Toilet Paper Troubles: Flushing In Campers Explained

Whether or not you can flush toilet paper in a camper is a topic of debate among RV enthusiasts. Some people say that flushing toilet paper can cause clogs in the sewage system or holding tank. Others argue that as long as you use enough water when flushing, you can prevent clogs and there is no need to throw toilet paper in the trash. Some people even perform experiments to test how well different types of toilet paper dissolve, with the Scott brand's rapid-dissolving toilet paper being a popular choice for RVs.

Toilet paper for campers is designed to break down quickly to avoid clogging

The truth is, yes, you do need to use quick-dissolving RV toilet paper. If you don't have tissue safe for RV use, you shouldn't flush it into your RV's sewage system. RV septic systems are somewhat delicate. They aren't as robust as residential sewage systems, so you must treat them more carefully than your residential bathroom or toilet.

Toilet paper designed for campers is thicker than standard RV toilet paper, making it a more comfortable option. It is also far more affordable than RV-specific toilet paper, which is important for those on a budget.

When choosing toilet paper for your RV, it is important to select a biodegradable option that will break up quickly to avoid clogs. You can test whether your chosen toilet paper will be suitable by placing a few sheets in a jar of water and shaking vigorously. If the toilet paper starts to dissolve, it is safe to use.

So, while it may be tempting to splurge on RV-specific toilet paper, it is not necessary. As long as you select a septic-safe option and test it beforehand, you can save money and enjoy the comfort of thicker toilet paper.

You can test if your toilet paper will break down by putting it in water and shaking

Testing Toilet Paper Breakdown

Testing whether your toilet paper will break down in water is a simple process that can be done at home. This test is important because while all toilet paper will eventually dissolve, the speed at which it breaks down matters. Slow-dissolving toilet paper can get caught in your pipes and build up over time, leading to potential clogs in your plumbing system.

To perform the test, grab a few sheets of your chosen toilet paper and place them in a container of water. You can use a jar, Tupperware, or any other container with a lid. Fill the container about two-thirds of the way with water and place around four sheets of toilet paper inside. Secure the lid and shake the container vigorously for about ten seconds. Let the container sit for a moment, then check to see if the toilet paper has dissolved. If it has, congratulations! Your toilet paper is safe to use and will not cause issues in your septic tank.

If the toilet paper has not dissolved, you can leave it in the container and observe how long it takes to break down. This will give you an idea of how long it could take to dissolve in your septic tank and how much paper could pile up in the meantime.

Tips for Choosing Toilet Paper

When choosing toilet paper, it's important to consider the thickness and ply of the paper. Thicker, multi-ply toilet papers will generally take longer to break down, while single-ply options are faster to dissolve and are considered the best option for septic tanks. You can also look for toilet paper that is specifically marketed as "septic-safe," which means it is designed to break down easily and typically does not contain bleaches or dyes that can harm the environment.

Additionally, it's a good idea to use minimal toilet paper with each flush, even if you are using a septic-safe or RV-friendly option. This will help reduce the risk of clogs and other issues. Remember, when it comes to toilet paper and your plumbing, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Some campers avoid flushing toilet paper and use a bin instead

Some campers prefer to avoid flushing toilet paper and opt for using a bin instead. This method may be unnecessary, but it is a safer way to maintain your black tank and avoid clogs.

Using a bin can be a more hygienic option, as it eliminates the risk of toilet paper getting caught in the toilet seal, which can cause it to remain open and lead to potential issues. It also ensures that only waste goes into the black tank, as some types of toilet paper may not break down easily and can contribute to blockages.

Additionally, using a bin allows campers to use their preferred brand and thickness of toilet paper without worrying about compatibility issues. This can be especially advantageous for those who prefer thicker or plusher toilet paper.

To implement this method successfully, it is crucial to have a sealed waste bin dedicated to toilet paper disposal in your RV bathroom. Informing any guests about your 'bathroom process' is also essential to prevent accidental flushing of non-RV toilet paper.

While some campers may find this approach unappealing or inconvenient, it can be an effective way to maintain your RV toilet and black tank system, ensuring a pleasant and clog-free experience during your travels.

Macerator toilets are not suitable for extended boondocking due to high water usage

Macerating toilets are not suitable for extended boondocking due to their high water usage.

Macerating toilets, also known as upflush toilets, use a macerator pump to grind and flush waste, allowing them to be installed anywhere in an RV rather than directly over the black tank. This means they can be placed in rear bath and bath-and-a-half floorplans, where the toilet is not located above the black tank.

However, one major disadvantage of macerating toilets is their high water consumption. They generally use more water, which can quickly deplete your RV's fresh water tank and fill your black water tank. This is a crucial consideration for boondocking, where water conservation is essential.

Additionally, macerating toilets have more moving parts, require electricity to operate, tend to be more expensive, and may have sensors that prevent flushing when the tank is too full.

Therefore, while macerating toilets offer installation flexibility, they are not ideal for boondocking due to their high water usage and other limitations.

The bigger the camper, the bigger the black tank

For those who are unable to get a bigger black tank, there are a few alternative solutions to consider:

• Use a portable black tank, also known as a tote tank, which can be purchased in various sizes, typically ranging from 5 to 42 gallons. This option allows you to dump the waste without having to move your camper to a dump station.
• Practice conservative water usage and waste management strategies, such as using less toilet paper, utilising campground facilities when possible, or having men use outdoor areas when camping remotely.
• Install a valve in the water supply line to the toilet to control the amount of water used per flush, thus conserving water and extending the time before the black tank needs to be emptied.
• Consider switching to a composting toilet, which can be emptied in the field and does not require hookups or dumping at a station.
• Use a macerator pump and a portable tank that can be placed in the bed of your truck. This allows you to service your tanks and dispose of waste without moving your camper.

Frequently asked questions