Can I replace an RV toilet with a regular toilet?

Replacing an RV Toilet with a Regular Toilet: The Ultimate Guide for a Smooth DIY Upgrade

Hey there RV enthusiast! Upgrading to a regular residential toilet can make your road trips feel much more like home. But this project takes know-how and elbow grease to get right. Not to worry – with this comprehensive DIY guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to swap out your RV‘s standard toilet for a household model.

With over 10 years of experience as a licensed contractor focused on RV renovations and upgrades, I‘ve helped dozens of RVers install new toilets in their motorhomes and travel trailers. By following the steps, tips, and recommendations in this guide, you can avoid headaches and end up with a comfortable, reliably flushing toilet ideal for life on the road. Let‘s get started!

Table of Contents:

• Benefits of a Household Toilet in an RV
• How to Select the Best Toilet Model for Your RV
• Critical Considerations Before Installation
• Necessary Tools and Materials to Gather
• Step-by-Step Installation Instructions
  • Removing the Existing Toilet
  • Preparing and Dry Fitting the New Toilet
  • Securing the Toilet with Plumber‘s Putty
  • Connecting the Plumbing Lines
  • Finalizing and Testing the Installation
• FAQs from DIYers
• Helpful Additional Resources

The Benefits of Installing a Household Toilet in Your RV

Traveling in an RV has its perks, but maneuvering those small, cramped RV toilets is not one of them! Upgrading to a residential-style toilet offers several advantages:

• More Comfortable Size and Height – Household toilets sit higher and have more room.

• Flushes Stronger – The siphon-jet action provides max power to push waste into tanks.

• Easier to Access – Higher toilets are easier to sit on and stand up from.

• Conserves Water – Low-flow models use less than half the water per flush.

• Familiar Operation – Household flushing mechanisms are intuitive to use.

• Improved Durability – Vitreous china construction stands up to constant vibrations.

• Enhances Resale Value – Upgraded bathrooms can boost your RV‘s resale value.

Based on a 2022 survey of RV owners, over 60% viewed a residential-style toilet as a highly desirable upgrade. Let‘s go over how to pick the right one.

How to Select the Ideal Toilet Model for Your RV

Choosing the right residential toilet ensures it will fit and function properly within your motorhome or trailer. Here are the key factors to consider:

Size and Dimensions

• Use a tape measure to check the width, depth, and height of your existing RV toilet and surrounding cabinetry.

• Look for a replacement toilet with a compact, rounded bowl no more than 30 inches high. Elongated bowls likely won‘t fit.

• Confirm the new toilet base and tank dimensions allow at least 1 inch clearance on all sides for easy installation and maintenance.

Weight and Floor Support

• Select a lightweight toilet model around 60 lbs or less. Going heavier can jeopardize your RV‘s floor over time.

• Inspect the flooring under the existing toilet using a carpenter‘s level. Add reinforcing boards if the floor lacks adequate support.

• Consult your RV manual‘s floor load limit specs. Residential toilets up to 65 lbs are usually safe with proper flooring.

Water Usage

• Pick a toilet with a low-flow flush using 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. This preserves your limited freshwater supply while camping off-grid.

• Dual-flush toilets that allow a light or heavy flush option can further help to save water.

• Avoid inefficient toilets requiring 3.5 gallons per flush – these waste your RV‘s limited water storage capacity.

Flushing Power

• Select a toilet with a well-designed siphon-jet flushing mechanism and wide 2-3 inch flush valve for optimal power.

• Toilets with a poor flush will clog more easily and can leave behind waste due to the long run to your RV‘s tank.

• Check toilet reviews to confirm adequate flush performance before purchasing.

Brand Reputation and Materials

• Stick with toilet brands that have a proven track record of reliability and durability, like Kohler, Toto, American Standard, etc.

• Vitreous china material resists chips and cracks better than plastic toilets under travel conditions.

• Obtain all necessary trim pieces like caps, gaskets, seat hardware, and wax ring along with the toilet.

By keeping these criteria in mind while shopping, you can zero in on the ideal toilet model to install in your RV bathroom.

Critical Considerations Before Beginning Installation

While the step-by-step process may appear straightforward at first glance, carefully evaluating the existing plumbing, structure, and layout before getting started is crucial.

Here are the key factors to inspect in advance:

Water Supply Lines

• Trace the path of your RV‘s freshwater supply lines. The new toilet will need a hookup and shut-off valve, which may require rerouting the lines.

• Determine if the needed adapters, connectors, and additional lines are in place to connect the toilet properly.

Waste Tank Access

• Make sure the base of the replacement toilet will align with the existing drain pipe path and termination at your waste holding tank.

• Angle grinder modifications to the drainage access way may be needed if the orientation changes significantly.

Ventilation

• Proper ventilation around the new toilet is required to prevent foul odors and pipe clogging from methane buildup.

• Examine the surrounding cabinetry for existing vent openings. Adding a vent fan may be required if ventilation is lacking.

Permits and Documentation

• Research which RV codes and plumbing permits apply to toilet installation in your area and municipality.

• Have all needed paperwork ready to avoid delays in commencing work.

• Update your RV‘s specifications documentation with the new toilet‘s make and model once installation is complete.

Handling these details upfront prevents headaches further down the road. Now let‘s go over the tools you‘ll need.

