What's more disgusting than when your RV toilet won't drain? Um, nothing? Surely at least once you have watched in horror as an at-home toilet's water surged up and over the bowl.
The panic that ensues is palpable. Having your toilet in your RV back up can't be much better. It's going to be harder to clear.
This is why RVers are so concerned about poop. We don't want it ON us, and we don't want to have to deal with it any more than we already have to.
I don't even want to HAVE to know how to unclog plugged RV toilets. Clogs happen far too often. If you are a member of any RVing Facebook group, I'm sure you've seen a post from someone pleading for help with a clog.
Here's one. This person's RV toilet won't drain. I pulled it from Facebook just today.
Some did their best to give their two cents. Others gave (typical) Facebook/forum nonsense advice. So what works and what doesn't?
It can be frustrating to know, to say the least. Wouldn't the best thing be to prevent this situation in the first place? Then what makes ME a 'professional' at this subject? Absolutely nothing.
Here, my hose was leaking near the RV connection point
This is my personal camper toilet experience mixed with logic. I have never had a clog. Of course, I am still scared to death of having one. I've had RV sanitation hose leaks though. Ugh.
I am simply sharing with you what I do to never have a clog. And so far, it has worked like a charm. I have ZERO doubt that it will work well for you, too!
The #1 Secret To No Black Tank Clogs
Here's my secret to never having any clogs. It's really simple:
Get a composting toilet!
Heh. Me so funny. Instead, and for real:
DO NOT FLUSH YOUR TOILET PAPER
You think not?
Well, simply re-read the person who posted it to Facebook above. What clogged the tank? No poo, just TOILET PAPER, and urine. (Things that make you go hmmmm.)
What if they had put zero TP in the tank? No clog. GUARANTEED. (Even if it is camper safe toilet paper.)
Doesn't that sound nice? Well, it's doo-doo-able. (Couldn't help it)
At the very least, there is NOTHING negative that can come from this method. Remember this.
Used TP In The Trash? Eew, Gross!
So, this solution- some people are against it because they think it's too 'gross'. Trust me, it's not.
Let's have a look at my bathroom garbage can where my TP goes. Even a close-up of it (god forbid!):
GASP! Horrid! Disgusting!??
OH MY GOSH! LOOK AT ALL THE... boring white toilet paper.
Yes, yes, you may be wondering, 'do you go #2 in your rig?' Of course I go #2! You don't see it in the can because I don't point the brown stuff up!
Naturally, it gets placed 'brown side down'. Stinky? Nope.
You may temporarily smell what you drop into the RV toilet, which may happen either way. You won't have a lingering smell from the small amount on the toilet paper in the trash.
You don't wipe giant globs of poo (so gross, sorry) off of your hiney, do you? Or wait, do you?
Errrrm lets not get into that. Let's talk about the benefits before you start arguing the many other ways of avoiding having your RV toilet clogged.
Four 'TP Free' Black Tank Benefits
There are four immediate awesome benefits to this method.
- Saves tank space. If you boondock, you can stay longer in between dumps.
- You can use any brand of toilet paper that you desire.
- You can use as much TP as you like.
- No RV toilet paper clogs.
- BONUS: If you have children (who behave), no worries they will put too much down the RV toilet.
Need I say more? I'd say 'no'... you can stop here and happily put this camper toilet method to immediate use.
But you may not share my opinion. (Which is fine.) Before you boo-hoo my method, let's look at why the other methods can fail.
Typical Black Tank Clog Prevention Methods
Here are some 'popular' methods you hear to avoid clogs. There's plenty that I can argue about these. Let's dive right in.
'Use Plenty Of Water'
Ok, this sounds reasonable. But there is a problem. How much is enough?
Some people recommend putting some water in the bowl before (or after) adding 'solids' to measure how much should go in.
Well, ok.
But how is this regulated? How much is enough, exactly? Is this generalization enough to always prevent a clog?
Is there a poo/TP squares/water scientific ratio we need to know about and measure?And how much doo doo do YOU do? Also, is using a lot of water practical?
Definitely not if you're a full-time boondocker. It's MOST definitely not practical if you're a man.
Why? Heh.
This is where it gets interesting. (Hey, you asked.)
