After you and your partner have put on protective gear, have one person go place a bucket under the sewer aperture of the black water tank.
If your tank isnt draining or slow, there could be a blockage somewhere. A traditional method that can work in an RV if there is only a minor obstruction.
There are some simple fixes to solve these clog problems you can do yourself. As we mentioned before, limit what goes down your toilet to human waste and toilet paper made for your RV. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get exclusive tips and tricks to save your money and time in the RV lifestyle! This not only prevents clogs, but it also extends the life of your sewer system. If it is a design problem you are probably not the first complaint; I would also ask on the Jayco's owners forum. After about an hour, the hot water should loosen the clog. Have done it a couple of times successfully. Clogs in an RV toilet system occur once the material has reached the tank. Home and commercial plumbing break down sewage once you flush the toilet. Worked in seconds. Using toilet paper not made for RVs or throwing non-bathroom related things down your toilet can be disastrous. There are a few other unclogging methods you can use. And it works very well. If the black tank leaks or isnt emptied regularly, the loose solid material can reform into a hard solid mass that can create a blockage. When their RV toilet clogged up, they felt helpless to correct the situation.Do not use Draino, acidic products, or other household drain cleaner products in your toilet or other RV plumbing. If you are a full-time RVer, you will need to do these things on a more frequent basis. The ice method could also help keep your RV tanks and sensors clean. Cleaners like Drano are caustic and can harm the plumbing of your RV. OP- I wonder if tilting your trailer more or less towards the black tank would make a difference? Would it be a good idea to plumb the toilet directly to the septic? If the clog is severe, a snake may not be as effective. To find this, you can look for toilet paper labeled septic safe or certified safe 2-ply. The thicker, more expensive toilet papers will not work in an RV septic system. So, while the RV Holding Tank Cleaner method is preferred to unclog RV toilet. As long as they can flush their toilet and cleanly dump their wastewater, theyre happy. Their high-pressure tank wands break up materials enough to allow them to pass. Than you are back to playing plumber. Not sure if was the sloshing on the drive home or the Dawn. If you have a macerator toilet, a plunger can come in handy. This season we had a blockage in the run before the tank. Drove home, filled the tank all the way with water. Is a National Park Pass for Seniors Worth It Now? This site may earn additional income through various affiliate links. The pipes are either metal or thick polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic thats very durable. However, if you cant seem to get it unclogged, you may need to hire a professional to assist you.
The best thing to do is to make sure you drain and clean your black water tank often. 5: The valve is open, and the tank should be draining, but if the tank isnt empty after a drain attempt, then you likely have a clog. Additionally, we will give you tips and tricks to prevent clogs in the future. Your email address will not be published. Your RV breaks everything down in the black water tank relying solely on the treatment chemicals you use. Only way to clean them I think is the nasty way of opening the unit and removing the stuff by hand. Today we want to help you learn how to unclog an RV toilet, so youre ready should you face a plumbing challenge in the future. We will also be answering some frequently asked questions regarding RV toilets at the end of the article. Had the line reset properly and didn't have a problem after that Just food for thought.
