Airstream Chat Room Airstream Links Campground & Product Reviews Airstream Classifieds Airstream Articles Blogs Photo Gallery Forum Listings Portal - Home Page

Go Back   Airstream Forums > Airstream Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums > Plumbing - Systems & Fixtures > Sinks, Showers & Toilets




Check out our new sister site AirstreamCentral.com. To contribute an article click here.


Quick Links
- Forum Listings
- Register - it's FREE!
- View Member's Map
- Airstream Articles
- "Live" Chat Room
- View Classifieds
- Post a Classified
- Airstream @ eBay
- Upcoming Rallies
   - Add A Rally
- Rally Discussions
- Repair Discussions
- Search Forums
- Member List
- AIR # Directory
- Member Search
- Profile Photos
- Airstream Photo
- Airstream Links
- Fun & Games
- WBCCI Websites
- WBCCI Unit Forums
- Courtesy Parking
- Campgrounds
- Support & FAQs
- Community Policies
- Helpers Needed




Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-08-2004, 10:40 PM   #1
Safari Tim
a.k.a. Ambassador Tim

Safari Tim's Avatar
Profile:  1960 28' Ambassador
Northern , California
Posts: 1,867
Images: 35

What's under the toilet?

I pulled my toilet to look underneath it. I guess I should try and find better things to do...

I see the gasket that attaches to bottom of the toilet and the metal flange that mounts on the floor... Good think I started checking this out because both nuts holding down the toilet were finger loose.

Anyway, I am happy that the flange looks good and all the screws were able to be snugged up tight telling me the wood is good.

I went ahead and chaulked around the outside of the toilet flange and behind the toilet wall since ours is a wet bath.

My question, finally

How does the gasket work that keeps the water in the black tank from leaking out the top of the tank where the toilet connects. It must be between the screwed down metal flange and the top of the plastic tank?

I am asking because when I over fill my black tank, it leaks out the bottom of the bellypan. Not something I want to reproduce to check for leaks

All is well when I dump daily with the three of us using it.
__________________
-Tim
1960 International Ambassador 28'
2001 Silverado 2500HD CC 6.0L 4.10
theVAP - Airstream Podcast | My Airstream Home Page | My Photo Gallery
Safari Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2004, 11:33 PM   #2
53flyingcloud
Rivet Master

53flyingcloud's Avatar

Profile:  1984 29' Sovereign
1964 19' Globetrotter
1953 21' Flying Cloud
Amherst , New Hampshire
Posts: 3,022
Images: 3

Unhappy Not you~

Quote:
Originally Posted by Safari Tim
I pulled my toilet to look underneath it. I guess I should try and find better things to do...
I see the gasket that attaches to bottom of the toilet and the metal flange that mounts on the floor... Good think I started checking this out because both nuts holding down the toilet were finger loose.
Anyway, I am happy that the flange looks good and all the screws were able to be snugged up tight telling me the wood is good.
I went ahead and chaulked around the outside of the toilet flange and behind the toilet wall since ours is a wet bath.
My question, finally
How does the gasket work that keeps the water in the black tank from leaking out the top of the tank where the toilet connects. It must be between the screwed down metal flange and the top of the plastic tank?
I am asking because when I over fill my black tank, it leaks out the bottom of the bellypan. Not something I want to reproduce to check for leaks
All is well when I dump daily with the three of us using it.
Tim~
At the toilet base, there should be a wax collar, which is compressed as you tighten down the flange, thus sealing it~
If you're having a leak whenever you get to the upper limits, I'd check to see if this seal is still good first (you did see a wax collar at the base?).
I've always been told to be prepared to replace this seal if you should ever remove the toilet. I think it's a judgement call..
It's quite possible you just might have a cracked in the holding tank.
I'll be dropping the belly on mine soon, and taking mine apart whenever the WX clears up..
Good luck to you~!
53FC
__________________
AIR 807
53flyingcloud is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2004, 11:41 PM   #3
Safari Tim
a.k.a. Ambassador Tim

Safari Tim's Avatar
Profile:  1960 28' Ambassador
Northern , California
Posts: 1,867
Images: 35

No wax ring on mine. There is a rubber gasket on the base of the toilet. It is sort of cone shapped to fit into the opening. I sprayed it with some silicone spray while I had access to it.

I know regular home toilets have wax rings, maybe that is what your thinking of? Or I got some real problems!!

That seal keeps *stuff* from leaking onto the top of the bathroom floor when the toilet is flushed.

What I am asking about is what keeps the liquids from leaking out of the top of the holding tank to the bottom of the subfloor.

