Are you experiencing issues with your RV toilet? Don’t panic!
One of the most common problems is a faulty flush valve. Luckily, replacing it is a simple DIY task that can save you time and money.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of changing the flush valve on your RV toilet. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or a newbie, our easy-to-follow instructions will have your toilet working like new in no time.
So grab your tools and let’s get started!
How To Change Flush Valve On Rv Toilet
Step 1: Remove the Old Flush Valve Assembly
The first step is to remove the old flush valve assembly from your RV toilet. Use a screwdriver to slide it out of position if it gets stuck. There is also a small metal rod on the left of the assembly. Slide this up to unhook it from the toilet.
Step 2: Install the New Flush Valve Assembly
Now that you have removed the old flush valve assembly, you are ready to install the new one. If you have an Aqua Magic V toilet by Thetford, you can easily find a replacement on Amazon for around $100.
Face the toilet away from you so you have easy access to the back. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the retaining screw. Pull the flush tube off of the water module and lift the locking tab and slide out of the groove.
Lift up on the metal link as far as it will go then tilt away from you and lift up out of the lever arm. The link has a slight hook in the end. Throw out the old water module and install the link (on the new water module) into the lever arm hole.
Push white plastic hook (link is connected to) up until it is in the closed position. Slide groove into the track, gently adjusting the module to line up with your flush tube lines up with the hose outlet.
Push the flush tube all the way onto the hose outlet so that it is over the rubber seal. Continue pushing on the module until the locking tab fits into the hole. Replace the retaining screw and reinstall your toilet.
Step 3: Replace Water/Flush Valve
If your toilet is still not working properly, it may be time to replace your water/flush valve. Follow these simple steps:
1. Turn off city water or shut off 12V water pump.
2. Remove plastic shroud around base of toilet.
3. Remove plastic housing from flush pedal.
4. Remove two hoses from water/flush valve.
5. Remove two screws holding valve in place.
6. Attach hoses to new valve.
7. Screw new valve into place with two new screws provided.
8. Turn water back on to check for leaks.
9. Replace flushing lever.
10. Replace plastic shroud by snapping back into place.
Note: This process is for a Fleetwood Bounder motor home, but steps and process should be similar on any RV.
Identify The Problem With Your RV Toilet
Identifying the problem with your RV toilet is the first step in determining whether or not you need to change the flush valve. Here are some common issues you may encounter:
1. The toilet won’t flush: If your toilet won’t flush, it could be due to a clogged waste valve or a faulty water valve. Check to see if there is anything blocking the valve, and if not, try replacing the water valve.
2. The toilet is leaking: If you notice water leaking from your RV toilet, it could be due to a faulty flush valve or a damaged seal. Check the seal around the valve and replace it if necessary.
3. The toilet is constantly running: If your RV toilet is constantly running, it could be due to a faulty water valve or a damaged flush valve. Try replacing the water valve first, and if that doesn’t work, replace the flush valve.
4. The toilet bowl won’t hold water: If your RV toilet bowl won’t hold water, it could be due to a faulty seal or a clogged waste valve. Check the seal around the valve and replace it if necessary, and try clearing any blockages in the waste valve.
By identifying the problem with your RV toilet, you can determine if changing the flush valve is necessary and take the appropriate steps to repair it. Remember to always turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on your model of RV toilet.
Turn Off The Water Supply And Empty The Toilet
Before starting the process of changing the flush valve on your RV toilet, it is essential to turn off the water supply and empty the toilet. This will ensure that you do not damage your toilet assembly or cause any water damage during the replacement process.
To turn off the water supply, locate the water supply valve and shut it off. This valve is usually located behind the toilet or in a nearby cabinet. Once you have turned off the water supply, flush the toilet to drain any remaining water from the lines.
Next, you will need to empty the toilet bowl and tank. To do this, you can either use a hand pump or a wet/dry vacuum to remove all of the water from the tank and bowl. It is important to make sure that there is no water left in the lines before proceeding with the replacement process.
Once you have turned off the water supply and emptied the toilet, you can begin removing the old flush valve assembly and installing the new one. Following these steps carefully will ensure that you replace your RV toilet flush valve correctly without causing any damage or leaks.
Remove The Toilet From The RV
If you need to replace the flush valve assembly in your RV toilet, you may need to remove the entire toilet from the RV. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you start, make sure to turn off the water supply to your RV toilet. This will prevent any water from flowing into the toilet while you are working on it.
Step 2: Disconnect the water line
Next, you will need to disconnect the water line that connects to your RV toilet. This is usually located at the back of the toilet, near the wall of your RV. Use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds the water line in place, and then gently pull the line out of the connector.
Step 3: Remove the mounting bolts
Once you have disconnected the water line, you can start removing the mounting bolts that hold the toilet in place. These bolts are usually located at the base of the toilet, and may be covered by plastic caps. Use a screwdriver or a wrench to remove these bolts.
Step 4: Lift the toilet out of place
With the mounting bolts removed, you should be able to lift the toilet out of place. Be careful not to damage any of the plumbing or wiring that may be located behind or underneath the toilet.
Step 5: Replace or repair the flush valve assembly
Once you have removed the toilet from your RV, you can replace or repair the flush valve assembly as needed. Follow the steps outlined in our previous section to install a new flush valve assembly or replace the water/flush valve.
Step 6: Reinstall the toilet
After you have finished repairing or replacing your RV toilet’s flush valve assembly, it’s time to reinstall the toilet. Simply reverse the steps above, making sure to tighten all bolts and connections securely. Don’t forget to turn on your RV’s water supply and test your toilet for leaks before using it again.
Disassemble The Toilet And Remove The Old Flush Valve
Before you can install a new flush valve assembly on your RV toilet, you need to disassemble the toilet and remove the old flush valve. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Turn off the water supply to your RV toilet.
2. Drain as much water out of the tank as possible by holding the flush lever down until the toilet is completely flushed.
3. Disconnect the flapper chain and unhook the flapper from the overflow tube. Some flappers may have rubber ears that you can pull off the tube, while others may be connected to the tube by a ring that you need to slide to the top of the tube and lift off.
4. Remove the large foam gasket over the flush valve tailpiece extending through the bottom of the tank. This gasket serves as a “shock absorber” to cushion the tank when you set it back onto the toilet bowl.
5. Use a screwdriver to slide out the old flush valve assembly from your RV toilet. If it gets stuck, try gently wiggling it back and forth until it comes loose.
6. There is also a small metal rod on the left of the assembly. Slide this up to unhook it from the toilet.
7. Once you have removed the old flush valve assembly, inspect it for any damage or wear and tear that may have caused it to malfunction.
By following these steps, you can safely disassemble your RV toilet and remove the old flush valve assembly in preparation for installing a new one.
Install The New Flush Valve
After successfully removing the old flush valve assembly, it’s time to install the new one. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Face the toilet away from you so you have easy access to the back.
2. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the retaining screw.
3. Pull the flush tube off of the water module and lift the locking tab and slide out of the groove.
4. Lift up on the metal link as far as it will go then tilt away from you and lift up out of the lever arm. The link has a slight hook in the end.
5. Throw out the old water module and install the link (on the new water module) into the lever arm hole.
6. Push white plastic hook (link is connected to) up until it is in the closed position.
7. Slide groove into the track, gently adjusting the module to line up with your flush tube lines up with the hose outlet.
8. Push the flush tube all the way onto the hose outlet so that it is over the rubber seal.
9. Continue pushing on the module until the locking tab fits into the hole.
10. Replace the retaining screw and reinstall your toilet.
By following these steps, you can easily install a new flush valve assembly in your RV toilet without causing any damage or water leakage.