I had a brand new Designer back in 2006. I then ran hot water down all sinks to see if they were going to pool up again, they did not. Steps to Unclog Your RV Toilet That wont drain, 2: Use a Plunger To fix a clogged RV toilet, 3: Using Plumbers Snake to clear a clog from your RVs toilet, 5: unclog an RV toilet with the ice cube method, How to Prevent Toilet Backups in the Future, 1: Keep Your Black Water Tank Valve Closed, 5: Regular RV Toilet and Black Water Tank Maintenance, 1: Unclog an RV Toilet Using a Holding Tank Cleaner, drain and clean your black water tank often, Attach a sewer hose to the dump station hole. The water that flushes with your waste keeps it slick enough to make the journey to your black tank. This prevents the build-up of solid material and will keep your sensors from reading inaccurately. This technique will help you clean out your RV blackwater holding tank if its partially or completely clogged. I read your entire content re the black and gray tank directions, problems, different options and prevention methods. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Interesting they would design it that way. This medium-pressured water will knock loose any solid material build-up. Or you could try boiling or hot water. There are RV-safe chemicals that will assist with breaking up RV toilet clogs. RV toilet snake: We showed you what to do if your RV black tank is clogged with toilet paper or other materials. While there are RV-specific toilet papers, most septic-safe toilet papers will do the job. You can also use chemicals or even ice. Had a clogged black water tank when leaving a campground about 200 miles from home. It took several attempts at flushing using a hose from the inside. So, How Do I Unclog MyRVs Toilet That Wont Drain? So is it safe to determine the gray water tank is full? These clumps will not only stink but harden and cause a blockage when dumping your RVs black tank. A flexible snake can help you to work a clog out of the RV toilet. RV toilets need to be treated differently than traditionally plumbed toilets. As long as no one puts something down it that shouldn't go in the toilet. You can also pour water directly into the tank itself, but it helps to have the water work its way through the entire system. One night a wash cloth was on the rack and during the night someone unknowingly. There are a few safe methods you can use that dont require chemicals. Water is what is moving your waste and toilet paper through your tank and into the sewer. How to Clear the Waste Matter From Your RVs Tank, Avoid Unclogging an RV Toilet With These Simple Tricks, Nomad Logistics: How Full Time RVers Get Mail, Stay Up Late With These Fun Family Nighttime Camping Activities, 5 Ways To Save Water When Youre Boondocking, Best Hikes In The Olympic National Park & Nearby Camping, Is An RV Washer Dryer Combo Right For You, dumping your tank at home into your septic, A hose that will connect to your bathroom sink, Protective eyewear (if you wear glasses, goggles that fit over them). Your RVs sewer piping uses acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipes which is less durable than PVC. Our HR included. Theres nothing wrong with running it longer. You can avoid this by flushing the toilet twice after each use. Your RVs plumbing and black water tank can withstand temperatures much higher, so you dont have to worry about melting issues. If the grey water tank was actually empty and/or the water still does not drain out of the shower after dumping the grey water tank, then that means you have a clog in the pipes leading from your shower to the grey water tank. Is there such a solution, or must I replace the existing Thetford porcelain toilet with one of their macerating models? Average Height Of An RV (With 15 Examples). These chemicals are too harsh for your RVs plumbing. Aaron is the co-founder ofRVing Know How,where he shares their experiences and RV-related tips to make life better for other RV owners. Its recommended that you flush out your tank every 1 or 2 months. Once complete, follow these steps: Prepare yourselves with your discardable clothing and personal protective gearPlace the bucket directly under your sewer openingWhen youre ready, one of you open the black water tank valveWork the flexible snake into the black water tankKeep doing this until you start getting flow. Then, continue flushing the toilet as you drive your RV around. Gravity pushes the waste into the tank, and clogs can happen when emptying the tanks. Many MH's have them. They believe that will prevent blocks or clogs.
My only experience with a macerator is in the toilet on our houseboat. 2: There may not be a clog that you can see, but if there is a distinct odor, then something isnt draining correctly. You can never have too much liquid in your black tanks.
The road vibration will agitate the ice well enough to knock the clog loose. 3: Your black water tank valve is hard to open, and once you open it, it doesnt seem to drain. So, plan to do this right before bed or if you have access to another toilet for a day or two. Required fields are marked *. The more water that youre using when you flush your RV toilet, the easier it will be for the materials to move and break down. does pouring vinegar in rv toilet hurt or harm? On my boat I had signs by the toilets: Bulent Buly, Doris and MaltiPoo Miss Daisy. We originally blamed our middle daughter, but turned out to be a piece of plastic lodged in the line. RV Trip Wizard: Our Secret Weapon For Trip Planning, Why You Should Skip the Thousand Trails Medina Lake Campground. An in-line macerator, beneath the toilet, would reduce all flushed items to a slush to easily make the bends in the lines beneath the floor. However, you may find you need extra tools or a professional to help. Thank you so so much. Before you get started, you should gather the proper materials.
