Are you tired of dealing with frustrating clogs in your RV toilet on vacations? Yes, a backed-up toilet on the road is one of the things you want to avoid experiencing in an RV. But in case it happens, here is a detailed guide on how to unclog RV toilet.
You can unclog your RV toilet using multiple techniques. From a toilet snake to chemical usage and boiling water, you will learn about every single method in detail below. Whether you’re a seasoned RV enthusiast or a newcomer to the lifestyle, mastering these little skills is necessary to make your travels smoother and enjoyable.
Reading this comprehensive guide will enable you to restore the proper functionality of your RV toilet on your own. Moreover, we will share some essential precautions at the end so you never have to go through such an experience again. Let’s dive in and discover the solutions so you can continue with your adventures on the road!
How Do RV toilets Work?
Before starting with the unclogging method, you must understand how an RV toilet works. It will help you complete this whole process smoothly. Modern toilets used in RVs are similar to homes, but there is a little difference.
- Usually, these toilets open directly in the holding tank. It means the waste first doesn’t pass through the trap.
- The second difference is that RV toilets have a foot padel instead of a hand liver to flush. When you press the foot pedal a little, water fills the bowl. Press it down, and it flushes everything into the blackwater tank.
Now, let’s take a look at the unclogging procedure.
Causes of Clogging In An RV Toilet
The first step in unclogging your RV toilet is to diagnose its causes. You need to know what the problems are, to find a solution. There could be several potential causes of clogging in an RV toilet. Following are some of the most common causes;
- Excessive Toilet Paper Usage
- Foreign Objects
- The build-up of Waste and Debris
- Faulty Valves
- Pyramid Plugs
- Blockage in the Line
- Compacted Tanks
- Misreading Sensors
How To Unclog RV Toilet?
There are multiple ways you can unclog your RV toilet. All these are working methods, and you can choose any. However, some of these methods may only work for some, depending on the blockage. Try alternative strong methods like using chemicals in this case. Let’s check out these methods and how to practice them to clear your RV toilet.
Toilet Tank Wand
The first method on our list is using a toilet tank wand. You can purchase it from your nearest general store or online. It should be flexible and long enough to reach the depth of the pipe.
There are several types of toilet tank wands; we recommend the Valterra Master Blaster RV Tank Cleaning Wand. Its current price on Amazon is US$19.15. It also has a 360-degree rotational power nozzle and a top shut-off valve to help you control water flow.
Toilet Plunger
The second method to unclog the RV toilet is using a Toilet plunger. Buy a simple plunger from any of your nearest stores. Then put it in the hole of your toilet. Ensure you are covering the hole properly. Check if there is water in your toilet; otherwise, add some before putting the plunger.
Then, plunge at least ten times and flush the toilet. It can also clear the blockage from your toilet. If there is no difference, repeat the same process 2 to 3 times. If there is still blockage, then you should try another method.
Hot Water
Using hot water is also a prevalent method to Unclog the RV toilet. Many RVers use this technique to keep their toilets running. To practice this method, start by boiling some water. Then put this hot water in your toilet. It should be at least a few liters of water. Then, you can leave it out for the complete day or night.
Use A Toilet Snake
Another recommended tool for clearing a blockage from your tool is a toilet snake. It is also called an auger. Its wire is flexible and it can go significantly further into your toilet. Put it inside your toilet and keep pushing until it reaches the clog. Push and twist it to loose and break the clog. It could take you up to 20 minutes, depending on your clog.
Ice Cube Method
The next one is a very unique ice cube method. Start by filling the base of the toilet with your water. Fill it by ⅓ and then add ice cubes. After that, flush the Ice and start driving your RV. Flush a few more times again. It can also loosen your clogs.
Chemicals
If you need a different method, then you should try this method. It can clear all kinds of clogs. You can also use special tissue digesters if the blockage is due to tissues. To practice it, buy a septic and unclogging toilet chemical. Happy Campers is the recommended chemical for RVers. Its current price is $28.45 at Happy Camper’s official store.
Preventions To Avoid Clogs In Your RV Toilet
Well, I know how this whole unclogging thing felt and beleive me you never want to do it again. That’s why we have come up with some valuable tips to prevent clogs in the first place. Let’s take a look at them.
- Use special RV toilet paper. Avoid using regular toilet paper in your RV. It is specially designed to decompose quickly and can save you from this problem. Keep the toilet paper use as low as possible.
- Do not keep the blackwater tank’s external valve open when connected to a sewerage system for RV parks. System. Leaving it open causes liquid waste to disappear from the tank immediately. It can cause a pyramid plug clog.
- Keep extra water with you and start flushing more. Use plenty of water and flush twice if there is a need to do it to stay on the safe side.
- Use chemical drop-ins to prevent clogging. Many chemicals are available on the market that help decompose solid waste quickly. You can also use these to prevent clogging.
- Don’t store your RV with waste in the black water tank. It can also lead you to this situation. Keep it filled with water and maybe some waste control additives.
Final Words
These are all the methods you can use to unclog your RV toilet. All of these are 100 percent working methods. However, depending on how hard your toilet is clogged, some of these may not work for you. If the blockage is very hard, you should use chemicals because they are powerful and can clear stubborn clogs.
If these methods don’t work, then there may be problems with your black water tank being used instead of the toilet. Consider emptying and thoroughly cleaning your holding tank. You should take preventive measures in advance to avoid this situation. This unpleasant experience can ruin the fun during your trip. Keep visiting our Maintenance and Upgrades category for more such solutions.
FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Unclog A Rv Toilet?
The best way to unclog an RV toilet is by using chemicals. It loosens and breaks the hard blockages as well. However, be careful when selecting these chemicals. Use a safe septic chemical.
How Do You Unclog An RV toilet With Baking Soda And Vinegar?
Put 1 cup of baking soda in your toilet, followed by 2 cups of Vinegar. Wait for some time. Then pour hot water and flush out everything. You can unclog your RV toilet with baking soda and Vinegar.
Will A Plunger Work On An RV Toilet?
Yes, a plunger also works on an RV toilet. You can also use a toilet snake if you have a narrow toilet. Youan try chemicals and other alternatives. if these methods don’t work
How To Unclog A Black Tank On An RV?
You can use multiple methods to Unclog a black tank on an RV. Start by using natural cleaners. Try chemicals and a high-pressure flush system if it is a stubborn clog.
