*GRAPHIC* Cassette toilet leak - SMB interior ruined

[jamlip]

Hi all,

I'm the (formerly) happy owner of a 1999 7.3 4x4 EB-50.

During my rush last Sunday to clean out the interior after the previous week's camping adventures, I forgot to empty the waste from the cassette toilet.

I returned to the van today to finish the task. I noticed two large dried brown puddles underneath, followed by a smell that defies language acceptable for use on this board. On entering the van, I found that the toilet waste tank had split, emptying a large volume of liquified shit throughout the interior. It was absolutely impossible to breathe.

The floor has obviously absorbed this hellish faecal concoction and will need replacing, and 25 year-old fiberboard galley cabinetry has swelled and split around the base. Whilst it looks terrible, the smell is the real issue - it is absolutely satanic.

I appreciate that the only way to resolve this situation is to gut and replace the interior. I love this van and am a competent enough with a router and table saw to do a nice job (bah!), although I'd prefer an off-the-shelf solution if one is available.

So, does anyone know of anyone building replacement SMB interiors? I've seen the Econoline kit from VanLab and, whilst it looks nice, I want to keep the EB-50 layout as I need the rock-and-roll seat for my 7yo son.

Also interested to hear if anyone else has ever been down the road of rebuilding their SMB interior like this.

Off for a shower, and to burn my clothes.

[SMB123]

This is a lesson for all of us.

Did you use the "blue stuff" in the turlet?

Any chance at all that once the cabs are pulled out the bottoms could be salvaged with the bad wood cut out? Sounds like a monumental task but since you have a unicorn it's worth saving.

[jamlip]

Yeah, the 7.3, the 4x4, and now riding beautifully on and off-road - it's a keeper and worth doing right.

I used TST in the toilet, but it's academic now - absolutely the most hellish of messes.

[N147JK]

Man I'm sorry to hear this. We have a similar toilet in our van. I wonder if it pressurized and burst? We've learned (the hard way) to be VERY careful when opening it after a drive that involves any elevation changes.

[jamlip]

Yeah, I live in the desert and I think the heat didn't help. I take very good care of this van and this was easily avoidable. I feel really, really stupid.

Lid down -always- when you pull the toilet 'flush' slider back! You only make that mistake once.

[Twoxentrix]

It may be a longshot, but I'd check with my Insurance to see if they would cover any portion of the repairs since the issue developed from an appliance failure.
Certainly not an incident I would wish on anyone, but it's amazing where your mind goes when you become 'privy' ( ) to something like this...believe I'm going to start searching for some type of Tupperware bin which my port-a-potty would conveniently sit in (just in case), to serve as an exterior liner. That or just using a construction type trash bag it would sit in after use.
Really feel bad for you, but it serves as a warning for all that visit this Thread.

[1der]

Sorry to read about this mishap. I can only imagine the devastation. First, please consider adding your location info to your profile - I want to make sure I am upwind of your rig - jk

A 1999 50 layout is fully ready for replacing and since you have the skill set, tools (and lots of us to help remotely) and cabinets as templates you can do the job right this time around. Be prepared for some shocking typical SMB discoveries once you remove the cabinetry. You will end up redoing/upgrading the electrical, so count that in. I am going to add that you will end up doing insulation, too.

Take your time, remove the compromised stuff and 30 lbs of angle brackets and no-longer-holding screws. Bleach, Dawn based solutions and lots of air. Careful multiple rinsing and allowing to thoroughly dry. It is going to be those missed hidden spots that will cause the most trouble with ongoing smells. Every old piece of material will go in the trash after being used to make a template. Bag and tag the hardware and take LOTS of pictures while disassembling. Incorporate the changes you have always wanted to make and embrace this opportunity.

Re: toilets - we make it an absolute checklist item to pull the flush lever out a slight bit on our Porta Potti. This allows the tank pressure to equalize as we change elevations. Not only is tank rupture a problem but also the deformation of the seal between the bowl and tank can present as the holding tank expands and contracts if not allowed to equalize on the go.

This a GREAT reason for NOT gluing down a floor to the metal floor.

The suggestion of a catch pan is a really good one but may be hard to put into effect with space constraints. We have traveled for 20+ years w a PP and not had any burst tanks or major leaks.

[86Scotty]

I just clicked because it said graphic.

What a shitty deal.

This forum is chock full of SMB rebuilds. Get your mask on and dive in.

[boywonder]

Reminds me of when my 94 year old mother left a pot roast in the trunk.....for about two weeks.......that car was hard to sell even though it only had 28K miles on it.

...or my college buddy in Florida who had a Burmese python die in his 1977 Nova....it was rough riding to class with him even with all the windows rolled down. ...took him weeks to find it, and I started riding my bike to class.

[jamlip]

Thanks for the emotional support, everyone.

I'm interested in seeing some top-class interior refits - anyone fancy sharing any standouts on here that come to mind?

Is sealed (varnished) lightweight ply still the best option for the cabinetry? I'd like to use something that doesn't swell up next time the shitter explodes.

Regarding flooring, the current (original) SMB floor seems to be a very hard wearing plastic / fabric wrapped over board and I kinda like it. Seems totally indestructible. Anyone know what it is?

I really appreciate any assistance.