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Old 11-26-2019, 02:49 PM   #1
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Toilet won’t hold water

I am having this issue in our 2017 21’ TT. I am gonna start troubleshooting, based on the Thetford Manual suggestions below. However, I thought I would reach out for some words of wisdom from someone who had already experienced this problem.


Thetford suggestions:
A. Check for and remove any debris from blade/ball seal track.

B. Check blade/ball seal compression with mechanism. If blade/ball seal is worn, replace.

Fred M.
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Old 11-26-2019, 05:37 PM   #2
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It is possible, since you full time, that your facilities have reached their replacement point after so many uses. If it were me, I would upgrade to a better, longer lasting unit vs having to perform this maintenance every 1,000 flushes, or what ever the amount.
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:10 PM   #3
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How quick does it empty? An application of petroleum jelly around the seal might show if that's the cause.

I sometimes do this just to keep it from sticking when stored.
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:28 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by cpaharley2008 View Post
It is possible, since you full time, that your facilities have reached their replacement point after so many uses. If it were me, I would upgrade to a better, longer lasting unit vs having to perform this maintenance every 1,000 flushes, or what ever the amount.

It’s worked fine for the last 3 years. Just started recently. Will see how it goes in the next few days.

Fred M.
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:29 PM   #5
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How quick does it empty? An application of petroleum jelly around the seal might show if that's the cause.

I sometimes do this just to keep it from sticking when stored.


I’ll give that a try.

Fred M.
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:35 PM   #6
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With a rubber glove on (obviously) and the flap open, run your fingers around under the opening. It's possible there's a bit of TP or 'other' stuck where you can't see it.
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:38 PM   #7
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Things to try starting with the easiest.
1) Depress the peddle that flushes the toilet. Now let the valve slam shut. Nothings going to break but if the seal and ball are slightly out of kilter, this will effectively reseat the two. Try this two of three times.
2) If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits frequently buildup on the ball. Get a quart of white vinegar. Pour half into the toilet and let the ball soak. The vinegar will dissolve the mineral deposits.
3) take a toothbrush, not yours of course, someone else’s, use toothpaste which is a mild abrasive and gently scrub the ball where it makes contact with the seal. Work the bristles between the seal and ball. This will remove any crud that may be causing the leak.

Slow toilet leaks are very common.

Have fun

Sam
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:45 PM   #8
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Things to try starting with the easiest.
1) Depress the peddle that flushes the toilet. Now let the valve slam shut. Nothings going to break but if the seal and ball are slightly out of kilter, this will effectively reseat the two. Try this two of three times.
2) If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits frequently buildup on the ball. Get a quart of white vinegar. Pour half into the toilet and let the ball soak. The vinegar will dissolve the mineral deposits.
3) take a toothbrush, not yours of course, someone else’s, use toothpaste which is a mild abrasive and gently scrub the ball where it makes contact with the seal. Work the bristles between the seal and ball. This will remove any crud that may be causing the leak.

Slow toilet leaks are very common.

Have fun

Sam

Thanks Sam!

Let me go find Lola’s toothbrush...
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Old 11-26-2019, 06:46 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D. View Post
With a rubber glove on (obviously) and the flap open, run your fingers around under the opening. It's possible there's a bit of TP or 'other' stuck where you can't see it.


I’ll give it a look see!

Fred M.
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Old 11-26-2019, 07:05 PM   #10
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Same problem w/our 2019 5.0ta since new. Only way to get water in bowl is with shower hose, then it stays until flushed.
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Old 11-26-2019, 08:42 PM   #11
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How quick does it empty? An application of petroleum jelly around the seal might show if that's the cause.

I sometimes do this just to keep it from sticking when stored.
From Thetford website FAQ’s:
“Can I use Vaseline (petroleum-based product) to lubricate the seal?
No, it will cause the seal to further deteriorate. We suggest use of a toilet seal lubricant or drain valve lubricant to lubricate the seal.”

Of course they sell their own lubricant
http://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Toile.../dp/B002NSU0ZW
https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Drai.../dp/B000BGK2L0
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Old 11-27-2019, 06:17 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by rubicon327 View Post
From Thetford website FAQ’s:
“Can I use Vaseline (petroleum-based product) to lubricate the seal?
No, it will cause the seal to further deteriorate. We suggest use of a toilet seal lubricant or drain valve lubricant to lubricate the seal.”

Of course they sell their own lubricant
http://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Toile.../dp/B002NSU0ZW
https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Drai.../dp/B000BGK2L0
and it is probably made with petroleum jelly......
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Old 11-27-2019, 06:20 AM   #13
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That link on Amazon also shows drain valve lube and grey tank odor control, a nice 3 item package....and the lube says non petroleum, silicone based.
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Old 11-27-2019, 06:59 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rubicon327 View Post
From Thetford website FAQ’s:
“Can I use Vaseline (petroleum-based product) to lubricate the seal?
No, it will cause the seal to further deteriorate. We suggest use of a toilet seal lubricant or drain valve lubricant to lubricate the seal.”

Of course they sell their own lubricant
http://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Toile.../dp/B002NSU0ZW
https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Drai.../dp/B000BGK2L0
Swimming Pool store usually carry a silicon grease for O ring fitting. I always have one near for multiple use like car door seal.
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Old 11-27-2019, 07:18 AM   #15
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Swimming Pool store usually carry a silicon grease for O ring fitting. I always have one near for multiple use like car door seal.
Yeah I use something like this on the pool. Overpriced stuff, but then again I haven't had a problem with any of my O-rings.
https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SPX03...620587513&th=1
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Old 11-27-2019, 11:03 AM   #16
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Yeah I use something like this on the pool. Overpriced stuff, but then again I haven't had a problem with any of my O-rings.
https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SPX03...620587513&th=1
I don't know if it is the same stuff, but this is what I carry: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Hercules...YaAsbEEALw_wcB
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Old 11-27-2019, 12:46 PM   #17
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I don't know if it is the same stuff, but this is what I carry: https://www.supplyhouse.com/Hercules...YaAsbEEALw_wcB
Got some of that, time to switch to it from Vaseline.
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Old 11-27-2019, 01:31 PM   #18
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It happened to me once. I got a toilet scrubber brush and gave it a good cleaning. Now i carry one with me and keep it in the bathroom. Every time i go to the dump station to empty tank, it gets used.
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Old 11-27-2019, 02:09 PM   #19
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Dropped that toilet scrubber brush one time, not a fun thing to do.
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Old 11-27-2019, 02:18 PM   #20
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I’ll give it a look see!

Fred M.
Fred think it is your seal . Hopefully a simple solution as mentioned . If not a new seal kit for the toilet should be available. I once had to do on our motorhome . Easier job then at home . Pat
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