Thetford Toilet Flush Valve

[C&G in FL]

On a thread entitled “Hello,” I recommended having a spare toilet flush valve in/with the trailer. Glad I had one because I needed it recently when a relatively small stream started flowing from underneath the toilet into the shower’s recessed floor. Because the flow stopped when the water was shut off, I knew it was the valve and not the flange seal (yuk). A replacement valve is $25 to $30. A bracket held on with two Phillips screws holds the rocker that opens and closes the valve mechanism in place. Investigation revealed that an O-ring on the shaft appeared to be slightly abraded. I matched the O-ring at an Ace Hardware, put some silicon plumbers grease on it, and reassembled it. Pressure testing it indicated that it doesn’t leak. While I would still recommend having a spare flush valve, if the original does start to leak, it can most likely be “rebuilt” with a 33 cent O-ring rather than paying $25 to $30 for another backup.

[JazzDad]

Are you now carrying a 'spare' O-ring?

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by JazzDad

Are you now carrying a 'spare' O-ring?

No, I am not but I am happy to say I know how to properly pack wheel bearings and have been doing so for over 45 years. And I can spell, too.

[JazzDad]

You made me do the math. My first re-pack was about 49 years ago. That's a long time to have grease under your fingernails.

[Iowa Dave]

I bought my first boat, outboard motor and trailer when I was 15. My dad would tow it down to the river, we’d launch the boat and he’d go back to work, picked me up in the morning. Taught me how to pack the bearings. 1963. 60 years ago this last spring. I still have the boat.
I am not a hoarder, I just have a little inventory control problem.
Iowa Dave

[mcdonner]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

I bought my first boat, outboard motor and trailer when I was 15. My dad would tow it down to the river, we’d launch the boat and he’d go back to work, picked me up in the morning. Taught me how to pack the bearings. 1963. 60 years ago this last spring. I still have the boat.
I am not a hoarder, I just have a little inventory control problem.
Iowa Dave

Inventory control. Love that description.

[Iowa Dave]

Hi Ralph
In the vein of inventory reduction I will have three pairs of rubber and snow boots on the free tarp at Niagara Falls. Alf wants one pair of the same size and a left and a right. Kinda picky I’d say.
Iowa Dave

[YakRV]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

On a thread entitled “Hello,” I recommended having a spare toilet flush valve in/with the trailer. Glad I had one because I needed it recently when a relatively small stream started flowing from underneath the toilet into the shower’s recessed floor. Because the flow stopped when the water was shut off, I knew it was the valve and not the flange seal (yuk). A replacement valve is $25 to $30. A bracket held on with two Phillips screws holds the rocker that opens and closes the valve mechanism in place. Investigation revealed that an O-ring on the shaft appeared to be slightly abraded. I matched the O-ring at an Ace Hardware, put some silicon plumbers grease on it, and reassembled it. Pressure testing it indicated that it doesn’t leak. While I would still recommend having a spare flush valve, if the original does start to leak, it can most likely be “rebuilt” with a 33 cent O-ring rather than paying $25 to $30 for another backup.

Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.