Dudes... if you fill the bowl full with water and try to settle in, well, your 'boys' are in for a surprise once you sit.
Some of your dangly bits even have issues with a high water level in a regular toilet!
...you get the picture
If you fill the bowl, your junk will resemble a boat on the ocean. A sinking one?
I'm not sure what happens there. I'm... well, I'm a girl.
Worse, once you males go #2, whatever bits are hanging down there will be soon floating in fecal matter or even sewage.
Gross. Not ideal.
Also, if you have kids, how do you make sure your children fill the rv toilet with enough water? They also might have fun with the TP.
Oh, you don't think toys like this below are fun? TP is fun as he**! Toilets can be fun to kids. So can toilet paper.
One excellent way to keep too much TP from entering is to not put any in at all. So, with this 'add plenty of water' method, you are still at risk of having a clog.
ONE clog is too many clogs for this gal. I'm sticking to no TP down my RV toilet.
Side note: I am ULTRA conservative with my flushes. I do 'both numbers' into my tank.
Never had a problem.
I probably press the flush pedal for one second or less. I use as LITTLE water as possible.
'Add Ice And Drive Around'
This method of cleaning a black tank has been very well debunked by James of The Fit RV. It's not very effective.
He tested the theory using a clear tank in the back of his truck.
He added simulated feces, liquids and TP, added ice, drove around like a lunatic, and recorded the whole thing for proof. Then he shared his results.
Not gonna work
The result? Basically it's not going to do much at all. Especially not for a clog.
It might clean a tiny bit of residue from the bottom or the side of your black tank at the top of however much water you put into it.
Definitely not enough to make it worth it. We linked to James' video HERE if you want to watch it.
'Use Chemicals To Break Down The Solids'
Nope. I don't use any tank treatments. It's not a septic tank.
I have no smells and no other issues.
If you have smells, consider an odor neutralizer. (Marshall has used Happy Campers organic RV holding tank treatment.)
UPDATE- While here in Florida for late spring of 2020, I started getting smells and used Happy Camper. It's better now.
RV Tank 'Treatments'
- Formaldehyde- Methyl alcohol and formaldehyde. Only pickles the organics in the tank. Hides odor, does nothing else.
- Chemicals- Supposed to break down solids into sludge. (Does nothing for mold/grease in the grey tank.) Strong deodorizing to mask odor. Temp sensitive. (Struvites) Chemicals accentuate the struvite growing process, turning solids and TP into rock-solid substance on walls of tank.
- Probiotics- Gives health benefits to RV tanks. Eats gases instead of masking. Breaks solids into liquid. Eats grease and mold. Works in any temp. May help break down struvites.
- Enzymes/bacteria- More modern treatment. Doesn't help grease/mold in grey tank. Breaks down solids into a sludge. Deodorizes. Doesn't remove odors. Doesn't break down struvites.
I save $$ by not buying RV black water tank chemicals.
I don't see the need. (Unless you're in very hot places, vomit)
I don't worry too much about struvites because I don't rely on my holding tank monitor to show the correct black tank level. My guess is my camper travel trailer tank sensors are covered with them.
That's fine. I know about how long I can go until I need to dump.
I also have the added 'benefit' of being able to see right down into my black tank. There's no curve in my toilet pipe.
(Really- it's very helpful! Also helpful in not clogging the pipe from the toilet to the tank.) Therefore If I NEED to, I can see if my tank is almost full.
Still, you will figure out how long until you're full with not too much experience and without your sensors.
On another note, some RV tank cleaning professionals even claim that the CHEMICAL based treatments cause struvites to form even faster and turn TP into a rock-hard like substance.
(Struvites grow in EVERY black tank) Awesome.
'Buy Only RV Toilet Paper'
Ok, this can also help prevent clogs. But there's no guarantee.
But what if you don't like the feel of RV brand toilet paper?
You will hear people say they use Scotts, Charmin, X brand in their black tanks.
It pretty much runs the gamut as far as brands people say will work and 'not clog your tank'. (Until that one time that it does.)
But does your butt like it?
Even RV toilet paper that turns into mush can 'mush up' a lot, and add to sludge. (Especially when combined with feces.)
