
Maintaining a toilet in a camper is different from maintaining a household toilet. Camper toilets are usually compact and have a different flushing system. They are also built to operate with limited resources, pulling water from a finite freshwater tank. To keep your camper toilet in good condition, you should follow some basic maintenance rules, such as using the right chemicals, toilet paper, and cleaning products.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Toilet Paper | Use only RV-friendly toilet paper |
Flushing | Understand the flushing controls |
Pre-Filling | Pre-fill the bowl with water before each use |
Cleaning | Clean the bowl after each use |
Lubrication | Lubricate the ball valve seal annually |
Tank Treatments | Use tank treatments regularly |
Sensors | Clear holding tank sensors with a strong cleaning agent |
Vent Fan | Turn off the vent fan before flushing |
Toilet Chemicals | Use the right RV toilet chemicals |
What You'll Learn
Use the right chemicals to neutralise odours and break down waste
Using the right chemicals is essential for maintaining the functionality of your camper toilet. The chemicals help to neutralise odours and break down waste and toilet paper, ensuring an easy trip to the dumping station. They also aid in eliminating stink, ensuring your camper smells like a home rather than an outhouse.
RV toilet chemical additives come in two forms: liquid or dissolving packets/tablets. Liquid chemicals are added directly to the black water tank, while dissolving packets generally contain a powder that dissolves into the existing water in the tank. Both types of chemicals have the same result, but packets are more convenient and prevent spills.
Regardless of the type of chemical you use, ensure that it is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. It is also important to only use chemicals that are specially formulated for RV toilets, as other chemicals may stain the toilet or damage plastic and rubber seals.
When using liquid chemicals, only a couple of ounces are needed for each application. These can be added directly to the black water tank by flushing them down the toilet. For dissolving tablets or packets, simply follow the instructions on the packaging.
It is recommended to use a liquid or dissolvable treatment every time you empty your black tank. You can find RV toilet chemicals at any camping supply store or Walmart. Popular brands include Camco TST RV Toilet Treatment, Porta-Pak, and Aqua-Kem RV toilet chemicals.
In addition to the chemicals themselves, it is important to have a good base of water in your black water tank. This helps to prevent the clumping of waste, which can lead to false meter readings or clogs. Before adding any chemicals, add a few gallons of water to the tank.
If you prefer a more natural approach, some RVers use plain water to keep their black tank smelling decent. However, this method requires a lot of water and frequent dumping and rinsing of the tank. Another alternative is the "geo method", which involves adding water softener, dish soap, and Borax to the tank.
Sanitizing Your Camper Water System: How Often is Necessary?
You may want to see also
Only use toilet paper that dissolves easily
Using toilet paper that dissolves easily is crucial when maintaining a toilet in a camper. Unlike household toilets, camper toilets use a small amount of water to flush waste into a black-water tank, which is only a few feet away. This means that if the toilet paper does not dissolve quickly, it can cause clogs and blockages.
Toilet paper that does not dissolve easily will also stick to the holding tank sensor, causing false readings. This can lead to overflows or other issues. By using toilet paper that dissolves quickly, you reduce the chances of clogs and ensure accurate sensor readings.
Camper-safe toilet paper is readily available for purchase. It is made of thinner cellulose, which dissolves faster in the chemical detergent found in the black-water tank. Using this type of toilet paper is an easy way to prevent maintenance issues and keep your camper toilet in good working condition.
In addition to using dissolvable toilet paper, it is also recommended to pre-fill the camper toilet bowl with water before each use. This helps to start breaking down the toilet paper before flushing and reduces the likelihood of clogs. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the toilet and the holding tank are also important to prevent odours and keep the toilet functioning properly.
Registering a Camper Without Title: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Empty the tank regularly
Emptying your campervan toilet tank regularly is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing bad odours. How often you need to do this depends on how frequently you use your campervan toilet, the type of toilet, and the weather conditions.
For a built-in camping toilet, you should empty the tank every 2-3 days. This is because the tank needs to be kept clean, regardless of how full it is. You should also bear in mind that high temperatures can cause bacteria to grow, so the tank should be emptied more frequently in the summer.