This way, you dont have to depend only on sound to know when the tank is done draining because you can see what is coming out. The black water tank system in your RV is one of those technologies most people dont want to know the details about.
You can unsubscribe any time. I can see this happening with a 90 degree bend and such little water usage. This is at no extra charge to you. The more time you spend in your RV, the more likely you are to experience a toilet issue or two. Using a macerator pump creates a vacuum that pulls all of the waste from your black tank. Veteran RVers like to use clear plastic sewer hose adapters so they can monitor the flow, or listen for good flow. Seems like it is designed to fail. What is a Dually Pickup Truck and Do You Need One for Towing?
That is why we recommend only using cleaners that are labeled for RV use and that are septic safe. You can do these yourself. Is the Good Sam Mail Service Actually Good? It eats away at the materials found in residential plumbing systems. The water that enters the commode bowl mixes with the waste. We installed a septic tank system and have left the tanks open. This should involve a maintenance check schedule as well as certain cleaning tasks you perform every month and every year. So, with that in mind, the tank itself is not clogged, but there is a pyramid of toilet paper and waste blocking water from allowing the waste to evacuate the tank. Not sure how a plunger would damage the seals in the toilet bowl, if one opens the slide, has water flowing and the black tank valve also open when using a plunger? One of the most common causes of a clogged RV toilet is the solid-to-liquid ratio. Some RVers prefer this over the hot water but it all depends on the clogs severity. Thoughts. This is often everyones first choice when attempting to clear their RV toilet as it is the one we use for toilets in our homes. Just glad it worked. Learn how your comment data is processed. All of our other campers had a straight shot down from the toilet to the tank, so this was never a problem. It churns up the materials similar to a kitchen sinks garbage disposal. Lets get started! The tank is flat on the bottom, so it is easy for solids to get trapped when there isnt enough liquid to help them drain. This wand connects to a standard garden hose and goes inside the toilet drain to spray water into the tank. Theyve sought adventure together for 5 years now and have done a lot of international traveling, including RVing in Mexico. If the clog is immediately below the bowl and not in the tank, then a plunger will work. I have a buddy who won't let his family go #2 in theirs, same deal with the 90 degree turn in a weird place, looking at mine it looks like a straight run to the black tank so never had a problem so far. Should You Camp at Thousand Trails Las Vegas RV Resort? Here are the top signs that your RV toilet may be having some issues: 1: There is a strong odor coming from the toilet, black water tank, or the hose. I than hook up the auto Mercerator for an hour and completely cleaned and flushed out the system. Not all plumbers have experience with the inner workings of any RV. I hope I am wrong.JMHO, To quote the great Howard Wolowitz: " It just wasn't designed for Russian cosmonauts and their potato-based diet.". We have a variety of account upgrade options to show your support or become a Commercial member. In any case, these are a myriad of reasons that your RV toilet is backed up or clogged.
