Taking your family on vacation in your RV can be a time to remember. However, if your RV toilet is leaking, then it may put a delay to your trip. What do you do if your RV toilet is leaking in places such as the floor base? What could be the culprits? Not to worry because we have researched on your behalf to help you solve this problem.
There could be several variables as to why your RV toilet is leaking at the base. However, the most common causes are:
- A crack within the toilet
- Faulty or cracked water valve
- Misconnection in the supply line
- Toilet wax ring
- A bad seal
Be sure to troubleshoot each of these possibilities before purchasing any parts.
Dealing with a leaking RV toilet probably isn't the most exciting chore. However, if you want to go on a vacation, it has to be taken care of before hitting the road. This article will discuss what to do if your RV toilet is leaking at the floor base and how to address it, so read on!
Why Is My RV toilet leaking from the base?
A floor base leaking from an RV toilet is a common problem with many new RV owners. Sometimes it can be fixed without any hassle, while others may have to replace the entire toilet. This all depends on the water lines and valves attached to it.
As mentioned earlier, there are several possibilities as to why your RV toilet is leaking from the floor base. To fix this problem, you need to determine what is causing it—this way, the right parts can be purchased and replaced accordingly.
Check Toilet Flange Seal For Leakage
A faulty seal could also cause RV toilet leaks at the base on the toilet base. It may be as easy as tightening the bolts with a wrench or replacing the seal altogether if this is the case.
To ensure that your seal is not leaking, it's best to take off the tank lid and use a flashlight to look inside it. It should be dry all around, which means there is no leakage from the seal.
Inspecting The Floor Base Seals
The floor base seals are also a possibility when it comes to figuring out why your RV toilet is leaking at the base. This could be because they are worn or damaged, which prevents them from creating a good seal. But, again, the best way to inspect these seals is to get under the toilet and inspect them.
If you notice that it isn't creating a good seal, you can replace these seals to fix your problem. This way, there is no leakage at the bottom of the RV toilet where it meets the floor. However, if these components are in good condition, continue with other possibilities to troubleshoot this problem.
Cracked Water Valve
Another possibility that can cause your floor base to leak is a cracked water valve. If your water valve is not creating a tight seal, it might be time to replace it. In addition, water valves are often made of plastic, making them more susceptible to cracks over time.
To inspect the condition of the water valve, turn off the supply line and drain the water tank. Remove the caps at the top where your supply line is connected. Take a good look inside to see if there are any cracks or damage to it. If this is not in good condition, then replace it accordingly.
If your water valve was cracked, then replacing it should fix your problem entirely.
Bad Toilet Wax Ring
RV owners often overlook the toilet wax ring when it comes to figuring out why their floor base is leaking. The purpose of this critical gasket is to create a seal between the toilet and the floor—without this part in good condition, leakage will occur.
If you notice water underneath your RV toilet or smell sewer gas while someone is using it, then there is a chance that your toilet wax ring may be the problem. If so, it's best to inspect and replace this part before someone gets hurt or damages other elements in your RV.
Checking The Supply Line
The supply line that supplies the water to your floor base can also reason you have leaks. It may be worn, damaged, or corroded, which could create unwanted leaks. To inspect it, you will need to turn off the water and remove the caps at the top where the line is attached.
Take a good look at this line and see if it is corroded, worn, or damaged. If the supply line is in good condition, you can continue to other possibilities that may be causing your floor base to leak.
Sealing The Supply Line Connection
If your water supply line looks fine, it may be time to inspect the connection where the line is attached. This connection often causes leaks if it is not appropriately sealed. Sometimes tightening the bolts may be enough to fix this problem, but there are other cases where an o-ring or other type of gasket should be used to create a good seal.
Check The Toilet For Cracks
Another culprit that could cause your RV toilet to leak at the base is a crack within it. This can happen because of various factors such as cold weather and too much jostling when moving across rough terrain.
If you notice any cracks in the tank or bowl, then this needs to be addressed immediately. If ignored, this could lead to more significant problems such as leakage and damage to your RV.
How much does it cost to replace a toilet wax ring?
According to HomeAdvisor, a toilet wax ring is pretty inexpensive, only costing $2 to $10. However, if you have someone install the wax ring for you, the price will jump significantly.
The total cost for this type of labor and materials can go from $2 to as high as $200. If you want to replace a toilet wax ring yourself and save a bunch of money, then check out the video below!
Should my RV toilet hold water?
Yes, your RV toilet should hold water and only drain the contents when it is flushed. However, if there is no water inside your toilets bowl, then it's time for you to inspect what could be causing this problem. For example, one, for example, one of the plumbing components, such as a flush valve or water level control, might be damaged or missing entirely.
Can you replace an RV toilet with a regular toilet?
According to RV consumers on forums, you can't use a regular toilet for an RV because the toilets flush differently. The drain on a standard toilet is always open, which you don't want for your RV. Also, when using the regular toilet, it will lose water and fill back up with each flush. This can make it challenging to use because of the constant loss of water within the bowl.
RV toilets are designed to keep the bowl full of water, so it flushes easier. This is because an RV moves around frequently and can stress the plumbing if it drains too often.
If you use a regular toilet for an RV, the constant draining could cause the plumbing to break. This would be costly for your wallet and also create damage to other parts within your vehicle.
How much does it cost to replace an RV toilet?
Replacing an RV toilet can cost anywhere from $300 to $500, depending on your model. To replace the entire unit, you will need to purchase a new unit which typically costs around $130. You'll also need several other parts, such as screws and bolts, which are relatively inexpensive, considering the total cost for this repair.
The most expensive part of this repair will be the labor needed to take out your old toilet and install a new one. The labor costs will ultimately depend on who does it for you. However, it will be way cheaper to do it yourself if you feel comfortable doing so.
In Closing
Overall, dealing with a leak in any toilet can be frustrating. However, thankfully for the internet, you have a surplus of information to help you out! If you ever feel overwhelmed by the project, it is perfectly okay to contact a professional for help. Of course, it will cost you more, but at least you know it will be done right, and you will be ready for your next family vacation!
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