Your RV always needs to be in working order before you set out somewhere. Yes, that includes the toilet being completely put together. Also, does your RV toilet use a wax ring?
The answer is yes. RV toilets can use a wax ring as it can be able to create a seal. This is something that will allow the toilet and the plumbing system itself to stay in place. Plus, wax rings will last a good 30 years before they need to be replaced. This is a seal that is used to prevent leaks and odors from spreading.
When installing a wax ring, it is important that you install it properly so the leaks and odors are non-existent. We will discuss how you can replace your RV toilet ring and what you can do in order to install it. To learn all of this and more, keep reading.
What Is A Wax Ring?
A wax ring is something you will find between your toilet and sewer pipe. You can see these on the toilets at your house and yes, even your RV. The purpose of this ring is to prevent two things: water leakage and odor leakage that originates from your sewer.
These rings are made either from wax or rubber. Regardless, they are designed to last a long period of type. On average, you can expect the wax ring on your toilet to last 30 years.
The good news is replacing them won’t be so costly. If you were to find a wax ring at a hardware store, you won’t have to spend any more than $10. On top of that, it only takes a few tools to use in order to install a wax ring on your RV.
Now, it’s time to install it. Let’s take a look at the instructions on how to do that from start to finish.
Installing Your RV Toilet Wax Ring
The first thing you need to do is shut off the water pump. If there are any exterior water lines, make sure they are disconnected completely. Obviously, this will prevent any leaks or difficult messes that you need to clean up.
Disconnect The Water Pump And Supply From Toilet
Next, you’ll want to shut off the water supply that is connected to the toilet. If there is any excess water, be sure to flush that out as well. Be sure to have a wrench so you can be able to loosen the toilet (and eventually retighten it).
If there are any drips or excess water still left over, then wipe it down with a disposable rag. Next, be sure to remove the black water tank that carries your wastewater. Some will say that this is optional, but in reality, removing it makes the task easier.
Remove The Toilet Bolts
Remove each of your toilet bolts, lift up the toilet from where it rests and set it off to the side. Depending on the size of your RV, there will be two bolts that will secure the toilet. Larger RVs may have three of them.
Either way, you will need to easily remove them using a regular wrench. Once the bolts are removed, put them in a container or bag and set them off to the side. Now that you have set the bolts and toilet off to the side, your next phase will look easier from here.
Seal Removal And Cleaning The Flange
If the ring is max of wax, you max have a challenging time removing it. If it’s rubber, it will be easy. If it’s an old wax ring, you can remove it using a flathead screwdriver. Once complete, clean out the flange carefully and completely.
The more cleaned off it is, the better of a job the new ring will do when it is installed.
Installation Of New RV Toilet Seal And Toilet
The next step is placing the new wax ring seal into the same flange that you cleaned out. For best results, consider using the plumber’s sealant to ensure that it stays in place. After that, reinstall the toilet by securing the bolts and lower the toilet back in its spot slowly.
Make sure that the bolts are tightened until you know they are secure.
Re-Connect The Lines And Pumps
Lastly, reconnect the water pump and lines. Turn on the water supply and test it out. If there are no leaks and appear to function properly, you are done.
Can I Install A Rubber Ring Instead?
This is entirely up to you. A rubber ring may be your best bet if you want something that can be easily installed or removed. Yes, it will serve the same purpose in terms of being a sealant for leaks and odors. Rubber won’t melt in high heat, but it will get softer.
Rubber is the best option if you want something that will be less messy when it comes to removing it.
Are RV Toilet Seals Universal?
Most RV toilet seal rings are universal. So whether you replace a new toilet with an old one, you may be able to use the same RV seal from the old toilet. However, if the old toilet’s seal is made of wax, this won’t be the case. Therefore, it would be best to find a new RV toilet seal for your new RV toilet.
Final Thoughts
An RV toilet can use a wax ring. While it does have its advantages, it also has disadvantages as well. Granted, you can use a rubber seal ring if you are looking for something with greater ease. Installing a new ring won’t take a lot of time and it won’t set you back in terms of costs.
These seals, regardless if they are made of wax or rubber, can last you up to 30 years. It will serve an excellent purpose such as leak prevention or disallowing sewage odors to seep into the RV itself, which can take a while to remove the smell itself.