It is the fibers design in the paper. Essentially, the flush system is a lawn sprinkler built inside the black tank. My question is can l pressure wash the tank through the toilet? Dump your black water tank after every trip or weekly on a longer trip. Had a problem with a guest using to much toilet paper. Side view cameras seem no better, and maybe worse than, side mirrors? Check out the Techma series from Thetford. Your partner should then close the sewer valve. When your toilet works properly, your treatment chemical and various flaps in the plumbing prevent odors from seeping up from the holding tank. So, as you use your toilet, more and more solids will begin to build up without liquids in the tank to help them break down. Whether you choose to add chemicals or ice, go for a drive before trying to empty your tanks again. It may take a few tries depending on how large of a backup there is in the tank. knocked it into the toilet which was then flushed. I poured rid x in it also. Hot water works best as it is more aggressive in liquifying waste. You can also choose to use the RV Holding Tank Cleaner we discussed above once a year when winterizing your RV to make sure things are completely cleared out. If you use these types of cleaners often, it will break down the pipes and seals, making things even worse. These chemicals help accelerate the speed at which materials break down. This is also a great technique to clean your black tank sensors. To do this, you should have another person help you, and you will need the following materials: Once youve gathered the materials to do this, you can proceed with the following process to clear your clog with a plumbers snake. Its a good idea to hook up your sewer hose and try draining out what you can ahead of time. With just 2 of us, I need to dump the 50 gallon black tank every 4-5 days. This was mentioned earlier, but it is vital in preventing clogs, especially pyramid plugs, so we will go into more detail here. If you like to boondock a lot they might not be practical. Now that you know your toilets clogged, dont do anything that could make it worse. It wold take a ton of water, like a residential toilet uses, to keep things moving to the tank. We've used various methods to clear the clogs; plunger, plumber's snake, toilet wand, septic-safe chemicals. I now travel with 2 or 3 as back up. Make sure that you read their instructions and only use it as directed. Drano can damage not only the seals around your dump valves but the holding tanks themselves, resulting in a costly and extensive repair. Your RVs toilet is very different than your household commode. This sprays water throughout the tank with some water pressure behind it. The 10 Best Thousand Trails Campgrounds in Florida, The Best Books to Help With Your School Bus Conversion, 15 Country Songs You Have to Listen to on Your Next Road Trip. Luckily, a pyramid plug doesnt have to be a huge undertaking. If you have your tank closed, the pressure could crack the seals of the tank. If you do experience a clogged RV toilet, a plunger will be of no assistance. Using a plunger will do nothing to push the clog out but will damage the seals in the bowl of the toilet. Or is there still a clog somewhere in the line? Aaron and his wife Evelyn have lived on the road since 2017, traveling the country in their Keystone Fuzion. When you connect a city water hose to it (the connection is usually in or near the utility bay), the water pressure from the hose spins the head. And my tub will not empty until it is emptied yes? Knowing when your toilet is on the verge of being clogged is ideal because you can catch the problem earlier. Many RVers make the mistake of keeping their black tank valve open. This is the most common issue. Using the tips weve shared with you today, youll be more prepared when facing a clogged RV toilet. If your RV doesnt have a black tank flush system, there are many ways to sanitize your holding tanks or install a flush system. Theyre angled in a downward slope to keep things moving. Put a lid on top and shake it a few times. Have you consulted Jayco about problem? You can pour a black tank cleaning treatment down your toilet and then run the flush system to enhance the cleaning. So, be sure to follow these instructions correctly, and if you can, have another person there to help you. So, the more water you use, the less likely you will have a clog. One of the best ways to skip a pesky toilet clog is by performing regular RV toilet and black water tank maintenance. Some substances specifically target and break down bacteria and paper materials found in RV black tanks. RV tanks require solid materials to break down quickly, including toilet paper. Flexible and sturdy, safe for plumbing, usually about five feet long, easy to hold on to, inexpensive. Some are standard features, others offer them as optional equipment. Without enough water pushing solids out of the tank, theyll begin to clump together. The ice cube trick essentially works the same as the hot water method. I used rid , along with putting a tube style hose down kitchen line and giving it a very hard blow several times. Make sure you get out of the way to keep yourselves sanitaryAfter a few attempts, if the clog doesnt clear out, its time to call a professional. The clogs all appear to occur where the sewage line from the toilet makes a 90 degree turn (or perhaps more than one 90 degree elbow) about 8 feet down the line (based upon how much plumber's snake is worked down when trying to clear the clog). It helps break down solids and prevents build-ups and clogs. The toilet paper should immediately begin to break down and eventually disintegrate. This breakdown process is a sure sign that the toilet paper youre using will be safe for your RVs black tanks and minimize the risk of clogs. I am a newbie boondocker. Question. The piece eventually flushed through and I was able to see, through a clear plastic elbow, at exterior sewer connection. Making these aspects a part of your RVing life or maintenance routines can keep you from having to deal with nasty toilet clogs ever again. Reasons Why Your RV Toilet Might Be Clogging, How to Keep Your Black Water Tank Clog-Free. Yes, the drain pipes in an RV can get clogged just like the ones in your stick home. Here Are the Best Ways to Beat And Avoid It. These other objects wont break down and can become the nucleus for the solid matter to bond to. No hard feelings. Beyond catching a clog early, there are several things you can do to prevent a clog from happening in the first place. 
