How to Replace Toilet Gaskets on an RV

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An RV toilet gasket sits between the toilet and the closet flange to create a seal, which blocks water and sewer odors from escaping out the base of the toilet. A sign of a bad, worn-out RV toilet gasket is the mysterious appearance of water at the base of the toilet, when a leak from other sources such as the toilet water line or a crack in the toilet bowl are not apparent. Replace the gasket any time you remove the toilet, even if the gasket looks fine. After toilet removal, the old gasket may not seal correctly again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Removing the Toilet

Things You’ll Need:

Flat-head screwdriver
1/2-inch socket wrench
12-inch socket wrench extender
Putty knife
Rag

Step 1

Empty and flush the black water tank to reduce odor when replacing the toilet gasket. Although this step is not essential, your nose will thank you---remember, the toilet leads straight to the black water tank.

Step 2

Turn off the city water connection and the RV bathroom water pump.

Step 3

Flush the toilet to empty the bowl.

Step 4

Unscrew the water supply line at the back of the toilet.

Step 5

Pull off the closet bolt covers, to expose the closet bolts. Closet bolts are at the bottom of the RV toilet and attach the toilet to the RV floor. Depending on your model toilet, there are two to four closet bolts. Wedging a flat-head screwdriver underneath the closet bolt covers helps free stubborn, stuck covers.

Step 6

Remove the nuts from the closet bolts, using a 1/2-inch socket wrench. Depending on the model of your RV toilet, you may need a 12-inch socket wrench extender to reach the closet bolt nut at the back of the toilet.

Step 7

Lift the RV toilet up off the closet bolts.

Replacing the Gasket and Reinstalling the Toilet

Step 1

Pull the old gasket off the flange. Pry a stuck gasket loose, by wedging a putty knife underneath it and pulling up.

Step 2

Wipe off the flange, using a rag, to remove remnants of the old gasket. Use a putty knife to scrape off stuck pieces. Generally, only wax gaskets break apart and get stuck on the flange.

Step 3

Place a new gasket on top of the flange. Use a rubber gasket designed for RVs. Wax gaskets used for house toilets are inferior because they melt in hot RV temperatures.

Step 4

Replace the toilet, following the directions in reverse.

Tips & Warnings

Sit on the toilet or have someone else sit on the toilet while you tighten the nuts on the closet bolts. This compresses the toilet down, allowing you to secure the nuts tighter. If the toilet rocks back and forth after you have finished reinstalling it, tighten the nuts some more.

Article Written By Rose Kivi

Rose Kivi has been a writer for more than 10 years. She has a background in the nursing field, wildlife rehabilitation and habitat conservation. Kivi has authored educational textbooks, patient health care pamphlets, animal husbandry guides, outdoor survival manuals and was a contributing writer for two books in the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader Series.

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