Replace Your RV Toilet with Ease: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re an avid RV traveler or live in your RV full-time, you know that your RV’s toilet is an essential part of your home on wheels. Over time, your RV’s toilet may become outdated, damaged, or simply need to be replaced. Fortunately, replacing an RV toilet is a relatively simple process that doesn’t require any plumbing experience.

Before you begin the process of replacing your RV’s toilet, it’s important to select a new toilet that fits your needs and preferences. There are several types of RV toilets available, including composting toilets, cassette toilets, and traditional gravity-flush toilets. Each type has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research and select the type of toilet that best fits your needs.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing your RV’s toilet step-by-step, so you can feel confident and prepared to tackle this DIY project. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a newbie, our guide will help you successfully replace your RV’s toilet and get back to enjoying the open road.

Section 1: Preparing for the Replacement

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the replacement process, it is important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. Here is a list of items you will need:

• New RV toilet
• Wrenches (adjustable and pipe)
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• Putty knife
• Gloves
• Rags or towels
• Plumber’s tape

Make sure to double-check that you have all the items on the list before starting the replacement process.

Turning off the Water Supply and Draining the Tank

Before removing the old RV toilet, it is important to turn off the water supply and drain the tank to avoid any mess or damage. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet and turn it off.
2. Flush the toilet to remove any remaining water in the tank and bowl.
3. Use a putty knife to remove the caulking around the base of the toilet.
4. Loosen the nuts on the bolts securing the toilet to the floor.
5. Lift the toilet off the bolts and remove it from the floor.

Once the old toilet is removed, inspect the flange and gasket ring for any damage or wear. Replace them if necessary before installing the new RV toilet.

Section 2: Removing the Old Toilet

If you’re replacing an RV toilet, you’ll need to remove the old one first. Follow these steps to remove the old toilet:

Disconnecting the Water Supply and Removing the Water Line

The first step in removing an RV toilet is to disconnect the water supply and remove the water line. Here’s how:

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
• Disconnect the water line from the toilet.
• If there is any water left in the line, catch it with a container or towel.

Removing the Mounting Bolts and Lifting the Toilet

After you’ve disconnected the water supply and water line, you’ll need to remove the mounting bolts and lift the toilet out of its place. Here’s how:

• Remove the plastic caps from the mounting bolts at the base of the toilet.
• Using a wrench, unscrew the nuts from the mounting bolts.
• Once the nuts are removed, lift the toilet straight up to remove it from the flange.
• If the toilet is stuck, gently rock it back and forth to loosen it.

Be sure to have a container or towel ready to catch any water left in the toilet bowl or tank.

Section 4: Installing the New Toilet

Preparing the Mounting Flange and Sealing the Toilet Base

Before installing the new toilet, make sure that the mounting flange is clean and free from any debris. Then, position the new T-bolts onto the flange in the correct position to accept the new toilet. Once the T-bolts are in place, install the floor gasket that came with the new toilet on the base of the toilet. To avoid tearing the gasket, align the mounting holes on the toilet over the T-bolts and slowly lower the toilet over the bolts.

Next, use a wrench to tighten the nuts on the T-bolts to secure the toilet to the flange. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts as this may cause damage to the toilet or the flange. Once the toilet is secured to the flange, apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the toilet to prevent any leaks.

Attaching the Water Line and Securing the Toilet in Place

After the toilet is secured to the flange, attach the water line to the back of the toilet. Make sure to use a new water line if the old one is damaged or worn out. Then, turn on the water supply and check for any leaks around the water line connection.

Once the water line is attached and there are no leaks, secure the toilet in place by tightening the bolts on the base of the toilet. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts as this may cause damage to the toilet or the flange. Finally, attach the plastic toilet base cover and the toilet handle using the screws that were set aside earlier.

With the new toilet installed and secured in place, it’s time to test it out. Flush the toilet a few times and check for any leaks or issues. If everything is working properly, congratulations! You have successfully replaced your RV toilet.

Section 4: Testing the New Toilet

Turning on the Water Supply and Checking for Leaks

Once you’ve installed your new RV toilet, it’s time to test it out. First, turn on the water supply to the toilet. This is typically located behind the toilet or in a nearby cabinet. Slowly turn the valve on and check for any leaks around the valve or water line. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water supply and tighten the connections until the leaks stop.

Next, check for any leaks around the base of the toilet. Give the toilet a gentle shake to make sure it’s securely attached to the flange. If you notice any leaks, you may need to tighten the bolts or replace the wax ring.

Flushing the Toilet and Checking for Proper Operation

With the water supply turned on and any leaks fixed, it’s time to test the toilet’s flushing capabilities. Flush the toilet several times and check for any issues. Make sure the water level in the bowl is adequate and that waste is being properly disposed of. If you notice any issues, such as a weak flush or incomplete waste disposal, you may need to adjust the water level or check for any clogs in the waste line.

Finally, make sure the toilet is comfortable to use. Sit on the toilet and make sure it’s at a comfortable height and angle. Check that the seat is securely attached and that the lid opens and closes smoothly. If you notice any issues, adjust the seat or lid as necessary.

Conclusion

Replacing an RV toilet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be done quickly and easily. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can remove the old toilet and install a new one in just a few hours.

Remember to turn off the water supply and drain the tanks before starting the replacement process. Take your time removing the old toilet to avoid damaging the flange or gasket ring, and make sure to clean the area thoroughly before installing the new toilet.

If you encounter any issues during the replacement process, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can have a new and functional RV toilet in no time.