It also still adds to the storage space of the tank, causing you to have to dump sooner than later.
Just My Opinion, Folks
This is MY (Kelly's) opinion, folks. Not necessarily Camp Addict's nor Marshall's opinion. On this subject, we are divided.
Marshall DOES put TP down in his tank. He has used Happy Camper in the past. He's never had a clog, either.
He's not going to use Happy Camper anymore, out of feeling like it's not necessary and to just to see 'what happens'.
I will update here if some crazy event happens. I know that this post will likely cause a slurry of opinions and arguments back my way.
Some will argue that putting 'feces' in landfills causes disease here in the USA, though landfills have drainage controls.
(And nevermind the dog poo and diapers that regularly go into them.
We're not putting chunks of POO in, not like that.)
Just Say No!
Others will say that they have had perfect maintenance using 'X' treatment, or no treatment and put TP down their RV toilet.
That's great! I simply find that my method saves tank space and I have zero worry about clogs. Do whatever works for you!
I just think that this is such a no-brainer, and it has worked so well for me that I wanted to share.
Be warned, there are still a couple of other things that can cause your tank to clog. Let's review.
Other RV Toilet Clog Causes
These are all avoidable for the most part.
Let's learn what can cause an RV toilet clog that has nothing to do with toilet paper.
Leaving Your Black Tank Valve Open
Unless you're new to RVing, you have heard this a million times.
If you are connected to a sewer dump and you leave your RV black water tank valve open 24/7, the liquids will escape while the solids pile up.
This forms a 'pyramid' of poo (yum!) and will eventually cause your toilet to not drain. Don't do this! It's also best to wait until your tank is close to full to dump.
This way it all goes out in a rush, taking most of the tank contents with it.
Next...
A Leak in or Around Your RV Black Tank
If you have a leak in your system, the same thing can happen as above.
The liquids will escape, leaving the solids with nothing to help flush them out.
Check around these parts regularly
Hopefully, you will smell it before ALL the liquids drain out. Check regularly for drips under your RV. NOTHING should be dripping, nor stinking, coming from your RV.
You may have water dripping from your hot water heater' pressure relief valve while it's running. That's about it. Grossssssss.
Conclusion
It's simple. Don't put TP down your RV toilet.
Then you can use your favorite brand! Use as much as you want! No tank treatments necessary. Listen, I haven't used any tank treatments in over five years (Until May of 2020 for Florida heat).
Zero smell, zero clogs, and I put VERY LITTLE water down my toilet! (Remember, I am a full-time boondocker.)
Keep your black tank valve closed when hooked up in a campground. Watch for leaks.
Do these things and you should be golden! (Especially if you have a curve in the pipe leading from your toilet to your black tank.)
And hey, if you can't convince your partner to put TP in the trash, let them know THEY will be the one doing the 'unclogging', since they wanted to put TP down the tank.
See if that angle works, heh.
Ok, Camp On clog-free you guys!
Author: Kelly Beasley
I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.
Hi! First time here, thanks for the content! We are planning our first RV trip, so every tip is welcome.
Here in Brazil, we don’t flush the TP (our sewage is not prepared for it). Always goes into the trash can! So, that will be an easy tip to follow! 😊 thanks!
Hi Daniela,
Yep, I have been to other countries where TP doesn’t go down the toilet. But to so many Americans, it’s a TOTALLY foreign (and they think gross) concept! Easier for those who do it on the regular. Your tank is much better off without any TP in it! And you’ll save space, too. Cheers, and happy travels!
Only #2 paper goes in the black tank. #1 goes in the waste basket. Females use way more #1 paper than #2 paper. Talking on the mobile on the throne is not allowed. Here’s my method, black water and grey water tanks are side by side in my coach. When I’m going to dump the black water, I will close the gray water valve and let the gray fill and keep an eye on fullness in coach as we use the gray water, washing last minute clothes, shower, dish washer, etc. When we dump I will open the black and empty it, and then open the gray and let it flow into the black as well as into the dump as I have a clear dump 45 degree angle onto my hose. Eyeing the water level electronic indicator when the gray is one fourth empty I shut of the gray and empty the black. I do it twice as the grey is 60 gallons and the black is 40 gallons. The black is cleaner than when we started and toilet paper is swept out. When black is empty shut off and then I empty gray and it helps clean out the hose. Sometimes before the gray is completely empty I will shut off all valves and disconnect the 45 degree angle fitting and squirt some dawn soap around inside the fitting and reconnect and then dump the rest of the gray. All Clean.
