It is a topic that no one really wants to discuss, but knowing how to unclog RV toilet is a must. If you’re entertaining thoughts of living in your RV or spend a lot of time there, then you must learn how to declog toilets so you will know what too do when it happens and you’re on the road.
Signs That You Have a Toilet Problem
- An unpleasant odor emanates from the toilet. You may or not may not see something when you look in the toilet, but the odor will be strong.
- If that’s the case, open the valve on your RV’s back water tank. If the valve is hard to open, take your RV to the dealer and have the component checked.
- A translucent sewer hose adapter allows you to see if waste goes through the tank. You can also just listen. There’s going to be a sound as your tank empties.
- If you don’t hear or see anything and the tank isn’t empty, then it’s clogged.
You Know Your Toilet is Clogged. Now What?
- Don’t put anything in the toilet.
- Shut the gray water tank valves if they empty into the toilet.
Make Sure You Understand What is Happening
If you followed the steps above then you’ve limited the clogging to the black water tank and toilet. You may be tempted to remove the blockage from the top, but it’s better to take the following approach.
What Will You Need for Clog Clearing?
Get the following tools and materials.
- Eye wear
- Rubber gloves
- Plumber’s snake, one that bends easily
- Disposable clothing
- Bucket
- Hose connected to a faucet
Proceed with Caution
If you want to learn how to clean an RV toilet, this method is one of the most effective. However this could cause a lot of waste to pop out so be careful. It’s best to have someone help so you can reconnect the tank and the hose and your companion shuts the sewer valve.
How to Clear the Waste Matter from Your RV’s Tank?
- Put on your eye wear and gloves.
- Ask your companion to be close to the black water tank.
- Put the bucket under the sewer tank aperture.
- After opening the valve, ask your companion to open the sewer tank.
- Let waste fall in the bucket, if any.
- Push the plumber’s snake and push until it strikes the clog.
- Slowly move the dowel up and down and try to get movement.
- If there’s movement, move out of the way and allow the waste to travel into the hose and empty in the bucket.
- Repeat the process until the clog has been removed.
- Your assistant should close the sewer tank valve as soon as possible.
- Connect the sewer hose to the outlet and the tank.
- Open the tank and let the material empty in the sewer.
- Empty the hose and bucket.
How to Unclog RV Toilet In 6 Ways?
1. Unclog with Plungers
A plunger is one of the most popular methods for unclogging toilets because it’s proven effective. Just plunge into the toilet. A plunger with a tight grip is ideal and has a powerful suction. The best options are metal and rubber sticks.
2. Unclog with Toilet Snakes
The narrow toilets on some RVs make it difficult to use a plunger. In this case it is better to use a toilet snake so it produces a good grip and can unclog the toilet. The narrow and slim design of toilet snakes means you’re going to find them easier to use than plungers. They come in different sizes and styles.
3. Unclog With Flexible Tank Wand
This is a flexible, 90 degree hose which you can move in different directions. Combined with a high pressure water hose and it proves efficient for removing deep clogs. Like the snake it has a narrow design which can go deep in the pipes. Once the wand gets to the clog it produces pressure water.
4. Unclog With Hot Water
If you don’t have any tools, just pour boiling water in the toilet and leave it there for a while. Check after a few minutes if it has unclogged. If it has, flush a couple of times just to be sure. If it’s still clogged, keep pouring more hot water.
5. Septic Safe De-Clogging Chemicals
There are many commercially available chemical products for de-clogging toilets. These have been specially prepared to unclog tissues and other waste materials. The important thing to remember is make certain the chemicals are formulated for septic use.
To de-clog with chemicals, fill the toilet halfway with water. Pour the chemical and leave it there for a few minutes. After a couple of hours or so flush the toilet. Let the chemicals rest in the tank. Drive the RV around so the chemicals can move around a little. Check the toilet again after a few hours.
6. Ice Cube Method
The ice cube technique involves filling the toilet a third of the way up with water. Put several ice cubes and flush the toilet. Drive your RV and keep flushing the toilet. Add more ice cubes and water if it’s still clogged.
If you are curious about more plumber practices, then thanks to Pex Plumbers for covering important discussions.
Avoid Unclogging RV Toilet With 4 Simple Tips:
1. Use the Right Toilet Paper
There’s no need to buy pricey toilet paper. Just get those labeled septic safe and you’ll be fine. If you’re still not sure what to buy, get certified safe 2 ply toilet paper and try it in the kitchen. If the sink doesn’t clog you can use it in the toilet.
2. Flush More Often
Flush twice following every usage. Do this and you’ll fill the tank with more water that will break up waste. You could use the boiling water and ice method here to prevent clogging in the first place.
3. Use Less Paper More Water
If your toilet is always getting clogged by tissues maybe it’s time you used more water. The more water you use the easier it gets to break waste. Bottom line – the more water you use the less likely the toilet will clog.
4. Drop Ins
There are many types of chemical drops that are meant for use with different types of RV toilets. A Blue Max drop, a probe cleaner or a tissue digester should keep your toilet and kitchen sinks clog-free.
Because there are a lot of drop ins, take your time and research each one. Make certain that they are formulated specifically for this. By doing a little bit of research you’ll be saving yourself a lot of trouble.
The Best Fix for Clogged RV Toilets
The best fix of course, is to regularly maintain your toilet and waste tanks. Empty the tanks on a consistent basis. Having the right set of tools and materials in your RV is also necessary so you don’t waste time fixing them.
It’s not a fun task, unclogging RV toilets, but somebody has to do it. With maintenance and proper knowledge, you’ll never have to panic in case something does clog up. Just make sure you’ve got the tools and you’re set.
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