Camping Toilet: Why You Shouldn't Poop In A Camper Toilet

Pooping in a camper toilet is a topic that raises many questions and opinions, especially for those new to camping. While some people prefer to avoid using the toilet in their camper, others embrace the convenience of having their own bathroom. One of the key considerations is the proper maintenance and emptying of the black tank, which can be a daunting task for beginners. This includes understanding the correct types of waste to dispose of, the importance of using enough water, and the use of appropriate chemicals to prevent odours and clogs. Additionally, the choice of toilet paper and the amount used can impact the overall experience. For those camping without access to a camper toilet, alternatives such as portable toilets, digging cat holes, or using special bags like Biffy Bags are popular options. Ultimately, the decision to use a camper toilet comes down to personal preference, practicality, and proper waste management practices.

Camper toilet etiquette for guests

As a guest, it is important to be mindful of the host's camper toilet and follow the necessary etiquette to ensure its proper functioning and maintenance. Here are some detailed instructions to follow when using a camper toilet:

Only Human Waste and Toilet Paper:

The first and most important rule is to remember that only human waste and toilet paper should go down the drain. This includes both liquid and solid waste. Do not flush any other items, such as cigarette butts, dead bugs, wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or "flushable" wipes. These items can cause clogs and other problems in the camper's plumbing system.

Use Septic-Safe Toilet Paper:

When using toilet paper, opt for septic-safe toilet paper. You don't need to use expensive RV-specific toilet paper, but ensure it is safe for septic systems. This will help prevent clogs and maintain the proper functioning of the camper toilet.

Conserve Water:

When camping, especially in remote locations, water conservation is crucial. Camper toilets are typically low-flow toilets, and it is important to use water efficiently. If only liquid waste is involved, there is no need to add extra water. However, for solid waste, add a small amount of water to the toilet bowl before use. This will help the waste go down the drain more easily and save water when flushing.

Learn the Fast Flush:

To conserve water, it is essential to learn the "fast flush." Demonstrate to your guests that they only need to barely step on the flush pedal to open the drain and use a minimal amount of water. Remind them that conserving water is crucial, especially when boondocking or camping in remote locations.

Keep a Toilet Brush Handy:

To maintain a clean toilet bowl and prevent skid marks, keep a toilet brush next to the toilet. Encourage guests to use the brush instead of excessive water to clean the bowl. Choose a brush with a non-slip bottom that can be left out, even while traveling, such as the Clorox Corner Toilet Brush.

Make the Sign of the Cross:

Before using the camper toilet, place two pieces of toilet paper in a "T" shape over the bottom drain of the toilet bowl. This will allow solid waste to sit on the toilet paper, and when flushed, it will be carried away in one go, leaving a clean bowl with no skid marks and using minimal water.

Remind Guests of the Rules:

It is common for guests, especially those who are not familiar with RV plumbing, to inadvertently cause issues. Put up a friendly reminder in the form of "wall art" near the camper toilet to help guests remember the dos and don'ts. This can include signs like "Toilet Paper Only" or "Flush Only Toilet Paper."

Provide a Small Trash Can:

Place a small trash can with a lid in the bathroom to remind guests not to flush items other than toilet paper. This will help contain odors and keep the camper toilet running smoothly. Opt for a square or rectangular can to maximize space, and consider a hands-free step trash can for added convenience.

Maintain the Black Tank:

The black tank requires proper maintenance to function correctly. Add water to the black tank to help dissolve solid waste and toilet paper, turning them into a slushy consistency that is easier to empty. You can also pour dirty dishwater down the toilet, as it contains soap that will aid in breaking down solids and cleaning the tank.

Final Thoughts:

By following these etiquette guidelines, guests can help maintain the camper toilet's cleanliness and functionality. Remember, the key principles are to conserve water, only flush human waste and septic-safe toilet paper, and properly maintain the black tank. With these tips, everyone can enjoy their camping experience without worrying about toilet troubles.