Hi Ella,
Well, that’s a tidbit I never thought of! Many people object to the paper in the trash idea likely because of fear of seeing the brown or smelling it. (Neither of which happen)
But yeah, one COULD just put brown down and put #1 TP into the trash! That’s a great twist.
As for your tanks, I don’t know that mine would do anything like that. Glad you like it and it works for you! I can see STRAIGHT down into my black tank through the toilet. Never once have I seen leftover TP or anything else laying on that small section of the tank after dumping. Therefore, I am never concerned about flushing or an additional type of flush.
I DO LOVE that I have that capability.
Thank you for your comment- I have heard of this double flush type of thing before, just never bothered as I believe my tanks drain adequately with nothing ever left behind. ESPECIALLY since I no longer flush my TP down the toilet.
Cheers!
Have used the No TP trick years now ! best thing to do, Even the censors work!!!
Hi Jack,
Yeah, my tank has not seen any considerable amount of TP whatsoever for years now!
Wow, your sensors work? That’s great! But… don’t count on that lasting unless you’re using Tank Techs RX in your system.
This product keeps struvites (a hard film) from forming on the walls of your tank. Struvites are present in ALL sewer systems, even municipal systems/tanks. If used properly, it should keep struvites from messing up your black tank sensors. (Of course, solids COULD jam your sensors, but it’s much less likely.)
At the least, you’re not going to have a clog in your system from toilet paper, the most common cause of a clog!
Well done, and Camp On!
I followed instructions a few years ago on how to chose good RV toilet paper. Take 2-3 sheets and drop in a jar of water. Let it sit a few seconds then shake it. If it falls apart, it’s good. Bottom line is I use “Big Roll” from Walgreens. Why should I buy 8 rolls of Camco paper for $53 when I can get 10 rolls of Big Roll for $10 dollars. have not had a problem since.
Hi John,
Thanks for the comment and for visiting Camp Addict! We greatly appreciate it!
You are spot-on about the toilet paper test. We include this (with a video) at the bottom of our RV toilets guide page.
Hi Kelley, this is right up my alley. So to speak. I asked this question in another thread, but I’ll hit it again since this is so relevant. I’ve had travel trailer and Class A. Learned the hard way, never put TP in the toilet. Sometimes it’s hard to get the odd guest to comply, but overall, it works. Now, I’m getting ready to go small. The camper I want has only one tank, a black one. I’m not fond of the idea of rigging up a temporary grey dump and wonder about just letting it all go into the one tank and dump as needed. Theoretically, it seems feasible. I most likely would not be dry camping for more than a couple days at the time, but might be a little longer. What’s your thought?
Hi Margaret,
Glad to hear that the ‘no TP into the black tank’ trick has been working for you!
I answered you on the other thread before I saw this. So it does sound like you would rig up the RV to dump the grey water into the black tank and then dump the black tank when needed.
If it is feasible to change the grey water drain plumbing to run into the black tank, then yes, this is one option. In fact there are RVs that come from the factory that share a single waste tank. The one that comes to my mind immediately is the Airstream Basecamp, the smallest Airstream trailer.
Using a combined tank does limit the time between dumping, unless the combined tank is pretty large.
Also, like I mentioned before, you have to be able to make a change to the grey water drain to dump into the black tank. I have zero idea how feasible (or how much of a pain) this would be on the rig you are considering. But if I were to take a guess, I’d say it may be not such a simple job.
Given the choice, even in a small rig, I’d look for one with the right waste tank setup to start with.
The Intech Horizon comes with only one tank. My assumption (and I’ll ask the question to be sure) is that the grey water goes into the black tank which on the very small camper (base camp approximately) is 32 gallons. For the small size camper that I want, the separate tanks are a bit smaller than 32 gallons and there’s two of them. More weight. Thanks for the follow up.
