Three critical mistakes RV owners must avoid for optimal toilet performance and maintenance.
There are many things that RVing has to recommend it; the toilet situation is not one of them. Cramped and often stinky, with alarmingly weak flushes and limited privacy, RV bathrooms leave a lot to be desired. Throw in the special dumping, disposal, and maintenance requirements, and it’s a wonder more people don’t just step outside when nature calls.
In truth, RV toilet care doesn’t need to be all that unpleasant—or complicated. The aftermarket has come a long way with equipment and accessories to aid in the maintenance process. From cleaning and deodorizing supplies to RV-friendly toilet paper that won’t leave you crying over a clog, there are plenty of simple products you can keep on hand to ensure smoother travels.
But first, you need to learn the dos and don’ts of owning an RV toilet. This setup isn’t quite like the porcelain throne you have at home, so you’ll need to practice a little extra care and forethought regarding what not to do (or flush). Avoid these three simple mishaps, and you’ll be on the right track.
Mistake #1: Allowing Tank Odors to Build
One thing your RV toilet does have in common with its residential counterparts is its ability to alert you to systemic issues, namely in the form of a particularly foul odor.
(It would do no good, dear reader, to describe that smell for you here, but trust us when we say—it is awful. It is the smell of true horror, as if the words “OH NO” were suddenly translated into a new and terrifying sensory experience. It is a smell that will instill in you a deep and unshakeable respect for plumbers, sewer workers, and septic tank professionals the world over. And it is something you absolutely, positively want to avoid at all costs.)
With that vision in mind, let’s talk about RV tank maintenance. There are many important preventative measures one must take when owning a camper, but proper cleaning and care of the blackwater tank is pretty close to the top of the list. Thankfully, once you get past the short learning curve, it’s an easy task to stay on top of. Even better, there are countless products on the market designed to help.
Keep these practical tips and quality product recommendations in mind to help you control and eliminate odors from the RV toilet and tank:
- Clean the toilet: An obvious first step to both preventing and addressing unpleasant odors is to give the RV toilet itself a good scrubbing. RV bathrooms are confined spaces, so dirt and grime accumulate quickly. Keep a gentle but powerful cleanser on hand, like Thetford’s Aqua-Foam Foaming Toilet Cleaner or Starbrite’s Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Both are specially formulated for RV toilets and tank systems.
- Use a tank treatment: Designed to break down waste and toilet paper, RV tank treatments like Pure Power Blue from Valterra, help reduce odors and prevent clogs. The best time to use a tank treatment is right after you’ve flushed and emptied the black tank. (More on that later.)
- Ensure proper ventilation: As noted, RV bathrooms are tight spaces so it’s important to maintain good ventilation to help expel odors and bring in fresh air. If your RV has a bathroom window, consider opening it on cool days to help improve airflow. Additionally, give the bathroom vent fan a good cleaning, as dirt, leaves, and other debris can build up and impact performance.
Mistake #2: Neglecting Tank Cleaning
Having an onboard toilet when camping is a luxury, some might say a godsend. To ensure it stays that way, you have to dedicate some time and elbow grease to its upkeep. The toilet, its direct connections, and the bathroom at large are only part of the equation, though. The real, er, “magic” happens down below in an RV’s black tank.
As the holding tank for all your RV’s toilet waste, the black tank is a crucial component of your onboard plumbing system. Neglecting its maintenance can lead to build-ups of solid waste and toilet paper, creating blockages that can be a particularly unpleasant and long-lasting issue. Regular cleaning helps prevent this scenario, and also mitigates the aforementioned odor issues.
To ensure your RV remains a comfortable and sanitary environment, keep these tips in mind when cleaning the black tank:
- Don’t reach full capacity: RV black tanks vary in size, typically ranging from 15 to 50 gallons. It’s best to drain the tank before it reaches two-thirds full (75%) to prevent overflow and ensure effective cleaning.
- Aim for complete drainage: When dumping, ensure the tank is completely drained of all waste, as even small amounts of residue can accumulate over time. Use the tank sensors as a guide and consider investing in a sewer drain hose with a clear connector or elbow, like Camco’s RhinoFLEX, to visually confirm complete emptying.
- Give ‘er a good flush: Sometimes, one drain isn’t enough to remove all waste. Use a holding tank rinser or your RV’s built-in rinse device to dislodge and flush out stubborn deposits and odor-causing particles.
- Add a little water: After flushing, add a few gallons of clean water (about 10% of the tank’s capacity) back into the tank. This “priming” process helps the tank treatment to mix properly and ensures that new waste can start breaking down as soon as it's deposited.
-
Opt for enzymes: Tank treatments help to break down waste and toilet paper, preventing clogs and controlling odors. Enzyme treatments are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and provide longer-lasting results compared to chemical treatments.
Mistake #3: Flushing Anything Other Than Plain, RV-Friendly Toilet Paper
While flushing non-biodegradable items down any toilet is ill-advised, it can be particularly damaging to an RV plumbing system. RV toilets are sensitive appliances, and most cannot even tolerate the same tissue paper used in residential bathrooms, as it’s too thick and slow to dissolve.
Always opt for RV-specific toilet paper—like Thetford’s Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue—which is designed to break down more easily in the limited water and space of an RV black tank. This choice not only prevents clogs but also helps maintain the integrity of your plumbing system. The same principle applies to toilet cleaners and tank treatments: non-RV-safe products can harm the system and may even degrade the toilet seal, letting unpleasant odors into the cabin. So, stick to RV-friendly formulas.
Lastly, never flush items like wet wipes, baby diapers, paper towels, tissues, and sanitary products such as pads and tampons. These items do not break down like toilet paper and can cause serious clogs and damage to your RV's plumbing.
Remember, RV toilet care doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these proactive maintenance tips and a selection of quality RV-specific products from Parts Via, you can confidently embark on your next adventure without plumbing worries.