After several years of use, it’s not at all uncommon for an RV toilet replacement to become necessary. It can be a pain in the neck to replace an RV toilet, but knowing what you’re doing helps a lot. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step guide to RV toilet installation so you can jump into the task with confidence.
Replacing a Traditional RV Toilet
Ready to replace your RV toilet? Here are step-by-step instructions on traditional RV toilet replacement:
- First, make sure to turn off the water pump and/or outside water source, then flush the toilet to ensure you’re removing all the pressure and water in your toilet bowl and water lines.
- Next, it’s time to remove the old toilet to get ready for the RV replacement toilet. Start by unscrewing the nuts and bolts holding the toilet down, then disconnect the hose. Lift the toilet straight up to remove it, rocking it back and forth if it is hard to remove or seems stuck.
- You want to make sure you’re draining your RV waste tank completely at this point so you aren’t working with plumbing connections or water lines that are full. For safety, wear rubber gloves, don’t touch your eyes, mouth and wash your hands thoroughly when you’re finished with this step
- Next, it’s time to remove the gasket that seals the toilet to the floor. Once it’s removed, clean up any gunk left on the floor and get ready to install the new rubber, cone-shaped gasket that is included with your RV replacement toilet. If you have trouble removing the old seal, you can pry it off with a screwdriver.
- Now it’s time to install the RV toilet replacement! Carefully place it on top of the gasket seal, taking your time and ensuring that the mounting holes are lined up perfectly so that the new bolts fit into the old holes. When it’s lined up, use a wrench to tighten the nuts over the bolts, but being careful not to overtighten. Once you’re confident the toilet is secured, test it out by sitting on it and making sure it’s not wobbly.
- Next, attach the hose behind the toilet, again ensuring it’s not overtightened. Once it’s attached to your RV replacement toilet, you can turn the RV water pump on and flush it, looking for leaks. If you spot any, go back and check your work.
Replacing a Composting Toilet
Composting toilets are becoming more and more popular. If you’re hoping to replace your toilet with a composting toilet, here is what you need to know.
- Turn off the water and flush the toilet to relieve pressure.
- Drain the water system using low point drains.
- Remove the old toilet using steps outlined in the section above.
- Remove the toilet mounting bracket from the floor if possible. (If not, you’ll need to add a shim to make the composting toilet level.)
- Plug the hole to the black tank.
- Create holes in the wall/cabinet/floor for the exhaust hose (must vent outside).
- Feed the hose through the holes and seal around the opening.
- Screw the toilet to the floor.
- Run wiring from fan to 12 volt power source.
- Attach the vent hose to the fan.
Replacing a Cassette Toilet
In some cases, a cassette toilet will be totally portable, meaning you won’t need to mount it or anything. However, in the case of a mounted toilet, there are a few steps you’ll need to take.
This video might help you understand what it takes to remove a cassette toilet.
Meanwhile, this video is good to watch to learn about the installation process.
General Information You Should Know Before Replacing Your RV Toilet
Before you buy a new RV toilet, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some things you’ll want to think about before you dive in.
Choosing an RV Toilet Type
There are actually several different types of RV toilets to choose from. Here’s a quick overview that might help you decide which is best for you.
Traditional RV Toilet
This is what comes in most RVs in the US. It works much like a traditional house toilet, using water to flush waste away. The difference is that the waste is then stored in a black tank in the underbelly of the RV. The tank must be dumped at a dump station when it is full.
Composting Toilet
Composting toilets are great because they do not require any water and many don’t require power, making them ideal for boondocking. In most cases, the inside of the composting toilet uses peat moss or coconut fibers, to absorb the solid waste and create human compost. Liquid waste is collected in a separate container and can be disposed of in the gray tank or outdoors.
Cassette Toilet
The cassette toilet is a popular option in Europe. These toilets collect waste in a tank that is much smaller than a black tank. This means the tank does fill faster, but it is also much easier to dispose of the waste inside thanks to its portability. In fact, many report dumping their cassette toilets in gas station restrooms and even pit toilets. Some people do carry a second cassette to prolong the amount of time they can camp before finding a dump site.
Incinerating Toilet
The incinerating toilet is super cool. This one actually burns waste into ash, making it super easy to get rid of. Unfortunately, these toilets require propane or electricity to work, meaning they aren’t always ideal for boondocking. Additionally, they are very expensive.
Dry Flush Toilet
Finally, there is the dry flush toilet. These use a disposable wrap to wrap your waste tightly after each use. When the wrapper is full, you simply dispose of it as you would a diaper. Unfortunately, the wrappers are not always easy to get and are quite expensive, making this a pricey way to dispose of your wate.