This is why you should dump your black tank weekly on long trips. As we mentioned above, and we cant stress this enough, dont use household drain cleaners. Interesting problem. Many in the RV community dont understand how they work or their importance. The enzymes can only do so much. Soooo called the local roaming tech and tried a few things, his flexible wand didnt quite make it to the clog, this may have worked with a longer piece of pex so he filled the tank through the discharge valve (twice) and was able to float the T P clog and flush it out. What Cause Your RV Window Seals to Shrink and How to Fix It! While some signs of RV toilet back-ups are apparent, there are little signs that you can look out for as well. If someone needs to use the facilities, this is a good time to check out the campgrounds bathhouse or commune with nature. If youre combining your grey and blackwater tanks, dont continue to add any greywater since thatll make the problem worse.Understand the Problem. Add RV toilet treatment after you dump your black water tank. Although the method we will focus on is one of the easiest and most effective, there is still waste involved. They also eliminate the possibility of a pyramid in your black tank. There are several methods that RVers use to unclog their RV toilets. If it doesnt break down correctly, the solid material wont drain out. Its possible that the macerator gets plugged and the pump cannot empty the contents in the toilet bowl when attempting to flush the contents. If you use wipes, dispose of them in the garbage, not the toilet. This type of toilet paper breaks down in your black tank. This material builds up on your sensors making your black tank readings inaccurate. To to unclog an RV toilet with the ice cube all you have to do is fill your toilet 1/3 up with water and then add as many ice cubes as you can. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Flush the toilet so it enters the tank and let it sit for a few hours. Take a drive with ice: You can fix your RV toilet clog and alleviate your need to drive your coach at the same time. Use dish soap: Every experienced RVer knows the value of dish soap. These seals help keep water in the base of the bowl and must be water-tight to help keep smells down. Add more ice cubes and water if the toilet is still clogged.
My trailer sits permanently on our 52 acre woodland property. This seemed to work because. Flush the toilet. Original investigation was thought to be too much TP but then on further inspection wash cloth determined the culprit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
How often you perform these maintenance tasks will depend on how often you use your RV. Three months ago I moved into a fifth wheel trailor, being there on a part time basis. If youre dumping your tank at home into your septic system, make sure you use the bio versions instead of the blue chemicals to maintain the septics ecosystem. When using an RV Holding Tank Cleaner, you wont have to worry about using a plumbers snake at all. The differences between an RV and a structural plumbing system are too numerous for guesswork. If the waste backs up into the toilets bowl, the weight of the water and the suction the plunger creates could be everything you need to clear the blockage. Since there are many types of these drop-in cleaners on the market, you need to make sure that when you buy one that it is septic safe. Be cautioned that this can be messy. Is Copper Harbor, Michigan, Worth Visiting? Put in some hot water and a fair amount of Dawn dishwashing liquid. This will give you a leg up on any clogs and likely prevent them from ever happening. Jim (W7DHC), Diane + Mini Schnauzers, Lizzy & Ellie. If youre looking for Aaron, chances are youll find him either pedaling the backroads or hiking to sunset spots. F-150 Towing Capacity: What Size Travel Trailer Can A F-150 Pull? Flush the ice down the toilet without water, and drive for an hour. If you use a cleaner other than the one we recommended above, make sure that the one youve chosen is septic safe. You can test your toilet paper by placing a square in a jar of water. Using a snake can be effective but is often labor-intensive, and it can be messy. Encounters of the RVF Kind - Member Sightings, Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler, Campers, Camping