Toilet flush continues to run.
I have a 2011 Bailey Unicorn Valencia. Never had problems with the loo until this afternoon when I went to flush in and the flush stayed on!! I switched to systems off and went to check out the toilet compartment and to remove the fuse if there was a continuing problem. There was- with the system turned on at the panel and me putting the fuse back, the flush continued to run. Any suggestions?? It doesn't look like you can get in from the top as it is just a panel with a what must be a micro switch underneath a blue button of around a 50p size. I wonder if the PCB is playing up?
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of ots loke mine (and probably MMs) there is a plastic film/cover that can be peeled back to reveal the housing for the PCB.
the housing can be prised out and the micro switch button checked.
the 'usual' issue is that the button doesnt work when pressed, because ot can sometimes get forced out of the retaining housing....flush staying on i havent heard of before, sorry Merve
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Usually CFS (continual flush syndrome) occurs because of condensation on the flush pcb which is located beneath the removalable thin plastic cover over the flush switch or on older models on an upstanding behind the removeable cassette. A fix can usually be made by stripping out the pcb from its mounting and giving it a lengthy spray with WD40 top and bottom paying special attention to where the harness connects. A "soft toothbrush" scrub of the pcb will help. Shake dry and leave to totally air dry before reassembly making sure that the connections and connector are clean and making good contact. From experience this should fix the problem. I now carry a spare pcb to replace if the above doesn't fix.
Some years ago in Italy I had the pump start to run for no apparent reason. Fortunately I was sitting outside and heard the pump cut in but by the time it registered and I investigated the toilet bowl was almost full and about to overflow. Needless to say the flush tank was full so could have been a bit of a mess. Emails to / from Thetford suggested condensation - ambient temperature was 40c and the aircon had been running continuously for days - fix sorted the problem then - since then on different 'vans I have experienced similar CFS when external temperatures are high. I suspect the aircon also has something to do with it as well.
Home "n" Dri
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We had the same problem so I fitted a switch in the power line to the pump. To flush we now just push the new switch and if necessary also the original switch on the panel. This switch is spring loaded to off position so flushing occurs only while you press it. I bought the switch from Maplin, code N01AR.
The problem was/is intermittent, probably caused by dampness or poor contact somewhere. It seems the power to the pump is controlled by a MOSFET (?) activated by the small switch you press. A MOSFET (MetalFieldEffectTransistor) needs very little power to be activated. Maybe Thetford needs to change their circuit board design?
The problem started a few years ago and we thought that the control board was defective, bought a new one which worked for a while, but it also failed eventually. Therefor before this years holiday I made the modification.
To gain access to the circuit board just remove the decal which is glued on. If you are careful it may be reused, but caravan dealers sell them if you need one.
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As I have posted in the past, why on earth do we need an electric flush?
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Is there "really" that much effort in pushing a handle instead of a button, particularly given the reliability issues and the unnecessary use of 12V to run an electric pump.
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You've got me thinking now CY, our van certainly isn't manual flush, but neither does it have a separate flush tank as we had in caravans previously. It all comes from the underfloor tank.... You press a button and the thing flushes... but I have no idea if the button is electrical, or is just a valve which releases water and the normal whale pressure switch in the system then starts the pump running as it would if you opened a tap...
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Had the same problem a couple of years ago. As omendri says, prise off cover with flush button and spray but not with WD40 LUBRICANT use their elrctric spray. Mine has worked perfectly since. Not sure about ambient temp point as mine went in Germany and it certainly was not hot!
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Thanks guys. Seems I have to prise off the plastic film on top of the PCB underneath- I am told that the PCB has probably 'gone' and apart from a new one of those I will need a new plastic film inlay as they look crap once removed! I will certainly try the electrical spray first though comeyras. KjellNN- thanks for such a comprehensive and helpful post- brilliant. Cyber- I don't need an electric flush- I just have one! Thanks to all for your help and concern.
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UPDATE: I have removed the plastic film panel and inspected underneath by removing the PCB housing and its like a swimming pool in there! ( or was) connector was wet as was the rear of the PCB. I notice because of the way it's glued into it's housing, you can't actually inspect the circuit itself but I will now get some electrical spray and air dry it. I'm now convinced that it certainly has something to do with the extreme temperatures we have had in Dorset. It's all a learning curve isn't it. Again, thanks to everyone who so generously helped with this little hitch. What would that have cost had I called out a caravan medic??
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You can see our "cover" in the photo, it has been off several times, does not look great, and has lost almost all its stick, we bought a new one on line, was about £5. Saving it meantime. It should stand being removed once, if you are careful.
The main problem is that it gets quite damp in the area the board sits, it is not really a good design IMO, unnecessarily complicated.
New boards are quite expensive, hence my alternative solution.
This problem was raised on SwiftTalk a few years back, some people have resorted to fitting an on/off switch in the bathroom so they only leave the power to the toilet pump on long enough to do the flushing.
About half the time we were away (3 months) recently, we only needed to push my new red button, the rest of time we had to use both buttons. Sometimes a good "thunk" on the panel will stop the pump, but it is only a temporary solution.
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Never tried switch cleaner as I don't carry it as part of the essential kit. I do carry (as do most caravanners and motorhomers) standard WD40. Being a simple person if the probable problem is moisture then a moisture displacer is probably the stuff to use. Switch cleaner may have the same properties - I don't know - but good old WD40 does the job and hopefully helps to prevent a reoccurance.
Ome "n" Dri
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Merve
For future reference the pcb should just clip out - can't remember if it is on pegs or plastic clips though- now have a motorhome which pumps the flush from the fresh water tank in the the same way as the kitchen tap. A much better idea me thinks. Still carry the spare pcb for old times sake - may be able to help someone in the future especially in foreign parts where these "things" tend to happen.
Ome "n" Dri
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Merve, excellent result. Yes, but standard WD40 is a lubricant but not a water repellent. The latter is best for use on electrical connections such as the wc flush button but also the car/caravan socket connection. I have both in my spares box. Yes things always seem to go wrong in foreign parts eg wc swivel not working when in Germany (Ratchet needed refitting very fiddly to fix), bulb going and then losing the rubber grommet for the screw into the void behind the fitment.
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This thread is getting 'bogged' down.
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I seem to remember that when WD40 was launched/became popular the urban myth was that it (WD40) magic incredient was fish oil which was was responsible for the moisture shedding properties. Took years for me to realise that this was not true - gullible or what. As a lubricant there are better products on the market but for general purpose use and a moisture repellant WD40 is unsurpassed. A tool box essential item.
Ome "n" Dry
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Make that 120lt. Things - likely most things - would be a tad damp. Same argument for sink taps though- good enough reason to turn the pump off when not in the motorhome methinks. Life is just full of these risks and opportunities- sometimes I just leave the pump on and live dangerously. I can be a little devil at times.
Ome "n" Dri
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Everything gets turned off except the charger when we go out.
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