How to Install an RV Toilet
Most recreational vehicles come with a toilet. But its flushing mechanism can fail, rendering it unusable. Or you might want to put in a new toilet when you buy a used motorhome. In either case, replacing an RV toilet is not pleasant, but the traveler can save around $100 in installation fees by doing the work himself. RV toilet installation is easier with two people to do the lifting but can be accomplished by one.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Hardware-sorting container
- Rubber gloves
- Protective plastic sheeting
- Flathead screwdriver
- Socket
- Socket extension
- Cleaning rags
- Tank-safe cleaning fluid
- Aluminum foil
- Plumber's sealant
Instructions
-
Preparation for Removal
-
1
Flush and reflush the black-water tank.
-
2
Carefully identify and sort all hardware supplied with the toilet. An egg carton works well as a place to temporarily store small parts.
-
-
3
Put down protective sheeting for the old toilet. It can be placed in the bathtub or shower.
-
4
If the toilet is electrical, unhook the electrical connection.
-
5
Turn off the RV water connection. Disconnect the toilet-water connection, using pliers if necessary.
-
6
Determine how to access the toilet bolts. There will typically be two, bolted to the floor. The bolts may be covered with a cap.
Remove the Old Toilet
-
7
Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the toilet-bolt caps, if there are any.
-
8
Remove the toilet bolts with a socket. If the bolts are inaccessible, for example at the back of the toilet, you may need to use a socket extension.
-
9
Place the old toilet on the protective sheeting.
-
10
Remove the toilet-bowl seal, or gasket. You may need to pry it off with a screwdriver and twist it slightly to break the seal.
-
11
Cover the sewer hole in aluminum foil to block odors and thoroughly inspect and clean the area.
Replace the Toilet
-
12
Carefully place the new toilet seal over the flange. If desired, seal with plumber's sealant to further minimize chance of leaks.
-
13
Position the new bolts where they will go through the toilet, heads downward.
-
14
Lower the toilet straight down over the bolts so that the bolts go through their matching holes.
-
15
Check that the toilet is seated evenly with bolts correctly located. Tighten the bolts.
-
16
For electrical toilets, hook up the wiring. Connect the water and turn on the RV water hookup.
-
17
Test the toilet, carefully checking for leaks.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear old clothing and rubber gloves for protection.
Toilets can be disposed of at the dump or landfill for a fee. Some RV stores will also take your old toilet for a fee.
If tools drop down the sewer hole, try fishing them out with a strong magnet attached to a string.
Practice proper lifting techniques as RV toilets can be heavy.
Keep tools and hardware far away from the sewer hole.
