The Toilet Is Running Again

So, good news…we didn’t have any other leaks after tightening the toilet…at least for a while.

Bad news, now it will sometimes keep running and unlike some home toilets, there is no overflow system, so it just gets into the RV. Based on online searches and a call into the manufacturer, we think it is the water valve. There have been a few times lately where there was water at the base too, but it wasn’t from the kids.

Unfortunately, you have to take the whole toilet off to replace the water valve. Will was my assistant for this project. The tight bathroom space did not make it any easier. It seems like there a lot of YouTube videos that are on replacing/repairing the toilets, but it took a little while to find our toilet. We have a Thetford Magic Style II, which used the valve replacement part #42049. There is a serial number in your toilet and if you call the manufacturer they can tell you which part you need.

I finally found a video that was really helpful. The parts did come with written directions, but I found the diagrams less than helpful.

It took some doing, but we finally got it out back together. The test run didn’t have any leaking, so fingers crossed this solves the problem. We also managed to get the pin put back in the toilet seat lid, so that was fixed as well.

Below is a rough outline of the steps to replacing our water valve. Each toilet and set up are different, so please read your instructions. I really found the YouTube video helpful as well.

1. Turn off water and flush toilet to drain as much water as possible. Place rags around the water line for drips.
2. Disconnect water line. For our toilet, standing over it looking down, I had to turn the connector to the right to disconnect the water line from the toilet.
3. Remove bolt covers and bolts.
4. Remove toilet and set on a garbage bag.
5. Remove existing/old seal.
6. Clean toilet. (Yes, this is gross.)
7. Follow directions on replacement kit. (Make sure to test foot pedal at the end before reinstalling toilet! My first attempt had the pedal falling off because it wasn’t clamped on all the way.)
8. Place on new seal.
9. Place toilet back on screws
10. Thread on bolts and tighten down. To help it seat, sit on the toilet. Check the bolts to see if it needs to be tightened again.
11. Reconnect water line. Leave rags in place around toilet.
12. Turn water on and test for leaks.
13. If no leaks, you have the joy of cleaning up. 😂