Toilet drains into black tank

[Mike-KimP]

Occasionally, maybe ten percent of the time, our toilet bowl drains after flushing and filling part way up. We try to leave 3-4 inches of water on the ball valve, but sometimes it is dry when we go in there the next time. Camper is five months old, living full time in it. My initial thought was that the ball valve gasket was getting "solids" stuck on, have successfully cleaned it with a toilet brush, and that helps for a few days.
My thinking is to try a silicon based o-ring safe grease on the ball valve gasket next. I really don't want to disassemble and replace the gasket. Thoughts?

[TedS]

Apply plumber's grease to the ball valve seal.

[Mike-KimP]

Thanks, that's what I was thinking.

[ncitro]

Occasionally, maybe ten percent of the time, our toilet bowl drains after flushing and filling part way up. We try to leave 3-4 inches of water on the ball valve, but sometimes it is dry when we go in there the next time. Camper is five months old, living full time in it. My initial thought was that the ball valve gasket was getting "solids" stuck on, have successfully cleaned it with a toilet brush, and that helps for a few days.
My thinking is to try a silicon based o-ring safe grease on the ball valve gasket next. I really don't want to disassemble and replace the gasket. Thoughts?

On my Thetford I find a few times a year I need to pull my seal and clean it with vinegar to remove calcium build up to solve the issue you're describing. Unfortunately the area of the seal that builds up is only accessible by removing the seal,which requires separating the top half and bottom half. I've tried grease and cleaning it without removing it completely but I don't find it effective. I'd say that's your problem.

[Jlawles2]

ncitro Have you considered a https://www.portablewatersoftener.co...ater-softeners I have a flow-pur one (https://flowpur.com/products/rv-pro-...table-softener been sold out for a while CW may have them but they are on my "no business list") and love not having to deal with the ultra hard water (we are spoiled with a softener on the house).

[ncitro]

I have,it's not as bad as at home, shower head does not clog. Depends where we are obviously. Issue is one more thing to store. Would definitely solve the issue though. Also I think the seal on the Dometic is much more accessible.

[Cate&Rob]

A caution on "plumber's grease" . . . some says very clearly not to use on seals. There is a silicon lube for faucet cartridges that I use . . . but, it only seems to come in small (expensive) quantities in the plumbing departments.

Rob

[Jlawles2]

Yeah it's expensive, but if you can find a place to install it, it could be as simple as hooking up the water line. I keep ours in the front bay, thus have to drag it out and set it on the ground to hook up the primary water feed. I could easily secure it in the basement near the city inlet and then just quick connect to it with shore water.

For the next regeneration cycle, I'm going to preload the hose with salt vs opening the top and pouring it in then using the Wye (again this could be quick connected to a hose for water to be diverted away from the unit) let it run its course.

[ncitro]

Yeah my basement is jammed packed, pretty much at the something has to come out for something to go in phase, so I live with cleaning the seal.

Note to the OP here if you need to pull the toilet take the opportunity to put a shut off valve on the water line to make it easier for next time. You can pull the top half without pulling the whole thing, but the bolts are a real pain to get to and I end up just pulling the whole thing.

[Reacher]

I replaced my toilet with a Dometic 320 and the ball seal replacement takes 10 seconds, using a disposable glove grip and pull the old seal out and gently press the new seal into place.

[Yoda]

Occasionally, maybe ten percent of the time, our toilet bowl drains after flushing and filling part way up. We try to leave 3-4 inches of water on the ball valve, but sometimes it is dry when we go in there the next time. Camper is five months old, living full time in it. My initial thought was that the ball valve gasket was getting "solids" stuck on, have successfully cleaned it with a toilet brush, and that helps for a few days.
My thinking is to try a silicon based o-ring safe grease on the ball valve gasket next. I really don't want to disassemble and replace the gasket. Thoughts?

This is going to sound crazy but a squirt of Dawn liquid dish soap in the standing bowl water every so often works for me. It also helps with breaking down the solids in the tank. Might be worth a try. PS I have found only Dawn works - something to do with the grease formula. To totally treat the tank add a Tied pod too to really help with tank clogs, but the Dawn should help withe seal.
Keith

[ncitro]

I replaced my toilet with a Dometic 320 and the ball seal replacement takes 10 seconds, using a disposable glove grip and pull the old seal out and gently press the new seal into place.

I have long thought about doing this but have never gotten it done. On my list for sure.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

PS I have found only Dawn works - something to do with the grease formula.

Maybe it's your diet?...lol.