Toilet won't "close"

MsKitty76 · 07-22-2019, 01:22 PM

Honey and I moved into an RV about a month ago. Everything was fine. Then about a week ago, the ball part of the toilet got to where it didn't close all the way (about 1/4 inch Gap). Now, it stays in whatever position it's in. Won't open OR close with the foot pedal. Any suggestions on a cheap fix, until we can afford to replace it? I'm new to this. Help!

travelin texans · 07-22-2019, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsKitty76

Honey and I moved into an RV about a month ago. Everything was fine. Then about a week ago, the ball part of the toilet got to where it didn't close all the way (about 1/4 inch Gap). Now, it stays in whatever position it's in. Won't open OR close with the foot pedal. Any suggestions on a cheap fix, until we can afford to replace it? I'm new to this. Help!

Can you operate the flush valve on the side where pedal attaches by hand? If so that might help you out of a bind til a proper fix.
If it's a Dometic you can completely rebuild it rather inexpensively.
If it's a Thetford, replace it with a Dometic.

wiredgeorge · 07-22-2019, 03:21 PM

Not just any Dometic! Get the 312 which is MAN APPROVED. Thetford Angermagic toilets are modeled after a bucket. The Dometic 312 is ERGO-MAN-NOMIC! Dometic units have a ring around the ball part that is easily replaced. I carry a spare because our camper is only used once or twice a month and is dry the rest of the time and those rings don't like dry. Sometimes a squirt of WD40 will get them back in the mood to work. If not, make sure you have some rubber gloves!

MsKitty76 · 07-22-2019, 03:55 PM

The flush valve pretty much only runs water down the drain when I use it. The valve opened all the way and I can manually force it closed and open, but it's very hard to do (and nasty, of course lol).

MsKitty76 · 07-22-2019, 03:56 PM

We've got to save up some funds before we do any major repairs. I'm looking for a quick fix for now.

wobly · 07-22-2019, 07:17 PM

Do you have a Dometic or a Thetford? There is a difference on how they can be repaired.

If you look down by the water inlet, you should see a sticker identifying it. It helps to take your smartphone and take a picture of it rather than contorting to read it.

MsKitty76 · 07-23-2019, 10:23 AM

I found the sticker that says Dometic. I'm working on disassembling the toilet. Fun times!

MsKitty76 · 07-23-2019, 05:22 PM

I disassembled the toilet (about 6 times before I got it right). The problem was where the ball part connects. I took the screw out, wiggled it around, cleaned it, and finally got it put back together. Now the toilet is closing properly AND filling up with water. It didn't do that before. I fixed a problem we didn't even realize we had. Lol. I'm not used to RV bathrooms, so I didn't realize they actually have standing water also. Oops. Live and learn.

**sourdough** · 07-23-2019, 06:16 PM

Good for you! A non operational toilet is an issue that has to be resolved right away - I'm glad you got it, plus, you learned a lot about that toilet that will hopefully help you in the future.

wobly · 07-23-2019, 06:37 PM

Great job! It isn't a fun job, but I'm glad you were able to get it fixed.

MsKitty76 · 07-23-2019, 07:16 PM

It was a total pain in the tush! Our RV has a tiny stall for the toilet. I basically had to sit outside the room and reach in to do everything. But, I can disassemble and reassemble that toilet in no time now! I feel like a rockstar! Lol. Stupid thing to be so excited about, but I rocked it!

**chuckster57** · 07-23-2019, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsKitty76

It was a total pain in the tush! Our RV has a tiny stall for the toilet. I basically had to sit outside the room and reach in to do everything. But, I can disassemble and reassemble that toilet in no time now! I feel like a rockstar! Lol. Stupid thing to be so excited about, but I rocked it!

I feel your pain, I work on these marvels every day. It’s not stupid at all, relish in your triumph!!! Hope there are more.

MsKitty76 · 07-24-2019, 02:13 AM

All I can say is thank God for YouTube

moodman · 08-05-2019, 02:24 AM

chuckster57..I see you have an older F350 with lots of mods. How heavy is your rig? Is it a 5er?

**chuckster57** · 08-05-2019, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moodman

chuckster57..I see you have an older F350 with lots of mods. How heavy is your rig? Is it a 5er?

My fiver weighs in at just about 9K I figure with all the stuff in it. Never have gone across a scale.

Most mods on the truck are gauges.

terrythetech · 08-05-2019, 06:09 AM

Easy peasy. Go to hardware store and get a small tube of silicone grease. Put on a rubber gloves, put some of that grease on your finger and rub it on the dome top of the "ball" and under the black seal ring while holding it open with your foot (water off). It will work just fine again. It just needs a little lube on that ball.

MsKitty76 · 08-05-2019, 10:27 AM

I'll get some of that Thursday. I've had to disassemble the toilet a few times. I think I'm going to have to replace the ball soon. Unless I can figure out how to make it easier to get there ball to close.

We've figured out, don't open very far, then lift the pedal to get it to close.

I think the spindle might be wearing out.

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