Canalsman
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I realised recently that the solenoid valve on my Thetford toilet was not closing fully. This resulted in a slow dribble into the bowl and occasional cycling of the water pump. In addition water was dripping down and pooling on the top of the cassette.
Having established the part number online, and being minded to get a repairer to replace it rather than fiddle around with it myself, I found a Thetford service agent who could fix it the week following.
I had described by email very precisely what was happening. Not unreasonably I thought it would be an easy fix.
So I went back to collect the 'van, paid the rather larger than expected bill, and tested it.
Water still leaking onto the top of the cassette!
The guy who had replaced the solenoid valve said he'd tested it and it was fine. This seemed unlikely to have been true given the considerable amount of water that was present. He suggested that the vacuum breaker, which seems to be some kind of non return valve and is fitted adjacent to the valve, might be leaking. And so it proved when he disassembled it for the second time whilst I waited.
I learned four things.
1. As usual it is to be expected that a simple task such as this will not be fixed first time.
2. It is likely that a repair won't be tested fully.
3. Thetford parts are very expensive when purchased from their agents.
4. Always replace both the solenoid valve and vacuum breaker at the same time.
Oh, and another thing, motorhome dealers are not a good option when needing something fixing. I have established this previously and vowed never to use one again. But I decided to try once again having told this dealer by email of earlier bad experiences, and having been assured by them that they were different. Not so sadly ...
Having established the part number online, and being minded to get a repairer to replace it rather than fiddle around with it myself, I found a Thetford service agent who could fix it the week following.
I had described by email very precisely what was happening. Not unreasonably I thought it would be an easy fix.
So I went back to collect the 'van, paid the rather larger than expected bill, and tested it.
Water still leaking onto the top of the cassette!
The guy who had replaced the solenoid valve said he'd tested it and it was fine. This seemed unlikely to have been true given the considerable amount of water that was present. He suggested that the vacuum breaker, which seems to be some kind of non return valve and is fitted adjacent to the valve, might be leaking. And so it proved when he disassembled it for the second time whilst I waited.
I learned four things.
1. As usual it is to be expected that a simple task such as this will not be fixed first time.
2. It is likely that a repair won't be tested fully.
3. Thetford parts are very expensive when purchased from their agents.
4. Always replace both the solenoid valve and vacuum breaker at the same time.
Oh, and another thing, motorhome dealers are not a good option when needing something fixing. I have established this previously and vowed never to use one again. But I decided to try once again having told this dealer by email of earlier bad experiences, and having been assured by them that they were different. Not so sadly ...
to driniking supply 
.