I don't even know if what I am asking makes sense.

I guess another way to put it is, what would I see if I pulled my metal flange and collar out?
__________________
-Tim
1960 International Ambassador 28'
2001 Silverado 2500HD CC 6.0L 4.10
theVAP - Airstream Podcast | My Airstream Home Page | My Photo Gallery
Safari Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2004, 11:59 PM   #4
TroutStream
2 Rivet Member

TroutStream's Avatar
Profile: 
Posts: 94
Images: 10

Tim,

I have my toilet off right now and I don't see a wax ring either. A 1970 Overlander. I was wondering the same thing about the seal and such. My metal flange is a white enameled metal with tight but rusty screws. The black plastic flange runs under that and into the black zone. I am new to this so I haven't experiences a black tank overflow. I am trying to work up the nerve to remove the screws and possibly replace the white ring with a nice brass one I have in my hand... but I am afraid... the dog is sleeping.

Ken.
TroutStream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 12:16 AM   #5
Safari Tim
a.k.a. Ambassador Tim

Safari Tim's Avatar
Profile:  1960 28' Ambassador
Northern , California
Posts: 1,867
Images: 35

I know what you mean. At this point I don't want to go any further trying to correct it since I don't really know where the problem is. And if it is a seal on top of the tank that would probably have to be accessed under the subfloor.

Another possibiltiy is the joint at the vent pipe is leaking, or the dreaded crack in the top of the tank

Since all I have to do is dump the tank daily, which is not too much to ask since its only around 12 gallons for a family of four, I'm going to stick with that.

I'm just curious how it all works at this point.
__________________
-Tim
1960 International Ambassador 28'
2001 Silverado 2500HD CC 6.0L 4.10
theVAP - Airstream Podcast | My Airstream Home Page | My Photo Gallery
Safari Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 06:00 AM   #6
Sneakinup
Master Riveter

Sneakinup's Avatar
Profile:  1972 27' Overlander
. , Mobile-- as in transient
Posts: 479
Images: 72

I just recently bought a new Thetford Bravura toilet, and had hoped that the box contained the metal ring to hold the toilet down to the floor. After 2 calls to Thetford, they were no help whatsoever. They actually had kind of a nasty attitude when I asked about it. There comment was that I have to get that from Airstream. When I described what I was looking for, and asked if it was available, they again suggested I call Airstream.

I did find something that I believe will do the job. $7 at Lowe's. Pic attached.

As for the flange... the toilet came with a rubber seal. I am concerned that it isn't thick enough to make as good a seal as is necessary. So I emailed Thetford and asked if it was "OK" to use a wax seal. They were less help than before...

Dear Sir,
We do not recommend using the wax ring for several reasons. Once in place and you find it incorrect it will have an indentation and can cause a leak. You would void your warranty this is not the type we supply with the unit therefore it would not be an authentic Thetford part.


I emailed them back and asked if the wax would cause any problems with the plastic of the toilet. That was my concern, not voiding my warranty because I installed it incorrectly and got a leak. They never replied.

I believe I remember seeing somewhere that there is a rubber seal made that is thicker. I will search for that.

Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	flange2.jpg
Views:	193
Size:	65.0 KB
ID:	7604  
Attached Images
  
__________________
1972 27' Overlander 72 Overlander
Jack Pad--- A notebook used by Jack Nicholson in the Shining to keep track of how much work he had done on his Airstream. "All work and no polishing makes Jack's Airstream a dull trailer"
Sneakinup is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 06:46 AM   #7
74Argosy24MH
Rivet Master
Profile:  LOST , Hawaii
Posts: 2,194

I don't think the flange in the picture will work, any rv I have seen has a collar that is threaded into the top of the tank. That makes the seal at the tank and the rubber gasket seals the toilet to the flange.

John
74Argosy24MH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 07:01 AM   #8
Sneakinup
Master Riveter

Sneakinup's Avatar
Profile:  1972 27' Overlander
. , Mobile-- as in transient
Posts: 479
Images: 72

Quote:
Originally Posted by 74Argosy24MH
I don't think the flange in the picture will work, any rv I have seen has a collar that is threaded into the top of the tank. That makes the seal at the tank and the rubber gasket seals the toilet to the flange.

John
Sorry. The brass ring is for holding the toilet to the floor. I mistakenly called it a flange. The flange is made of rubber.
__________________
1972 27' Overlander 72 Overlander
Jack Pad--- A notebook used by Jack Nicholson in the Shining to keep track of how much work he had done on his Airstream. "All work and no polishing makes Jack's Airstream a dull trailer"
Sneakinup is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 10:57 AM   #9
BobbyW
Rivet Master

BobbyW's Avatar

Profile:  1965 20' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
Posts: 1,001
Images: 9

This is what mine looks likes. No wax ring, only the flexible rubber ring that mates to the bottom of the toilet. Works kind of like a giant o-ring.