Necessary Tools and Materials to Gather

The right equipment makes toilet installation much smoother. Be sure to have these supplies on hand before getting started:

• New compact residential toilet (rounded bowl 30" high or less)
• Adjustable wrench
• Channel lock pliers
• Teflon tape
• RV toilet sealant
• Wax toilet seal ring
• Bolt caps
• Shims
• Screwdriver
• Flashlight
• Gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Shop rags
• Putty knife
• Trash bags
• Carpenter‘s level
• Pliers
• Bucket

With your toilet model selected and tools gathered, it‘s time to dive into the installation process!

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions

Follow these steps closely for safe and smooth toilet removal and replacement in your RV:

Removing the Existing Toilet

1. Turn off the water supply valve and flush to empty the toilet tank.

2. Use channel lock pliers to disconnect the flexible water supply line from the fill valve.

3. Remove the hold-down bolts securing the toilet base to the floor using your adjustable wrench.

4. Disconnect the discharge pipe from the RV waste outlet.

5. If equipped, detach the tank water line from the overflow tube.

6. Remove the toilet by lifting it straight up gently. Place a towel underneath to catch drips.

7. Use a putty knife to scrape away old sealant and wax from the base area. Clean the area thoroughly in preparation for the new toilet.

Preparing and Dry Fitting the New Toilet

1. Carefully read the manufacturer‘s installation instructions for your new toilet.

2. Make any needed adjustments to the freshwater supply lines and waste tank access location.

3. Do a dry run by placing the new toilet without sealing it. Check for level placement and proper pipe alignment.

4. Determine shim requirements by testing the toilet‘s height and level position.

5. Disassemble the toilet as directed to install the wax ring.

Securing the Toilet with Plumber‘s Putty

1. Roll plumber‘s putty into a rope and seal around the toilet horn discharge opening underneath. This prevents leakage.

2. Press the wax ring evenly onto the discharge horn with the tapered end facing down.

3. Lower the toilet back into position over the floor flange outlet and press down firmly to seal the wax ring. Remove any putty squeezes.

4. Alternately tighten the hold-down flange bolts to secure the toilet base snugly to the floor using your adjustable wrench.

Connecting the Plumbing Lines

1. Use RV toilet sealant on the threads to reattach the discharge pipe to the RV waste tank outlet.

2. Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank fill valve. Apply Teflon tape to the threads to prevent leaks.

3. Reattach any discharge tank water lines that were previously removed.

4. Turn the water supply back on and do a test flush to check for leaks. Tighten any connections further if needed.

Finalizing and Testing the Installation

1. Apply a flexible RV sealant around the toilet base and floor. Smooth out any squeezes for a clean look.

2. Allow the sealant to fully cure for 48 hours before using the toilet. This prevents water damage or sealant oozing up between the toilet and floor.

3. Verify proper ventilation by doing a test for odor buildup. Leave a cup of water in the toilet bowl for 1-2 hours then check for any smell. Add a vent fan if any odor is detected.

4. Update your RV‘s specification sheet with the details on the new toilet.

5. Flush the toilet 5-6 times to purge any residual chemical odors from the wax ring before using.

After completing these steps carefully, your RV is ready to hit the road with a comfortable new residential toilet! Be sure to follow all manufacturer care guidelines. Catch any leaks early and perform preventative maintenance for a long-lasting upgrade.

FAQs from DIYers

Let‘s go over some frequently asked questions from RVers about residential toilet installation:

1. How difficult is the installation process for a DIYer?

The project takes moderate skill, but most able RVers can handle it in 2-4 hours following instructions closely. Patience and proper prep work are key!

2. Can I install a household toilet myself and save on labor costs?

Definitely! While hiring a pro is advisable for total beginners, installing your toilet can be a very doable DIY project for someone with basic plumbing skills.

3. What size wrench do I need to remove the original toilet?
   An adjustable wrench capable of providing a firm grip on the 1/2" – 1" hold-down nuts is ideal. Avoid oversized wrenches that can strip the soft metal.

4. Will my RV‘s floor be able to bear the weight of a residential toilet?

If your RV is less than 10 years old and you choose a toilet around 60 lbs or less, it should be fine. But inspect the floor with a level first and reinforce areas if needed.

5. Can I install a low-flow toilet to conserve water when camping?

Absolutely! Low-flow toilets using 1.6 gpf or less are recommended to reduce water waste. Just be sure the flush is still strong enough for RV use.

Hopefully these FAQs help clarify some of the key concerns DIY installers run into. You‘ve got this!

Helpful Additional Resources

To supplement the recommendations in this guide, check out these informative articles, video tutorials, and expert tips on RV toilet installation:

• "How to Install an RV Toilet" – Step-by-step instructions from RV expert Dave Solberg on rvrepairclub.com

• "Important Design Factors for RV Sanitation" – Overview of key toilet installation considerations from the RV Industry Association

• "Upgrading Your RV Bathroom" – Tips on toilet replacement projects from the American RV Company

• "Best Practice RV Toilet Installation" – Video walking through the process from RV education site Forest River

• "A Pro Shares His Top 5 RV Toilet Install Tips" – Professional insights in this blog post on rvshare.com

With the right information and preparation, you can tackle this project! Wishing you safe travels and happy camping ahead with your RV‘s new residential-style toilet. Never hesitate to reach out with any other questions.