Toilet Paper For Campers: Septic-Safe Options

Toilet paper is a necessity for any camper, but is it necessary to use RV-specific toilet paper? The short answer is no. While RV toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly, preventing clogs and reducing the likelihood of blocking sensors, it tends to be more expensive, coarse, and thinner than regular toilet paper. Regular septic-safe toilet paper can be used in an RV waste system as it breaks down similarly to RV toilet paper, but it's important to ensure that the toilet paper dissolves quickly to avoid any issues.

To determine if your preferred brand of toilet paper is suitable for your RV, a simple test can be performed. Fill a clear jar halfway with water, add a few squares of the toilet paper, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously for a few seconds. If the toilet paper breaks into small pieces, it's likely safe to use in your RV. However, if it remains intact or breaks into large chunks, it may not be the best choice.

Some regular toilet paper brands that are known to work well in RVs include Costco (Kirkland), Sam's Club, Cottonelle, and Scott. These options offer better value, comfort, and dissolution rates compared to RV-specific toilet paper. Additionally, using plenty of water when flushing and treating your black tank with a high-quality waste-digesting product can further help break down toilet paper and prevent clogs.

The pros and cons of septic-safe vs. RV toilet paper

Septic-Safe Toilet Paper

Pros:

• Significantly cheaper than RV toilet paper, often around half the price.
• Dissolves quickly to avoid clogging, making it suitable for RVs, boats, and portable toilets.
• Softer, stronger, and more pleasant to use than RV toilet paper.
• Environmentally friendly and free from harmful substances.
• Single or two-ply options available.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for smaller RV sewage tanks.
• Should not be continuously flushed, as it can still worsen the drainage tank.

RV Toilet Paper

Pros:

• Dissolves quickly, reducing the risk of clogging pipes or gumming up tank sensors.
• Specifically designed for the RV industry, ensuring compatibility and peace of mind.
• Thicker and more comfortable than septic-safe toilet paper.

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive than septic-safe toilet paper.
• May contain bleach and other chemicals that can reduce dissolving speed and cause issues in the RV septic tank.
• Can be too thin and fragile, disintegrating too quickly and easily.

In summary, septic-safe toilet paper is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, but it may not be suitable for all RV sewage systems. On the other hand, RV toilet paper is designed specifically for RVs and dissolves quickly, but it is more expensive and may contain chemicals. Ultimately, both options are safe for RVs, and the choice depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your RV system.

How to test if your preferred toilet paper is safe for your camper

Using the wrong toilet paper in your camper can cause serious issues with your sewage system or holding tank. The toilet paper you use needs to break down quickly to avoid clogging.

You can test whether your preferred toilet paper will break down quickly enough by performing the following steps:

• Fill a glass jar about halfway with water.
• Put two squares/sheets of toilet paper inside the jar.
• Put the lid on the jar and tighten it.
• Shake the jar for 5-10 seconds.
• If the toilet paper falls apart into little pieces, then it’s safe to use in your camper.

Toilet paper that’s safe to use in your camper will break up into small bits when shaken during the test. For comparison, you can try the same test with a tissue – not toilet tissue, but a regular facial tissue from a box. No matter how much you shake the jar, the tissue won’t break down, which is an indication that it’s not safe for your camper toilet, or your home toilet either.

The best way to clean your camper's holding tank

Cleaning your camper's holding tank is a necessary chore, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Here are some detailed instructions to get your camper's holding tank sparkling clean!

Know When It's Time to Clean

You'll want to clean your holding tank regularly to prevent buildup and unpleasant odours. A good rule of thumb is to clean your tank when it's between half to two-thirds full. This will help ensure that the tank drains properly and doesn't leave any solid waste behind. You can use your RV's built-in sensors or a measuring tool to gauge the tank's fullness.

Drain the Holding Tank

When it's time to drain the tank, take your RV to an approved dumping location and securely connect the sewer drain hose to the holding tank outlet. Open the valve and let the tank empty. Using a clear hose connector will help you see when the tank is fully drained. Sometimes, a second drain may be necessary to remove all the sewage.

Clean and Flush the Tank

There are a few different methods for cleaning and flushing your tank, depending on your RV's setup:

• Blackwater Tank with Flush Valve: Connect a hose to the flush valve, rinse, and drain until the water runs clear.
• Tank with Built-In Rinse Device: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to operate the built-in rinsing device.
• Tank Rinsing Wand: Insert a flexible wand with a manual shut-off into the tank through the toilet and wash until the water drains clear.