The orange flange bolted to the shower floor. There is a hard plastic collar that screws into the holding tank pulling it all together.

__________________
-BobbyW AIR# 123

-Guess what? I got a fever! And the only prescription.. is more cowbell!

-"You want to make it two inches - or, if you're working in centimeters, make sure it's enough centimeters for two inches."
-Red Green


www.bobbywright.com/gallery
BobbyW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 11:45 AM   #10
Safari Tim
a.k.a. Ambassador Tim

Safari Tim's Avatar
Profile:  1960 28' Ambassador
Northern , California
Posts: 1,867
Images: 35

Now I get it. The black collar screws into a threaded opening in the tank. So that seals it up.

That's not likely to be my leak then.

Thanks for the info!
__________________
-Tim
1960 International Ambassador 28'
2001 Silverado 2500HD CC 6.0L 4.10
theVAP - Airstream Podcast | My Airstream Home Page | My Photo Gallery
Safari Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 03:54 PM   #11
raebaker06
2 Rivet Member
Profile:  Burlington , Ontario
Posts: 69

Toilet and tank seal

undefinedundefined
Quote:
Originally Posted by BobbyW
This is what mine looks likes. No wax ring, only the flexible rubber ring that mates to the bottom of the toilet. Works kind of like a giant o-ring.

The orange flange bolted to the shower floor. There is a hard plastic collar that screws into the holding tank pulling it all together.


Be sure to water proof the floor around the tank(toilet) it is particle board, and you would have a dambable job replacing it. I had to. also if you can do the floor, they also rot. Especially at the door entrance. I used varnish.

Rae Baker
raebaker06 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 04:10 PM   #12
Ken J
Rivet Master
Profile:  1958 26' Overlander
Tijeras , New Mexico
Posts: 2,342
Images: 6

I just replaced my seal in my 75 - it is a rubber seal - it was leaking before replacement - it has a tendency to dry out. I also replaced the "guts" of the toilet - nothing seems to leak now.

Ken
__________________
1958 Overlander
Ken J is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 04:29 PM   #13
TomW
Rivet Master

TomW's Avatar
Profile:  1967 26' Overlander
Normal , Alabama
Posts: 2,448
Images: 77

Quote:
Originally Posted by Safari Tim
No wax ring on mine. There is a rubber gasket on the base of the toilet. It is sort of cone shapped to fit into the opening. I sprayed it with some silicone spray while I had access to it...
I have no particular expertise on RV toilets.

When I found a foam rubber gasket on my '67 Overlander, I thought, "That makes sense; A wax ring would never survive the vibration a mobile toilet gets".

IMO, if you find a wax ring in your RV, it was the PO's work. While not meant to be a challenge, does anyone care to differ?

Tom
TomW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2004, 05:25 PM   #14
Safari Tim
a.k.a. Ambassador Tim

Safari Tim's Avatar
Profile:  1960 28' Ambassador
Northern , California
Posts: 1,867
Images: 35

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken J
I just replaced my seal in my 75 - it is a rubber seal - it was leaking before replacement - it has a tendency to dry out. I also replaced the "guts" of the toilet - nothing seems to leak now.

Ken
Ken,

The seal you replaced is the rubber one on the bottom of the toilet? On the leak you had from the seal, was the water coming out of the bottom of the toilet on the top of your bathroom floor? Or was water coming out of the belly pan?

Has anyone pulled out the collar from the tank? Would you seal this with just teflon tape on the collar threads?
__________________
-Tim
1960 International Ambassador 28'
2001 Silverado 2500HD CC 6.0L 4.10
theVAP - Airstream Podcast | My Airstream Home Page | My Photo Gallery
Safari Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Toilet changing tips... drboyd Sinks, Showers & Toilets 2 07-18-2006 02:28 PM
Toilet for available space TomW Sinks, Showers & Toilets 15 02-04-2006 08:24 PM
Toilet Overflow bentguy Sinks, Showers & Toilets 4 07-09-2004 04:07 PM
64 Swirlomatic toilet MW64OVERLANDER Sinks, Showers & Toilets 1 10-27-2003 10:57 PM
remove/reinstalling the toilet Chuck Sinks, Showers & Toilets 7 07-28-2003 03:44 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.0.1

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:42 PM.