Leaking Thetford

[eplants]

Last trip we went on my recirculating toilet started leaking only when it was flushed. As best I can tell I think it is the main housing seal. Wanted to see if anyone had any other thoughts. Also, I have tried to find a main housing seal online but have not had any luck (even on Thetford's site). Does anyone know where to order one or do I just need to call Thetford directly?

[ThePair]

Where's the leak?

When mine was new, it would leak from the front screws. Took it apart, turns out there was a little piece of plastic preventing a good fit. X-Acto knife later, and it's fine.

The main seal itself can easily come unseated if you ever open the top, it's a simple matter to reseat it. Or, are you sure it needs replacement?

[Kwantau]

Ordered and received a main housing seal straight from Therford about two months ago. Give them a direct phone call and order it. It cost me about $26.00 CAD that included the shipping and handling but mine had to go accross the border. Make sure that you install it with the seallip facing outwards otherwise the seal will leak. Just look at the profile of the seal and you will notice the seallip which has to seat against the main toilet cover. Good Luck.

[eplants]

Unsure where it is leaking exactly. It is coming from the back. When I put my fingers behind it (toward the top but below the main housing seal) and flush towards the top seal I can feel some water splashing. If I do a short flush it does not seem to leak but if I flush for an extended water begins to run out on the floor from behind the toilet. I have also seen some water drips (blue from the chemicals and black from what I suppose is the seal bleeding) along the side of the toilet at the main housing. One other questions. If I take off the cover will it be obvious to tell if I need a new seal. Thanks

[Bill]

Yes, take off the top, leaving the bowl bolted to the floor.

You'll need to remove the 4 upward-pointing Phillips screws. Then you can lift off the top, with the seat, lid, fill gauge, and pump still attached. Lift carefully - you don't want to bend the gauge assembly even a little bit.

With the top lifted, you should be able to see what is leaking, although of course the pump won't run with the intake lifted out. If the whole assembly is too cumbersome, then separate the pump and its housing (two BIG Phillips screws) from the top of the toilet.

My guess is that the pump has somehow come loose from the fitting that distributes and directs the water into the bowl. Should be a simple matter to push it back on.

Bill

[eplants]

If it is the connection to the pump, can this be fixed by just removing the pump cover or will I still need to remove the entire top?

[ShrimpBurrito]

You'll need to remove the entire top. Removing the back cover only gets you access to the pump motor, and that area is completely sealed from any water/waste areas (thankfully).

Dave

[scrubjaysnest]

We had a leaking seal also, it wasn't properly installed at the factory.