Ah, OK, it does appear that Intech is using a Basecamp-like setup with the holding tanks. When I was initially responding to your comments, I was picturing a rig that I was in years ago before I bought my Lance trailer. It didn’t have any way to capture grey water. Literally only a hose coming out of the sink running directly outside. Um, not good!
But Intech looks to be a good brand and they should have things setup correctly. I like your choice in trailers!
Love your blogs. Very helpful and fun to read!
Thank you so much, Jenna! Happy to hear you are enjoying, but most of all, thank you very much for taking the time out of your day to let us know! xoxo
As you say to each their own, going on 20 years of RVing putting regular TP in our tank with no chemicals and no back-ups. For the last ten years been in a bus convertion that I built, at one point had to remove all tanks (upgrading something else) the gray tank was worse then the black tank with body & kitchen oils. Also The way I built the system the gray water goes through the black tank when dumping.
Hi Robert-
That’s funny- the way I can see right down into my tank, I don’t see any way a clog could happen. Unless I wadded up a HUGE ball of TP, maybe. It looks shiny and brand-new every time I dump! No clumps of anything left. (Unless all the sewage can’t get out of course, and there’s still liquid left over)
I think some people’s pipes are long and curved. This may cause the most problems. But yeah, my black tank looks brand new at the bottom. And it’s over a decade old. Still, I don’t flush my TP mostly to save tank space.
Cheers and thank you for your input!
Kelly, we read this and decided to go with this “method” in our RV to prevent any problems. We put our used TP in doggy poop bags that then go into the trash, just so there won’t be any smell, because there are two of us in our tiny camper and you wouldn’t think tinkle would smell, but surprisingly it did when it wasn’t in the doggy poop bag. (At least, it did to me.). This method works like a champ and we love it. Now, could you write an article on how frequently one should power clean the black tank? Since we can see directly into ours, my fiancé thinks every time we are at a full hook up site, he needs to break out the power wand to clean the tank!!
😀 A speck of brown? Power washer needs to be deployed!! Oh my it’s frustrating!! Thanks for the great articles!!
Hi Lucy,
That’s too funny- and it’s also very interesting to me… I have never looked down someone else’s tank who could also see directly down to compare what it looks like! And in my experience, it makes me think I NEVER need to have it cleaned out (And it’s not. The only ‘flushing’ I do is to flush the toilet for a few seconds sometimes).
Maybe your fiancé is a closet zit picker, too. Maybe he just likes to see the satisfying ‘bits’ come out through a clear connector if you use one. LOL!
I honestly cannot say how often one should ‘flush’. To me, it’s not necessary when you don’t flush the TP!!
Also, instead of doggy bags, why not try a trash can with a lid? It would be easier, it would enclose the waste (and smell, since you say there is one) and be less wasteful. Just a thought!
Happy camping Lucy, and thanks for the funny comment!
Hi Kelly, it must be the clear connector and the flashlight check he does along with the fact that our unit is new so he wants things to stay sparkling clean! (I’m the zit picker in the family!! :-D) I keep telling him we just need to do it occasionally and that we aren’t eating out of it… Trash can with a lid DOES sound like the perfect fix!! I’ll have to hunt one down that will fit in our space. Thanks Kelly!
LOL! I’m a zit picker, too! Soooooooooo satisfying. : D. I just found a pretty small/oval shaped wastebasket (foot pedal type) at Walmart a couple of months ago. You might not want the foot pedal though. (And I find that the can itself needs to be a little heavier so when I push down on the pedal, the back end doesn’t want to come up.)
Anyway, good luck and hey, at least flushing the black tank can’t do any harm, right?
Cheers!
I have yet to read anything about using your black water tank flush when emptying your sewage tank. Most RV’s have this flush hook up. I use mine all the time when dumping my black water tank and never had any plugged tanks. I also added a clear plastic elbow to my dump valve outlet so I can see when my drain is clear and only dumping clear water. I only use Scott’s TP and I do flush it down the toilet. I also use an orange colored tank deodorizer. I don’t think it does it’s job breaking down solids because I still see hard turds flowing out of the clear elbow. Using the black water tank flush only works if you have a dump station with pressurized water for flushing the tank. DO NOT USE YOUR POTABLE WATER HOSE WHEN FLUSHING YOUR BW TANK!!!
