How to Replace an RV Toilet Bowl Seal

After years of use, a toilet bowl seal can begin to leak. Not only is this unpleasant, the accumulated water can cause rot in the bathroom floor and stains. Consider changing a toilet bowl seal to be a full-day event and plan to be somewhere near a hardware store when the maintenance is performed. This way, if damage is discovered, you can buy what is needed to fix the problem and do the work once, not twice.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Pliers
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Egg box or compartmentalized box
• Socket
• Socket extension
• Protective plastic sheeting
• Aluminum foil
• Cleaning materials (rags, cleaning liquid, stiff brush)
• Plumber's sealant

Instructions

Preparation

1. Empty and thoroughly flush the black-water tank.

2. Turn off the main RV water hookup.

3. Disconnect the toilet water connection, using pliers if necessary.

4. If this is an electric toilet, disconnect its electrical wiring.

5. Place plastic sheeting in the bathtub or over the space where the toilet will be placed temporarily.

Toilet Removal

1. There are usually two bolts holding down the toilet. Locate them---they may be hidden under caps.

2. Pry the caps off using a flat-head screwdriver. Place the small caps somewhere safe---an egg box or compartmentalized craft box works well.

3. Remove the bolts. If they are awkward to reach, a socket extension may be required. Store the bolts carefully.

4. Grasp the toilet on both sides and lift upward. If it is reluctant, twist it slightly until it comes off.

5. Place the toilet on the protective sheeting.

Inspection

1. The rubber gasket, or toilet bowl seal, is now visible. It sits between the mounting flange and the toilet.

2. Lift the gasket straight off the flange. You may need a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off; twist the gasket to break any adhesion.

3. Place a sheet of aluminum foil over the sewer opening to prevent odors and loss of small parts and tools into the tank.

4. Clean the flange and toilet base area thoroughly.

5. Inspect the toilet area for rot and stains. If any work needs to be done, make a trip to the hardware store and take care of it immediately to avoid damaging your new seal.

Replacement

1. Lower the new gasket over the flange. If desire, apply plumber's sealant for extra waterproofing.

2. Place the bolts in the location where they will meet the toilet.

3. Lower the toilet down over the bolts. This task is easier with two.

4. Check that the bolts are back through the holes and that the toilet is seated level.

5. Tighten the bolts and replace the caps.

Final Steps

1. Hook up the water and, for electric toilets, electricity.

2. Check for leaks.

3. After a day or two, check the toilet bolts and tighten if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid a potentially disastrous scenario involving a full removal of the tank, keep all small items and tools away from the sewer hole.

• This task is not for the squeamish. You should wear old clothing and gloves.

• If a tool does fall down there it may be possible to fish it out with a magnet, but this should be a last resort.

References

• RV Living: RV Toilet Replacement

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish