How to Remove a Toilet from an RV Camper

As an expert in RV maintenance and renovation with over 15 years of experience, I‘m often asked how to remove and replace a toilet in a camper or motorhome. While it may seem daunting, this project can easily be tackled by most DIYers with proper preparation and tools. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide step-by-step instructions to walk you through the entire toilet removal and replacement process.

Why You May Need to Replace Your RV Toilet

Over years of vibration and use, RV toilets can start to fail in some key ways:

• Leaky valves or connections – This is the most common issue, allowing water to drip down under the RV during flushing. Small leaks may be repairable, but replacing the toilet often makes more sense.
• Clogged or jammed components – Mineral deposits and waste can make valves and seals stick. This affects flushing performance.
• Damaged floors/subfloor – Leaks around the toilet base can rot or weaken the floor over time, necessitating floor repairs.
• Outdated style – You may want to upgrade to a taller, more comfortable residential toilet instead of a tiny RV model.

While some problems can be fixed, installing a new toilet is usually the best solution if your current one is giving you fits.

Toilet Types Found in RVs

There are 3 main toilet designs used in RVs:

• Cassette Toilet – This portable toilet has a detachable waste tank that needs dumping. No plumbing connections.
• Gravity Flush Toilet – Flush valve seal connects to a gravity waste pipe to drain. Has water supply line.
• Vacuum Flush Toilet – Flush waste via an electric vacuum pump and macerator. More complex.

I‘ll go over the steps to remove each of these toilet types later in this guide.

Helpful Tools and Materials for Toilet Removal

Gather the following equipment before starting the toilet removal process:

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
• 7/16" open-end wrench or small socket set
• Putty knife
• Rags
• Bucket
• Gloves
• Drop cloths
• Sealant (for resealing floor flange after install)

You likely won‘t need all of these tools, but having them on hand can make the job much smoother.

Shutting Off Water Supply and Power

The first step is to shut off the water supply valve that feeds the toilet. This is usually located in a basement compartment of the RV. If you have a vacuum flush toilet, also turn off power to the macerator pump.

Next, flush the toilet a few times until the bowl is empty. Use a small bucket or cup to remove any remaining water in the bowl. Have some rags or a sponge ready to soak up water drips.

Step-by-Step Toilet Removal Instructions

With the water off and tools gathered, you‘re ready to remove the toilet. Carefully follow these steps:

Removing a Cassette Toilet

1. Make sure cassette tank is drained and removed if detachable.
2. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove base mounting bolts.
3. After unbolting, lift toilet straight up and out of floor cavity.
4. Transport toilet outside and dispose of properly.
5. Temporarily seal floor cavity with a plug, rag, or tape.

Removing a Gravity Flush Toilet

1. Disconnect and detach water supply line from fill valve.
2. Loosen mounting nuts and remove bolts attaching base to floor.
3. Disconnect flush valve seal from floor drain pipe.
4. Lift toilet up, allowing flush valve to detach from waste pipe.
5. Carefully carry toilet outside, minding adjacent walls and cabinets.

Removing a Vacuum Flush Toilet

1. Shut off electric power to vacuum pump and macerator.
2. Under the RV, disconnect the vacuum waste hose from pump.
3. Remove mounting nuts and detach vacuum line from toilet.
4. Disconnect water supply lines from fill valve.
5. Lift toilet up and off of floor flange/waste pipe.
6. Transport toilet outside for disposal.

Inspecting Floor Flange and Subfloor

With the old toilet removed, this is a great opportunity to inspect the floor cavity for any leaks, damage, or rotted areas. Look closely at the floor flange and sealing surface. The flange may need to be replaced or re-aligned if it is damaged or unlevel.

Address any issues with the floor or subfloor before installing the new replacement toilet.

Disposing of the Old Toilet Properly

RV toilets contain plastic, metal, and porcelain components. Don‘t just throw the old toilet in your home dumpster. The best disposal options are:

• Take to a landfill or waste disposal site. Most will have procedures for large household items.
• Use a scrap metal recycling service to reclaim metals like tanks, valves, and mounting hardware.
• Some RV service centers will also accept old RV toilets for proper disposal.

Installing the New Toilet

Installation is the reverse of removal. Here are a few tips:

• Always use a new toilet seal/gasket. This ensures a leak-free seal to the floor flange.
• Hand tighten mounting nuts first, then use a wrench to fully tighten to avoid cracking porcelain.
• For gravity flush models, use plumber‘s putty to seal flush valve to drain pipe.
• Reconnect water lines and turn on water supply to check for leaks.
• I always recommend applying a sealant bead around the toilet base. This prevents "hidden" leaks under the toilet that lead to soft floor damage.

Common Questions about RV Toilet Removal

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to replace an RV toilet?

With proper preparation and tools on hand, the removal and installation process takes 2-3 hours. Allow extra time if floor or plumbing repairs are needed.

Should I hire a professional?

While this job is certainly DIY-friendly, consider hiring a technician if you have limited DIY experience or find extensive issues under the toilet.

What should I do with my old RV toilet?

Never dispose of a toilet in household waste. Take it to a proper disposal site, landfill, or RV service center instead.

Can I install a residential toilet in my RV?

Yes, but residential toilets use much more water per flush. You‘ll need to modify the plumbing to support the increased demand.

How can I tell what kind of toilet I have?

Check for a label under the lid or around the bowl. The manual should also indicate the brand and model.

Key Takeaways

Replacing an RV toilet is a project any motivated DIYer can take on. Follow these tips for success:

• Turn off water supply and drain toilet bowl completely before starting.
• Remove mounting bolts and hardware gradually to avoid cracking porcelain.
• Inspect floor flange and subfloor for any damage needed before installing new toilet.
• Consider hiring a professional if you discovery extensive repairs are needed.
• Always wear gloves and work slowly to avoid injury when lifting the toilet.

With the steps in this guide, you can replace your RV or camper toilet with minimal hassle. As with any plumbing job, take your time and exercise caution. You‘ll save money over hiring a plumber, and will get many more years of comfortable use from your new toilet.