Buy an extra hose and use it for that purpose only. Also buy disposable vinyl gloves. You don’t want any of that crap on your hands. I also have a 27 gallon portable BW tank that is used when I need to dump the tank without moving the RV. They are well worth the money. Although, not everyone has the luxury of having extra storage space for the tank like I do.
Happy camping and I can’t wait until spring arrives!
Hi Thomas,
Great tips! Thank you for your comment. As for the black tank flush- I have never had one. Marshall does. He uses his. I have the ‘luck’ of being able to look straight down into the black tank when the flush valve is open. Therefore, I can see what is or isn’t in there. Never had a problem. (And I don’t flush my TP, obv)
I am always looking down at the bottom of the tank itself after I have dumped. Every now and then I will run a little toilet water down just to see the last little ‘bits’ come out of the clear hose connector I have. For fun. I know. It’s weird. But I am not alone!
Anyway, I, because I can see down into my tank, have never really thought flushes were necessary. I am biased due to being able to see what’s going on in my black tank at any given time. Because I see that it drains without issue every time, I tend to think flushes are a load of c***. LOL!
I may see it differently with a different RV. Still, I hold strong to the idea that if you don’t flush your TP, you will never have an issue, and won’t need a flush. Long as all you’re putting down the tank is #1 and #2!
Happy camping, Thomas!
Get a small garbage can with a lid, put all TP in there and empty everyday. No big deal. Countries like Greece don’t have the sewer capacity for paper, so every toilet has a can next to it and you put your TP in it. Just the way life is there and in other countries as well.
Hi Christopher,
We couldn’t agree more!
Been living in an RV park 6 years. Have had Sewer drain changed to PVC drain with see through connection. Open and closed tank valves. Guage also never accurate and both tanks reads full. Not sure if tanks still closed . Been smelling sewage lately. Don’t put paper in toilet. Heard black tank can go up sewer pipe to roof. Or maybe I have tank leak but not sure haven’t done full inspection. But have noticed see through drain dry. Fearing when I test valve to see maybe it is closed that it will get end up in all pipes to shower and sinks. Also still need to snake incase of plug.i feel it’s not draining and tanks are full. What steps should I do to avoid mess inside and try to see if sewage drain working?
Hi CB,
Sounds like you have a nasty problem to tackle. Unfortunately, without knowing all of the variables and without seeing your rig, we cannot advise. We would suggest you have the RV looked at by a technician familiar with black tanks.
We would love if you could let everyone here know what was found in the end. It may help another reader someday.
Sorry we can’t be of direct help with this touchy situation.
Good luck with the fix!!
Is is possible your knife/dump valve handle broke off internally? If so, pretty easy fix but also going to be messy. Getting a macerating pump feed line down the toilet on the inside while adding water might help clean thing up a little also. I also find continually filling and dumping the gray tends to create a little suction and help drain the black. That reminds me – my black tank handle is getting stiff – time for a little white lithium….
I’ve lived in my RV full time in one place for about 10 years. When I first got here, I flushed the paper and let the tank fill until full and twice I had to replace the valve that opens and shuts the black tank in 3 years, so the last 7, I’ve left the valve open and a PVC sewer pipe put in.
I know it’s not what they tell you to do, but like you…we use NO PAPER in the system and since we aren’t boondocking, there’s plenty of water to go down. We simply add a big bucket of water through the open bowl for each time there’s a #2. There’s no smell, no chemicals and for 7 years I’ve been able to keep from any clog, and with the valve open, I haven’t had to replace that.
Personally, I think it’s the fact that no toilet paper goes in there. And I like the fact that there’s usually not much of anything in there because a big bucket of water pretty much is going to float off most of the junk. Well, it has for 7 years now. There is no pyramid underneath anyway. 🙂
I totally agree with you that it’s due to the no toilet paper policy!!! Good on you- keep it up. I’m still TP tank-free. No worries here!
I’ve NEVER had a clog. And it’s nice I can see straight down into my tank. Therefore I can see if it actually emptied or not. It’s always fine. Shiny tank bottom! No TP in sight!
Wow! Thank you so much! It was just the answer I needed and you made me laugh too! ????