Measuring for a New RV Toilet
RV toilet replacement starts by measuring your existing space. How tall is your current toilet? How deep? Is the bowl round or elongated? Is there room for a bigger unit and is that something you’d like to have? Write each answer down and keep the measurements handy for reference.
Next, examine the mounting considerations. For this part of the RV toilet replacement, you will need the old toilet pulled out of the bathroom. Once this is complete, look at the way the toilet was mounted. Did it use a floor flange? How large is the existing hole? Most standard RV holes are around 3 inches, but they can be as small as 1 inch. Write down the exact measurements.
Features to Look for in a New RV Toilet
Of course, you’ll also want to look for features. Here are some that you’ll want to consider as you’re browsing.
Color
Choose the overall appearance and the color of the toilet. The most popular color is white, with bone coming in (a distant) second. Most companies make both colors, but you may have to order and wait for the color bone. This is the phase where you decide what shape and size you want the toilet. Tall and narrow? Short and squat? Whatever you decide, make sure that both the mount, and the measurements, will work in your current restroom space.
Flush Options
Pick your flush. Do you want a foot pedal? A slide handle? A hand-held handle, or an electric push-button flush? RV toilet replacements come in a variety of styles, and most allow you to pick the type of flush you desire.
Material
Choose the materials. RV toilets come in plastic, china, and a hybrid mix of the two. Your budget or decorative desires will set the tone for your choice. Are you looking for an “at home feel?” If so, you will want to choose a china pedestal. Would you prefer to “feel like you are camping!” If so, save money and buy a plastic toilet, which is perfect for many campers and travel trailers.
Brand
Pick the brand. Thetford and Dometic are the most popular companies for RV and marine toilets. You can buy units online, at Camping World, and at many boating stores. Be aware! You may have to order the toilet you want and wait for several weeks. There are only a handful of toilets carried in stock at RV shops, and they are usually identical. If you need a toilet quickly, you may have to compromise your earlier decisions and get what they have on hand!
Other Features
Look at the features and benefits that each type of toilet has to offer.
- Some RV toilets are anti-microbial.
- Some toilets are low water.
- Do you want a bidet or spray unit attached to your toilet?
- Do you want a macerator that will grind the waste and provide more space in your black tank?
- Do you want to use gravity, electricity, or air to power your flushing system?
Troubleshooting a Broken RV Toilet
Replacing your RV toilet is not always the best answer. Sometimes a toilet that isn’t functioning properly can be repaired.
Common issues include:
Water Module
If you’re experiencing water leaks within your RV toilet system, it could be a problem with your water module. The water module connects the toilet to the water supply, and without a properly working water module, you may experience leaks or not having water to use the toilet at all. Typically, these RV toilet replacement parts are easy to purchase and install.
Seal and Valve
The seal and valve act as a barrier and keep odors from entering the bathroom. When the seal and valve are working properly, there is a small amount of water that is held in place. If you notice water is no longer being held, or notice an increase in foul odors in your bathroom, this RV toilet replacement part may need to be replaced.
Foot Pedal Flush
Most RV toilets have a foot pedal flush instead of the conventional handle flush that is found in most home toilets. Keep in mind that most foot pedals operate differently from one another, so it may require some trial and error to determine, first, how it works and behaves, and second, if it needs to be replaced, if it’s possible to replace or if a replacement RV toilet is needed.
Hand Flush
A hand flush device works similarly to a foot pedal device, although it looks different and is positioned differently on the toilet. It also may need trial and error to determine if it’s possible to replace or if a complete RV replacement toilet is a better option.
Toilet Valve
If you suspect you need a RV toilet valve replacement, there are some easy steps to take to double check. We recommend completing this process before ordering a new RV toilet, as replacing a valve is a much less expensive option than replacing an entire RV toilet replacement.
- Once you are parked on a level surface, fully dump your black tank and turn off the water pump in the RV and the water for your toilet.
- Unscrew the toilet base cover and the toilet handle, removing the pieces and making sure to set the screws aside in a safe place. Find the water valve in the back of the toilet, unscrew the valve and toss those screws, as they are often corroded.
- Locate the small mesh net in the back of the toilet, and take this opportunity to clean it, as minerals or other matter can sometimes build up, blocking the flow of water.
- Next, attach the new water valve using the new screws that accompanied it. Once it’s securely attached, turn the water and water pump back on, and look for leaks. If leaks still persist, you may have a larger issue that the RV toilet water valve replacement could not fix.
RV toilet replacement may not be the most fun thing about owning an RV, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming either. Use the tips and steps above and you’ll have a functioning RV toilet in no time!
