Electric flush on cassete toilets broken?

[simon_5079296]

Hi, we have just tried our first (secondhand) van for the first time. The toilet appears to have an electric flush but this doesn't work. Are they known to break, is this likely to be a common problem that is easily and cheaply fixable or should we just keep a bottle of water in there to flush it?

It is called a porta potti and it's an older model Buccaneer Caravel 4 berth.

There is water in the roll, the pump works in the roll, there is no electric motor sound frpm the loo and there is water in the flusher.

Do they need priming or something?

Cheers

 

[Rod_5041370]

Most Thetford cassettes have a fuse for the flush pump under the loo, accessible (by standing on your head!) via the exterior door.

A common reason for the fuse to go is when water has been left in the pump over winter and freezes, when the loo is flushed whilst there is ice in the pump the fuse blows.

Once the pump thaws and the fuse replaced, all is usually OK.

You don't give the model of the loo but if you look here you can download the installation and operating manuals for your model.

These have complete schematic and parts drawings.

Most parts are stocked by good caravan dealers.

Good luck.

 

[Rod_5041370]

Most Thetford cassettes have a fuse for the flush pump under the loo, accessible (by standing on your head!) via the exterior door.

A common reason for the fuse to go is when water has been left in the pump over winter and freezes, when the loo is flushed whilst there is ice in the pump the fuse blows.

Once the pump thaws and the fuse replaced, all is usually OK.

You don't give the model of the loo but if you look here you can download the installation and operating manuals for your model.

These have complete schematic and parts drawings.

Most parts are stocked by good caravan dealers.

Good luck.

Sorry I didn't specify the "here"!

www.thetford-europe.com/

Cheers

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Simon,

Take a look on http://www.thetford-europe.com/ and see if you can identify your model of toilet - then download the instructions and the repair manual.

If the toilet hasn't been used for some time, check that the motor / pump is free to turn and hasn't become gunged up.

There is a microswitch to confirm that the removable cassette is in place - you may need to check this switch is correctly positioned - before the pump will run

The pump runs from the van 12 V supply - check the fuses and use a multi-meter to confirm that 12 V is getting to the pump

Robert

 

[simon_5079296]

Thanks all. day and a half to fix it from complete novice to thetford expert.

It was the pump in the end, and the replacement had to be chamfered, shaved and routed to fit. And I had to buy a heat gun after melting the site hairdryer.

But I have a loo!