Flush the Gray Water Tank

After cleaning the blackwater tank, it's a good idea to flush the gray water tank as well. This will help rinse and clean the sewer hose.

Final Check and Clean-Up

Make sure to clean and store all your equipment properly. Dispose of any disposable gloves and wash your hands and any splashed clothing.

Prime and Pretreat the Holding Tank

Before using your freshly cleaned holding tank, be sure to add at least one gallon of water to prime it. You can also add a blackwater treatment chemical if desired, although it's not required. Enzyme treatments are recommended as they aid in breaking down waste and paper materials.

The importance of using enough water when flushing

Water is an essential component of any camper's toilet system. Using enough water when flushing is crucial for several reasons, and here are some of the most important ones:

Preventing Clogs and Odors

Using enough water when flushing your RV toilet can help prevent clogs and odors. Water acts as a barrier against nasty black tank smells. Just like in a home toilet, where water in the bowl traps the odours, using enough water in your RV toilet bowl can help contain the odours until they are flushed away. Additionally, water helps to soften and break down waste, preventing it from sticking to the toilet bowl and pipes, which can lead to clogs.

Maintaining a Healthy Bacteria Colony

If you use a bacteria and enzyme-based tank treatment in your black water tank, using enough water is crucial to the treatment's effectiveness. These treatments rely on aerobic bacteria to break down waste and control odours. Aerobic bacteria need water to survive and function properly. By using enough water, you ensure that the bacteria have the necessary environment to do their job effectively.

Keeping Sensors Clean

Sensors inside your holding tank play an important role in indicating when it's full. Using enough water when flushing helps to keep these sensors clean and free of debris, ensuring they provide accurate readings.

Rinsing the Discharge Line

Using enough water in your grey water tank can also help with rinsing the discharge line after dumping the black tank. This kills two birds with one stone, as you can simply dump the grey tank after the black tank, and the grey water will rinse away any residual black water in the discharge line.

Storing Your RV with Water

In certain situations, it is recommended to store your RV with a full black tank of water and a bacteria-based treatment. This allows the bacteria to have more time to break down any residual waste, ensuring your tank is as clean, clog-free, and odour-free as possible for your next trip.

In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive to use more water in an RV toilet system, it is essential for maintaining a healthy and odour-free environment. Using enough water can help prevent clogs, control odours, and ensure the proper functioning of your wastewater system and its components.

How to avoid clogging your camper's toilet

RV toilets are similar to household toilets, but they have some key differences. Firstly, most RV toilets empty directly into a holding tank, and secondly, they usually have a foot pedal instead of a hand lever for flushing. To avoid clogging your camper's toilet, follow these steps:

Use the Right Toilet Paper

RV systems require special toilet papers that rapidly break down so they don't clog the blackwater tank or damage the in-tank sensors. Look for toilet paper that is specifically designed for RV or marine use, or test your regular toilet paper at home by putting a few sheets in a jar of water and shaking vigorously to see if it dissolves. If it dissolves quickly, it's likely safe to use in your RV.

Don't Leave the Blackwater Tank Valve Open

If you leave the blackwater tank valve open while hooked up to an RV park sewer system, the liquids will drain out, leaving the solids to form a dense conical shape that can cause a clog. Always keep the valve closed until the tank is close to full before emptying it.

Use Plenty of Water

Using lots of water each time you flush helps to break down waste and toilet paper so it can travel more smoothly into the blackwater tank. Simply fill a cup with water from the bathroom sink and pour it into the toilet bowl before you use it.

Add a Waste Digester

Buy a waste digester in liquid or packet form from your local hardware store or online to help break down waste in your blackwater tank. Read the label to determine how much to add, but generally, a couple of ounces will be enough for a weekend trip.

Regularly Empty Your Black Water Tank

You should empty your black water tank every time it becomes about 2/3 full, or about once a week for a couple, and every few days if there are more people using the toilet.

Keep Your RV Well-Maintained

Check for leaks regularly, especially around the blackwater tank, and get any issues fixed promptly. Also, if your RV has sensors inside the blackwater tank to gauge how full it is, be aware that waste or toilet paper can block these sensors and give you inaccurate readings. In this case, you'll need to clean out the tank.

Frequently asked questions