Toilet plugging -- could use a quick answer - Page 3

Keith Wire · 07-20-2008, 07:03 AM

Bill,

I agree the water softener and detergent combination is something I will try.

I have heard many times that "bleach is bad" for the Thetford seals, and I found this link at their European web site but I can find no other reference on the web that bleach damages rubber. Can you or somebody point me to some factual information on that point?

Bleach is one of the most available disinfectants we have and I just checked the Clorox bottle says "wear gloves". One must assume they mean "rubber gloves"...

So, if I use calgon and detergent when camping and then when I get home I clean the Thetford by adding a little bleach to a fully charged unit, flushing several times, then draining and rinsing again with plain water does anybody really think that would really hurt the seals?

07-20-2008, 03:42 PM

Personally, I can't imagine a little bleach used in that way would have any effect on the seals. It is just too dilute a solution and not in the tank for that long. My personal cleaning method is th empty the tank at the campsite and rinse as completely as possible. Then charge the Thetford normally without adding chemicals. The drive home seems to complete dislodge and break up any lingering solids so that I can dump and rinse again when I get home. Works for me!

Keith Wire · 07-20-2008, 06:13 PM

Scott,

So far when we have only had electric at our camp sites. I carry water to the TM and fill the system and charge the toilet. When we leave I go by the dumping station on the way out.

I suppose I could find someplace after dumping to open the TM and charge the toilet before going home...

**YWORRYDOG** · 07-21-2008, 04:03 PM

Good Sam, Highways magazine, August 2008 edition, page 42, has a article about the Thetford toilet that is installed in TrailManor. It is about replacing the vinyl skirt assembly in the toilet. Check it out.
Not true, just tryed to order one today....$150 Kit only, skirt is still not sold seperatly.

07-21-2008, 04:25 PM

I bought the skirt seperately a year or so ago from Thetford. Just looked at the exploded view on the website and ordered with the part number by phone. No problem, cheap, and combined with a new seal for between the seat and bowl, made a significant difference.

Cheri

**ShrimpBurrito** · 07-21-2008, 04:30 PM

I ordered a vinyl skirt directly from Thetford in Aug 07. It was maybe $10 if I recall correctly. I'm looking at the invoice right now....item 33274.

Looks like you can also buy it here:
http://www.rvpartscenter.com/Prodsel...DID=79&CID=237

...along with many other Thetford parts. The housing seal that goes around the...uhh...housing is #33285. If you haven't pulled the toilet apart since you bought your TM, replace that one too.

Dave

07-21-2008, 04:52 PM

I bought one separately too from an RV store.

**YWORRYDOG** · 07-22-2008, 05:41 AM

No one has tried to order in the last year. If you look at the Thetford site, it also shows only the kit. Thanks for the link Dave, I almost ordered on there for $17.49 but the added shipping of $14.95 is a little high. Over $30 for a $10. Item. I am still waiting to Good Sam Action Line to respond.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 07-22-2008, 08:03 AM

You might give RV Parts Center a call to ask if they'd be willing to ship for less. Looks like they'd charge me over $13 to ship to me, and they're only about 50 miles from my house. Or call your local RV shop.....

Dave

07-22-2008, 09:19 AM

YWORRYDOG,

Good Sam Action Line has responded...check out their Highways Magazine for August 2008.

Jerry