Activities, Sports, Recreation, Hobbies, Cooking, Grilling, Recipes, Eating, Drinking, RVForums.com Premium Parks Map Discussion, RV Tech: Cellular, Internet, SAT, Audio/Visual, Clubs, Memberships, Insurance, Warranties, External BLOGS, Forum Posts, YouTube videos, scotts rapidly dissolving RV toilet paper, Installing a slow-close, bidet toilet seat on Dometic 8700 macerator toilet, Lessons learned Heartland TrailRunner 31db, Trying to connect M5 Netgear Router to Furrion Access Omni Antenna - 19' Keystone Montana. House versions use strong water pressure to push waste down to the sewage system. So, the hot water adds the moisture the materials need to break apart. Similarly to the tank cleaner, you can use boiling water to help break up the materials causing a clog in your RV toilet. Now What? Affiliate Disclaimer: You could use a sewer kit such as Camcos Flexible Swivel Stick. One neighboring rig owner told me his coach uses a macerator toilet and he's never experienced a clog in the year's that he's be living full-time in his rig. Another sign you have a toilet problem happens when youre draining your black holding tank. Plumbing issues are never fun, but they dont have to ruin a whole vacation. You are using an out of date browser. To to uncloganRV toilet with the boiling water, all you have to do is boil some water and pour it into the RV toilet.
Regular preventive maintenance is the best way to unclog your RV water lines.
We have a towel rack above the toilet.
So now we do a full bowl flush after the initial flush to make sure the paper makes it to the tank.
You should also avoid flushable wipes. Use a macerator pump: Sometimes gravity isnt enough. Use the same method above by working it down and around the sides to clean the RV toilet tube. If you dont have these items already, theyre easy and inexpensive to pick up anywhere: Some of these methods you can do on your own. Just need to fill the bowl and let the clog create the water back up, be connected to a dump and open the black tank valve before doing so. "90 degree elbow and 8' of pipe" I don't see how that configuration could possibly work no matter how much or how little TP is used. If you need to call a professional, contact your RV dealer or repair shop for recommendations. There are a couple of things you can do to keep your RV black water tank clog-free. 4: When you are draining your tank, you dont see or hear anything happening. However the bathtub is about half full without the plug in. Use your coffee or tea maker to pour hot water down your toilet.
This is not the case. RV Toilet Clogged? Eventually, they will clog the sewer line and block any waste from draining. The blade has to do the work, but if you have a stubborn clogusing a plunger along with the macerator whirring does help. Some park model campers come from the factory with a macerating toilet, as they, like your rig, typically stay put year round. Thick toilet paper that doesnt break down easily can cause a clog, especially if you use too much at once. Hot water: If cold ice doesnt work, go hot. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcNU0uYbaBw&ab_channel=TheFunTimesGuide). We like them, they work very well. RV plumbing relies on an excessive amount of liquids to help flush solids out of the system. First, make sure youre using enough water when flushing. Probably too much TP along with not enough water to washit all down. In such cases, a plunger can assist the pump and get it going again. So, if you arent using the right amount of water, then your RV toilet will frequently become clogged. In our 2016 Jayco Pinnacle 36FBTS, the Front Toilet Keeps Clogging. JavaScript is disabled.
The second most common reason for a clogged RV toilet is the type of toilet paper you use.
Before we get into the steps of how to unclog your toilet, lets talk a bit more about pyramid plugs. Took some time to extract but accomplished. Our discussion will show you how clogs happen, how to safely fix them, and the best tips to prevent blockages. Drano is one chemical that you dont want to put into your RVs plumbing system. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What Is the Best Time to Visit Utah National Parks? The Best Movies About Camping and How to Watch Them, Having Trouble Finding a Campsite?