How to avoid clogs in your camper toilet

Clogged camper toilets are a common issue for RV owners, but there are several preventative measures you can take to avoid this problem. Here are some detailed instructions on how to keep your camper toilet clog-free:

Understand the Types of Clogs

Before learning how to prevent clogs, it is essential to understand the types of clogs that can occur in your camper toilet:

• Pyramid Plug: This happens when poop and toilet paper accumulate into a pyramid shape under the toilet line, eventually reaching the top and blocking anything else from entering the tank. This usually occurs when the black tank valve is left open, allowing liquid to drain out and solid waste to dry and build up.
• Compacted Tank: A compacted tank occurs when solid waste accumulates at the bottom of the black water tank, making it difficult for waste to exit when the valve is opened. This can be due to insufficient water in the tank, low-quality waste-digesting treatment, a leaky discharge valve, or waste left sitting in the tank for extended periods.
• Blocked Toilet Line: This type of clog occurs when toilet paper and solid waste become trapped in the pipe leading from the toilet bowl to the black tank. It is common in RVs where the toilet is not directly over the black tank, and the plumbing system has turns and elbows where waste can easily get congested.

Keep Your Black Tank Valve Closed

One of the most important tips to prevent clogs is to always keep your black tank valve closed unless you are actively dumping a full tank. Leaving the valve open will cause liquid to drain out, leading to the formation of a pyramid plug as solid waste dries and builds up. Even if you have never experienced problems with an open valve, it is only a matter of time before it becomes an issue.

Use a High-Quality Bacteria-Based Tank Treatment

Using a high-quality, bacteria-based tank treatment, such as Unique RV Digest-It Plus, is essential for keeping your black water tank clog-free. These treatments help break down waste into a near-liquid form, preventing clogs and reducing odours. Make sure to keep your black valve closed after adding the treatment to ensure it stays in the tank.

Avoid Chemical Cleaners and Antibacterial Soaps

If you use bacteria-based tank treatments, avoid using chemical toilet bowl cleaners, shower cleaners, or antibacterial dish and hand soaps. These products can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank treatment, rendering it ineffective and increasing the risk of clogs.

Use Lots of Water When Flushing

Water is your best friend when it comes to preventing clogs in your camper toilet. Always use plenty of water when flushing to help break down waste and keep things moving smoothly. Hold down the flush pedal for at least 10 seconds each time you flush to add more water to the tank. Additionally, add water to the toilet bowl before and after each use to prevent clogs and control odours.

Keep Tank Temperatures Regulated

Maintain tank temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal performance of bacteria-based tank treatments. In extremely cold or hot temperatures, consider insulating or heating your tank to keep the bacteria active and effective.

Flush or Rinse the Tank After Each Dump

Gravity is the primary force that moves waste through your camper toilet system. To ensure a thorough cleaning, flush or rinse your tank after each dump to remove any residual waste particles that may be clinging to the walls or sensors.

Perform Regular Deep Cleanings

Deep clean your tanks at least twice a year, or more frequently if you are a full-time RVer. This will help remove any built-up waste or residue that could contribute to clogs or sensor misreading.

Never Store Your RV With Waste in the Tank

Always dump your black water tank before storing your RV. If you store your RV with waste in the tank, the water will eventually evaporate, leaving behind dried-out waste that can clog your discharge line.

Camper toilet cleaning tips

Using the Camper Toilet

• Only put human waste and small amounts of septic-safe toilet paper down the drain.
• No feminine hygiene products, paper towels, cigarette butts, dead bugs, or wipes.
• If you have kids, don't let them put toys down the toilet.
• Keep a small trash can in the bathroom for non-flushable items.
• If you're boondocking, conserve water by only flushing with a lot of water when necessary.
• Keep a toilet brush handy for cleaning the bowl.
• Make a sign of the cross with two pieces of toilet paper in the bowl before use. This will help waste slide down into the holding tank without sticking to the bowl.
• If your toilet has a sprayer hose, only use it for rinsing solid waste off the bowl.
• Perform a fast flush by barely stepping on the pedal to open the drain and reduce water usage.

Maintaining the Camper Toilet and Holding Tank

• Keep the toilet bowl filled with water at all times (unless driving) to block odors.
• Hold the flush pedal down for at least 10 seconds to add enough water to the holding tank and suppress odors.
• Keep the black tank valve closed at all times unless you're actively dumping a full tank.
• Treat the holding tank with a high-quality bacteria-based treatment to help break down waste.
• Add a few gallons of water to the tank after emptying it to ensure solids dissolve and mix while driving.
• Use a flashlight to check the tank level through the toilet or the tank's clear elbow if available.
• Use grey water for a rinse agent in your dump hose.
• If possible, dump your black tank at home or at a dump station with full hookups.
• Remind others to use minimal toilet paper and consider providing a wastebasket for disposing of it.
• Use a rinse-out wand when dumping to help keep the hose clean.

