this problem. It now looks like I have to order a new Water Module Kit and replace it because of the broken fitting. I hope I have helped keep someone else from having this problem.

[wyocowboy00]

Thanks to everyone. I have ordered a new water module kit (it includes the floor seal).

[mobeewan]

You might want to make sure the valve has enough clearance to remove it before ordering you may need to order a new floor mounting seal too.

The valve slides out and the new one slides in for replacement. I have a slight dribble from mine due to a leaky seal in the valve. I tried to slide it out but it hit the wall before completely sliding out. That riquires removal of the toilet from the floor in order to completely remove the valve. I've got all the parts but haven't had time to do replace it yet.

I can't remember if the floor seal came with the replacement valve.

[Matt_Colie]

This is an issue that Thetford has known about all along and with most of the pots that they market. Parts are available, but they are very proud of them. It is usually cheaper than replacing. It is a PITA to remover and service and reinstall the pot. This is why I always blow the system clear and only use antifreeze in the drains.

Matt

[j-d]

Thetford can provide parts. Look them up there, then shop around before you actually order from them. You may get it cheaper/quicker from eBay or Amazon, let alone others.

We have the AquaMagic IV. I believe it's the cheapest toilet Thetford (maybe anybody!) offers, hand flush. It may be a crappy crapper, but it's worked since 2002 with zero problems. The floor around it rotted, but it was a loose supply line, not a fault in the toilet itself.

The valve that flushes it can wear, has a steel shaft that can rust. Both can cause it to leak. BUT! if that valve isn't winterized by draining or with AF, the freeze will crack it. That's not urban legend, it happens.

I mounted ours on a "Pedestal" that gets it up to true "chair height." Also found that a plastic shutoff valve (with SharkBite style connections) from Lowe's made up for the height of the pedestal. One cut, installed pedestal, installed shutoff, now I can isolate the toilet if there's a problem like you're reporting, and not lose the use of water in the rest of the RV.