Hi Mamaji,
LOL! Well good! I’m very happy it made you laugh! We need that as much as we can get in this post-Covid world.
Happy trails!
We have never yet used toilet chemicals in our rv toilet. I was doing research about this topic when I stumbled onto this post. We’ve used our rig off and on for two years, never putting tp in the toilet, and never using chemicals either. I hate the deodorizer scent of those chemicals and since we have never noticed any unpleasant odors, we’ve never thought to use the chemicals. I was trying to figure out why everyone seems to feel they are necessary. I’m not sure that they are. We have a lidded container (made for feminine hygiene product disposal) mounted on the wall in our rv bathroom. We keep it lined with a plastic bag and empty it frequently. All toilet paper goes into the lidded container.
Hi Beth,
It’s funny, the timing of you sending this. I just had bad sewer smell issues in my trailer for the first time. Not sure what happened or why suddenly the smells are permeating into my camper. But it’s SICKENING when it does. Grrrr.
So I finally broke down and got some Happy Camper. Still had one flush where it stunk for a good hot (nasty) minute. I did leave the vent fan on but I am pretty sure it was pushing air in, not pulling it up and out. So again- weird.
But glad to hear you don’t flush your tissue. A clog you shall never have! (Unless you accidentally get a poop pyramid!)
I am still puzzled as to why I have suddenly had odors and why other people do as well. It’s a mystery to me.
Happy trails to you!
I’ve heard a damaged vent stack (usually in cabinet under sink) can cause this…. I believe it’s a one way valve and the diaphragm tears and lets gasses pass into your rig…
Do they make a bidet for Rvs and 5th wheels
Hi Sharon,
Not that we’ve seen!
However, there’s nothing stopping you from installing one on your existing toilet as long as there’s enough room for the product. Often, there’s a control panel that hangs on the side of the toilet, and it is sometimes bulky.
Fitting one on my toilet would be tight.
But I say why bother? I simply reach over to my sink and drip a little water onto my TP when I feel the need. Same result!
To each their own. : )
We don’t use TP in our black tank. Throw trash can everyday and it’s not gross & there’s no smell. In many countries (Mexico & South America) they don’t put TP into the sewer system. TP goes into the trash can next to the toilet.
Hi Nadine,
Same. I throw it in the trash. I just don’t see the use in taking the risk. There are plenty of people who throw paper in their RV toilet without issue. (So far)
Here’s to hoping your toilet stays clog-free forever!
Great idea, we have been doing it for some time, and it works great!
Just bought a “new to us” camper with the warning lights on, how do you unclog or clean the contacts?
Hi Susan,
Glad to hear you are one of the smart ones! ????
Oh boy- the indicator lights. They are notorious for never working. Everything you hear about them is true- they JUST aren’t going to be reliable. Even if you don’t use TP in the toilet, struvites will develop on the side walls. It’s just going to happen. So, don’t bother trying to clean them or to rely on them.
You will figure out in short time how long you can go before you need to dump. You will either see it, or you will hear it, or your toilet will no longer flush. That’s when it’s time to dump, lol!
Had you started with a brand new RV and tank, you MAY have been able to keep the struvites from developing. But since it’s new to you, if you REALLY want to try, you can have the tank professionally cleaned. Then you will have to take preventative maintenance to make sure they don’t develop again by using Tank Tech RX.
So much easier to just learn your tank, if you ask me.
I do believe we have a video or two about struvites on this page.
Good luck with it all and have fun!
We don’t use TP either in toilet. Use a trash can with top and no issues. Some people think oh so gross but we never have odors and you don’t see it. Better safe than sorry.
Hi Lisa,
We couldn’t agree more! Zero gross factor.
Thanks!
My wife and I just bought a diaper genie for the TP and also to be used as the Bathroom trash can. We are hoping it works I would hate for her to have to deal with a clogged tank on top of all her other duties LOL.
Hi Mike-
That should work. It MIGHT be a little overkill, but then again, when sharing a bathroom… everyone may not follow the ‘rule’ to put ‘brown side down’?? I don’t know. ????