How to dispose of waste when camping

When camping, it's important to dispose of waste properly to avoid contaminating water sources, spreading diseases, and attracting wildlife. Here are some detailed instructions on how to dispose of waste when camping:

Human Waste Disposal

It is recommended to deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. After use, the cathole should be covered and disguised with natural materials such as leaves or dirt. This method is known as the "cat hole" method and is widely accepted for waste disposal.

If camping in delicate environments, such as alpine or desert settings, it may be necessary to pack out your waste using commercially produced pack-out systems or reusable toilet systems. These systems are designed to be easy to use and sanitary, providing a safe alternative to burying waste.

Toilet Paper Disposal

Toilet paper should be disposed of properly to avoid impacting other campers and attracting wildlife. It is recommended to bury toilet paper in a cathole or pack it out in a sealable plastic bag. If burying, it is important to use plain, white, unscented toilet paper and stir it into the waste with a stick and a small amount of water to kickstart the decomposition process. Avoid burying scented or coloured toilet paper, as animals may still be able to find and dig it up.

Wastewater and Dishwater Disposal

Wastewater from washing yourself or your dishes should be carried at least 200 feet away from water sources such as streams or lakes. Use small amounts of biodegradable soap and scatter the strained wastewater to minimise contamination.

General Trash Disposal

It is important to pack out all trash, including food scraps, wrappers, and packaging. Burning trash is not recommended as it can lead to wildfires. Instead, take your trash home with you or dispose of it in designated trash cans at the campsite. To create less trash, consider reusing containers, repackaging food into reusable containers, and using reusable dishes, utensils, and straws instead of disposable options.

How to deal with waste when camping in cold weather

Camping in cold weather can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to know how to deal with waste properly to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are some detailed instructions on how to manage your waste when camping in cold weather conditions:

Use the Right Toilet Paper

When camping in an RV, it is crucial to use septic-safe toilet paper. While some people argue that RV-specific toilet paper is necessary, standard septic-safe toilet paper will work just fine. Avoid flushing any other items, such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or "flushable" wipes, as these can lead to blockages.

Conserve Water

Water conservation is essential when camping in cold weather, especially if you are boondocking or tailgating without full hookups. For liquid waste, you don't need to add extra water before flushing. For solid waste, add a small amount of water to the toilet bowl before using it to help the waste go down the drain more easily.

Practice Fast Flushing

Learn how to perform a "fast flush" to conserve water. For most RV toilets, this means barely stepping on the flush pedal to open the drain without using a lot of water. This technique will help you manage your water usage more efficiently.

Keep a Toilet Brush Handy

Instead of using excessive water to clean the toilet bowl, use a toilet brush to clean up any mess. Choose a brush with a stand so you can leave it out next to the toilet, reminding users to clean the bowl without wasting water.

Make the Sign of the Cross

Before using the toilet, place two pieces of toilet paper in a "T" shape over the drain, forming a cross. This will ensure that solid waste sits on the toilet paper, and when you flush, gravity will take it all away, leaving a clean bowl with no skid marks and using minimal water.

Maintain Your Black Tank

The RV black tank requires water to function properly. Throughout your camping trip, add water to the black tank by throwing in dirty dishwater or leftover freshwater. This will help dissolve solid waste and toilet paper, making it easier to empty the tank.

Remind Visitors of the Rules

If you have guests who are not familiar with RV plumbing, it's important to educate them on the dos and don'ts. Consider putting up a sign in the bathroom with reminders, such as "Toilet Paper Only" or "Flush Only Toilet Paper."

Use Antifreeze in Cold Weather

When camping in extremely cold weather, consider using RV antifreeze in the toilet instead of water to prevent pipes, seals, and gaskets from freezing.

Remember to always dispose of waste responsibly and follow the principles of "Leave No Trace" camping to minimize your impact on the environment.

Frequently asked questions