To Fix or to Flush? The Ultimate RV Toilet Dilemma

Whether you’re dealing with a Dometic 310 that won’t hold water or a Thetford Aqua-Magic IV that’s developed a mysterious leak, every RV owner eventually faces the same crossroads: Do I repair it, or is it time for a total replacement?

At rvtoiletparts.com, we know that a functioning bathroom is the difference between a dream road trip and a logistical nightmare. Here is our guide to help you decide when to grab the wrench and when to browse the catalog.

1. When to Choose Repair

Most RV toilets are designed to be modular. If the "bones" of the unit (the porcelain or high-grade plastic shell) are solid, a repair is almost always the most cost-effective route.

• The "Slow Leak" (Seal Issues): If your bowl won't hold water, it’s usually just a dried-out or degraded ball seal. These are inexpensive and can be swapped out in 15 minutes.

• The Constant Run (Water Valve): If you hear water trickling or see it running into the bowl constantly, a cracked water valve is likely the culprit. This is a common fix, especially after a rough winter.

• Specific Brand Parts: Both Dometic and Thetford have excellent parts support. We stock everything from pedal assemblies and vacuum breakers to floor flanges, making it easy to restore a high-end toilet for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

2. When to Choose Replacement

Sometimes, throwing more parts at the problem is just "polishing a localized disaster." Consider a full replacement if:

• Structural Damage: If the porcelain bowl is cracked or the plastic base has a structural fissure, there is no "glue" that will reliably hold up to the vibrations of the road.

• The "Upset" Factor: If your toilet is 10+ years old, the internal components you can't see may be brittle. Replacing it now prevents three separate repairs over the next two years.

• The Upgrade Bug: Still using a low-profile plastic model? Upgrading to a residential-height, porcelain-bowl model (like the new Dometic 410 series) can significantly improve your comfort on long trips.

The Verdict

Repair it if: The problem is a specific leak, or a worn seal. You’ll save money and keep perfectly good hardware out of the landfill.

Replace it if: The body is cracked, the unit is outdated/uncomfortable, or the cost of multiple replacement parts exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit.

Ready to get your bathroom back in order?

Whether you need a specific Thetford seal kit or a Dometic water valve, we’ve got you covered.

[Browse our full inventory of Dometic and Thetford parts here]