I live solo, so I am the only one using my toilet, so maybe it’s different. There’s nothing to look at and there’s zero smell from it. If you use a diaper genie, you will DEFINITELY not have any smell or distasteful things to look at. Good luck with it all! You sure won’t have any clogs. Which is the BEST. : )
If you have ever spent time in the “country” you will find a tp basket in bathrooms in a lot of folks home. The idea is the same as yours; tp stops up the septic system. I don’t know if it works, but a lot of people thinks so.
Hi Kevin,
I have actually seen this in Mexico. Apparently, their waste systems aren’t all that great! Thanks for the input and Camp On!
Yes, Guatamala too. City or country, doesn’t matter, no tp down toilets. After my Mom told me of this vacation experience, I decided I could put my tp in a plastic bag while camping. Rather than a garbage can like you, I have a plastic bag on a hook that I tie the ends so it’s all “enclosed”.
Oh yes, my garbage can is lined with a grocery bag for sure!!! No cleanup, no mess. Interesting about other countries, eh? And thank you for using a plastic bag for your TP while camping. Far too often, I find used TP at campsites. It’s so disgusting. Also, these people tend to not dig a cathole. Seriously, people???
So, thank you for being a decent, thoughtful, clean human being! ????
Hi Kelly, we started doing part of this recently (pee!). We too hate wasting water and worrying about the type of TP etc. Sadly, we went this route because we had clogs every once in awhile! May do poo too?!! Thanks for the article!
Hey!
So you changed over to putting TP in the garbage instead of the toilet and you are considering also not poo-ing in the toilet?? Oh my! That would be a change. Where would you ‘put’ it? LOL!
Thanks for commenting… hope you don’t have any poo clogs! Man, that would be something! ????
Very informative Kelly, I have also gone to no toilet paper in the black tank after having my tank valve become clogged making it unable to close. Quite the surprise when pulling off the end cap. I also use only enough water to flush solids, this allows me to go 2-3 weeks without dumping my black tank. One thing I do add to this method is, prior to leaving my campsite and finding a dump station (I primarily boondock), I add hot water and about a 1/4 cup of Dawn dish soap to the mix. I found this and the drive to the dump station breaks down the solids and thus makes me a happy camper in the end. No pun intended 🙂
Hey Kirk,
Yay to the no TP in the toilet method! Like I said in the post, it CAN’T HURT anything at the very least. I have never added dawn or anything else in years. After emptying, I can see to the bottom of my black tank, and I always see a bottom that looks like new. Like you could eat off of it. LOL! Gross.
Everyone has their methods, I understand this. I hope some people decide to go ‘our’ route and enjoy no clogs ever! Thanks for the comment and we will see you around, fellow boondocker!
I like the pun!
I was told putting Dawn in the dish sink would solve or clean the walls in the dish water tank.
Input?
Hi Susan,
I would imagine any brand of dish soap would accomplish this, I just happen to use Dawn (blue). Soap is a surfactant which makes water molecules smaller making it easier to enter and break down solids, thus helping too dispatch the yucky stuff. Enjoy your travels
Neither one of us has experience with this method. I simply don’t use any of my indicator gauges except for freshwater. Not even sure if my grey tank indicator works or not! It’s worth a try, Kirk commented and seems to like the method.
No! No! NO! I flush my tp and never had a clog! You need to test your paper to make sure it dissolves and don’t skimp on the water! I do also use “chemicals” to dissolve solids from Walmart. I use Scott single ply septic safe tp. Been doing this from 1982 even in my port a potty! Not a single problem!
Hi Tina,
Great that you have never had an issue! (Though I can’t imagine a porta potty having a clog issue.) Not flushing TP hurts nothing at all. And Marshall uses Charmin Ultra Soft septic safe TP in his rig (and almost always pees outside) and has never had a problem.
All I say is it’s all good and fine UNTIL that day comes. I just won’t risk putting it in my tank. My motto is better to be safe than sorry! Thanks for the comment, and Camp On!
Always love your common sense and silliness. Happy 4 year on the road anniversary!
Thank you, Greg! May year 5 be the best year yet! Hope you are well!
On our way to Billings Montana for the rest of the summer!????
Oh, nice! I love Montana. Just wish it wasn’t so far up there! (Or that it bordered Colorado!) ????