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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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RV Toilet Leaking On Floor: Fixes And Troubleshooting
What if your toilet is leaking? Do you know what to do? An RV toilet leaking on the floor can be a significant issue that can cause substantial damage if not addressed promptly. Not only does it result in water wastage, but it can also lead to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
- Seal flush valve: Ensure proper sealing to prevent water leakage.
- Check wax ring: Inspect and replace damaged or misaligned wax ring.
- Examine bowl for damage: Look for cracks; replace damaged toilet bowl.
- Inspect ball/flapper valve: Ensure proper alignment and function; clean or replace.
- Adjust water level: Set the correct water level per the manufacturer’s instructions.
RVing can be a unique way to enjoy the benefits of camping without dealing with its hardships, like bathroom access.
Fixing the leak that seems to stem from the toilet’s base is something that just about anybody can handle.
What Could Be the Reason for RV Toilet Leak?
Various issues can cause RV toilet leaks. A common culprit is a damaged seal, responsible for holding water in the bowl and blocking odors from the waste tank.
Wear and tear can lead to leaks. Faulty water valves allow excess water into the bowl and cause overflows and leaks. Improper installation or aging hardware can lead to leakage problems, too.
Additionally, cracks in the toilet bowl or tank are potential sources of leaks. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential in the early detection and repair of these issues, helping avoid more significant problems.
If you want to fix this issue, you will need to do the following:
- Purchase a flange seal that has been created for your RV’s toilet
- Turn the water supply off
- Drain the toilet by flushing it
- Move the toilet away from the floor
- Change the seal
- Place the toilet back
- Switch the water supply on
Tools You Need
Repairing a toilet leak in your RV is something you can do, as it does not require you to be technically sound. It would be best if you gathered the necessary equipment and tools.
Thankfully, you do not require any specially created equipment to sort out a leaky toilet; however, you need a few tools.
1. You Will Need a New Seal for the RV Toilet
Considering that RV toilets do not use regular household plumbing parts, you will have to get spare parts that have been created for your particular RV toilet. Seals and repair kits are sold online and by RV dealers.
2. A Socket or Wrench Set is Necessary
An RV toilet is typically kept in place by 2 to 3 bolts. While possible, a crescent wrench using suitable sockets or wrenches can be a better fit.
Some models place the bolts in hard to get to places. You could use a socket set with an extension bar and your joint to reach them.
3. A Putty Knife
This might be necessary as there are times when the flange becomes gummy, making it difficult to remove. You can use a putty knife to pry it off.
4. Teflon Tape
When plumbing fittings are disconnected, placing a sealant on the pipe’s thread before you reconnect is always best.
5. Hand Mirror
A mirror can be helpful as it can help you check the back of the RV toilet for any signs of a leak.
6. Towels
Towels, specifically old towels, can be helpful here as there is always a bit of stray water when any plumbing fix is undertaken. These towels can help keep things dry.
7. Cleaning Supplies
Having to pull a toilet is something that can get quite messy. Additionally, difficult-to-reach places can be accessible when your toilet is moved. It makes sense that you clean these places when you can. Don’t forget your cleaning supplies.
Steps Involved in Troubleshooting and Fixing
1. Verify Where the Leak is Coming from First
Before pulling the RV toilet up, you should take the time to figure out where exactly the leak is emanating from. Pulling the toilet out would be frustrating, only to discover the leak originated from another location.
At this point, you can utilize a hand mirror to check the bottom and back of the fitting to know if it is leaking.
Monitor the bow for a crack and ensure water is not leaking from higher up. Other places where common leaks happen are the flush and water inlet valves.
Looking around the bowl’s exterior could also help you double-check the model.
2. Turn the Water Off
This must be the first step when dealing with plumbing issues. Most RVs are equipped with a water valve leading to the toilet. The supply can be switched off at this point.
If you cannot find this valve or your RV does not have one, you can turn the water off by disconnecting the hook-up or turning the pump off.
It would be best to flush the toilet as soon as this is done. Doing this ensures that the bathroom is empty of water, and since the water supply is shut off, it cannot be refilled.
3. Disconnect the Toilet so You Can Remove It
An RV toilet is typically kept in place with 2 or 3 bolts. These bolts might be covered, so you should search for caps peeking out at the toilet base. You must remove the caps using a putty knife to loosen them up.
At this point, you can use a socket or wrench to take the nuts out. The location of these bolts tends to vary depending on the RV manufacturer.
Some RVs might take a page from household toilets using two bolts, with one on either, while others might use a front and back layout. Others might use three bolts.
Take the water supply hose off from the inlet valve. This will enable you to move the toilet up and away. If the water supply has not been disconnected, you will unlikely be able to move the bathroom.
Once the toilet has been moved, you must place a plastic bag over the drain hole.
While this might not be completely necessary, it can be good to protect you from accidentally dropping tools in the drain. Additionally, it can help curb the foul smell.
4. Take Out the Flange Seal
To take the flange seal out, you will first have to locate it. Sometimes, it might be just right on the drain hole, or it could still be on the toilet.
It has to be removed. If the flange seal has become gummy or was created from wax, it must be pried loose with your putty knife.
It is essential that the toilet’s base, as well as the flange on the drain, is clean so that the seal can connect.
5. Clean the Toilet Base
Given that the toilet is not in the way, you can take the time to clean that area while it is accessible. Ensure that the area is scrubbed clean.
6. Change the Flange Seal
The replacement flange seal can be installed once everything has been cleared. It should be centered right above the toilet drain. If there are any unique directions on the seal, ensure they are followed.
7. Place the RV Toilet Back
Before doing this, remove the plastic bag or rag placed over the drain. After doing that, put the toilet back. Ensure that it is centered on the drain and the flange seal.
The drain, flange, and toilet must be appropriately connected. Once the bathroom is seated correctly, screw the bolts back on.
To help you connect the flange and the RV toilet better, you can sit on it to ensure it stays in place while you tighten the bolts.
One thing you should never do is overtighten the bolts. If the bolts are too tight, it could damage the toilet if it is plastic. If it is porcelain, it could break.
The bolts must be firmly in place; however, they do not need to be tightened like a wheel lug nut.
8. Connect the Water Supply Back
To do this, you must ensure the threads are clean on the supply nozzle. Pipe sealant or Teflon tape should be applied on the threads to provide a fresh clean and stop leaking.
This is important as there are times when the sealant on a supple hose would lose its strength after being removed.
9. Test the RV Toilet by Turning the Water On
Once everything has been reconnected, you can move to turn on the water supply to test the connections. The toilet should be flushed a couple of times to ensure no leaks.
If the steps above have been followed diligently, you should no longer have leaks.
Wrapping Up
Dealing with an RV toilet leaking on the floor requires a systematic approach to avoid potential damage to the vehicle. Start by checking the flush valve seal to ensure it’s preventing water leakage.
If it’s faulty, address it immediately. Next, examine the wax ring, a key element in leak prevention, and replace it if damaged or misaligned. The toilet bowl should also be inspected for cracks or damage; a compromised bowl will likely need replacement.
Additionally, evaluate the ball/flapper valve for proper alignment and functionality, performing cleaning or replacement as needed. Finally, adjusting the water level per the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial in maintaining an effective RV toilet system and preventing leaks.
These steps are essential for resolving and avoiding further issues with an RV toilet leaking onto the floor.
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