Thetford toilet ball seal.

[Wbonsell]

I probably need to replace the ball seal on our Thetford Style II toilet as it will not hold water unless I manually lift up on the flush pedal which apparently seals enough to hold a bit of water.

I have purchased a seal kit but the directions are very confusing. Does anyone know if the seal can be replaced without removing the toilet. I think I read somewhere that if you turn off the water and keep the ball open you can reach in (wearing gloves) and simply remove the rubber seal and then install new one. Sound about right??

Thanks....

 

[blw2]

I read the same thing, but can't confirm.  I believe I've only seen mention of that once....
so here is a bump to this thread.... I have the same problem.

 

[woodman-THOR]

pour a little CLR into the toilet 2 or 3 times. It's that simple.

 

[harris155]

Just ordered the kit, not here yet.

I got from the instructions that you disconnect the water, remove the whole toilet from the floor, turn upside down, twist off the bowl replace the seal and reinstall.

I know where all my tools would end up if I was trying to do the job (pun intended)with the toilet insitu.

Will follow up after the parts arrive.

 

[gnewhall]

I probably need to replace the ball seal on our Thetford Style II toilet as it will not hold water unless I manually lift up on the flush pedal which apparently seals enough to hold a bit of water.

We had the same problem. I put enough Dawn in the bowl to cover the seal and let it sit until someone needed to use it. Fixed our seal problem. I think you could use vinegar as well.

 

[whiteva]

Video of replacing the seal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX7-JT7Bcmg

Looks like a 2 beer job!

Cheers

 

[harris155]

Can be done without removing the base but the kit comes with both base and bowl seals.
Just completed ours, piece of cake.

 

[BIG JOE1]

I've dumped in (no pun) just enough [cooking oil].. to cover the seal, let it set (no pun) for a bit. Then worked the valve 3-4 times. Seems to work so far, but I'm sure the whole assembly will need to be R&R'd in time.

 

[blw2]

Can be done without removing the base but the kit comes with both base and bowl seals.
Just completed ours, piece of cake.

so did you remove the entire thing?
  or just remove the bowl from the base, leaving the base mounted to the floor in place?
    or replace the seal through the hole with a gloved hand?

 

[nfd0800]

I had the exact same symptom and offer this advice:
I had to lift up on the pedal to close the ball and stop the water flow, but even then it would not hold water.  I removed the toilet and found the main cause of having to raise the pedal manually was NOT the ball but was a very sticky water valve.  I went to the local ACE hardware store and purchased some 100% silicone grease in the plumbing section.  I disassembled the valve and greased all the seals.  Then I used the same grease on all the moving parts and seals including the ball.  It now works like a champ 100% of the time.  There was NOTHING wrong with the seal.  Use this lubricant because it is safe to use with plastics.  This same lubricant works on door latches and any place else you need a little lubrication.  Happy camping!!

 

[Rick A.]

I see this is an old thread, but wanted to comment for future reviewers.
I have the Thetford Style II toilet in my Geo Pro and have replaced the ball seal
While you can, it does not require removal of the toilet.

Shut off the water, drain the bowl, and remove the 2 bolts in the bottom of the backside opening.
Next gently twist the bowl counter-clockwise and lift, the top section of the toilet will separtate from the stand. Flip it over and replace the seal, cleaning as best you can. I used 50/50 vinegar & water with a drop or two of dish soap. Then coat seal with plumbers grease or other waterproof silicone grease.
Reverse process to reassemble.

Note: should you need to remove the flush foot pedal be careful to not also remove the tension spring behind it on the shaft, it is a real pain to reinstall.
Good Luck

-Rick