If you have a portable camping toilet, you will need to empty it more often, as the tank is much smaller. Cassette toilets, for example, need to be emptied more frequently than plumbed RV toilets.
When emptying your campervan toilet, it is important to do so safely, efficiently, and legally. You should never empty the waste tank at a gas station. Instead, look for designated waste emptying points at campsites, or chemical disposal points (CDPs) and household hazardous waste disposal points.
Once you have found the right location, the general process for emptying the tank is as follows:
- Locate the disposal drain at the CDP.
- Place your toilet cassette or toilet tank near the drain.
- If the toilet tank has a spout, swivel it out and remove the end cap. If there is no spout, follow the specific instructions for your toilet model to open it and prepare it for emptying.
- Pour the waste down the drain and follow the directions to wash the tank before sealing it back up.
It is recommended to wear disposable gloves while emptying your campervan toilet tank and to ensure you wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Datsun Trucks: Camper Hauling Champs?
You may want to see also
Clean the toilet with the right products
Cleaning your camper toilet is a slightly different process from cleaning a household toilet. Here are some tips for cleaning your camper toilet with the right products:
- Use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to scrub the toilet bowl.
- Many camper toilets come with an attached sprayer to use when the flush isn't powerful enough to clean the bowl. If your toilet doesn't have a sprayer, keep a small plastic cup, water gun, or spray bottle beside the toilet and use it to pour water around the bowl as you flush.
- Coat the inside of the toilet bowl with fiberglass RV wax to make the surface smoother and more stain-resistant. This should be done about once a month.
- Turn off the bathroom vent fan before you flush. If the fan is on while you flush, it will suck the foul odours and fumes out of your holding tank and into your bathroom.
- Clean your black tank regularly to help with smells coming up through the toilet when you flush. Depending on how many people are using the toilet, you should empty the tank at least once a week.
- Use dissolvable, extra-dissolvable, or RV-friendly toilet paper. Regular toilet paper can lead to clogs and nasty odours.
- Use drop-in packets, liquid, or dissolvable treatments every time you empty your black tank. These chemicals contain enzymes that help break down waste and tissue.
- Use cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for RVs. Regular household cleaning solutions can be too harsh and may damage your toilet or void your warranty. Vinegar and baking soda is a good natural option, or you can try Thetford Aqua-Foam Toilet Cleaner, Dometic 3 'N 1 Drop In Bowl Cleaner and Tank Treatment, Unique Camping & Marine RV Toilet Cleaner, or Star Brite Toilet Bowl Cleaner.
Customizing Your Camper: Changing Cabinet Layouts for Better Space
You may want to see also
Understand the toilet's flushing mechanism
Understanding the flushing mechanism of your campervan toilet is essential for proper maintenance and usage. There are several types of flushing mechanisms found in campervan toilets, each with its own unique features and requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the flushing mechanism of your camper toilet:
Gravity Flushing Toilets:
Gravity flushing toilets are a common choice for campervans. They operate by using gravity to dispose of waste directly into a waste holding tank located under the toilet. This type of flushing mechanism can be activated through an electric or manual pedal. The waste is completely hidden from sight, providing a comfortable experience similar to a conventional domestic toilet. To maintain this system, it is important to regularly empty the waste holding tank and ensure proper plumbing connections.
Vacuum Flushing Toilets:
Vacuum flushing toilets are more water-efficient and eco-friendly. When the flush is activated, a vacuum pulls the waste from the toilet bowl and transports it to a holding tank. The holding tank can be positioned according to your campervan's layout, providing versatility. This type of flushing mechanism typically uses less water, making it a more sustainable option.
Macerating Flushing Toilets:
Macerating flushing toilets utilise electric-powered blades to turn waste into slurry before transferring it to a holding tank. Once the flush is engaged, the slurried waste is easily transported to a holding tank located away from the toilet. This system is known for its ease of waste disposal. To maintain this type of flushing mechanism, ensure proper care of the electric-powered blades and regular cleaning of the holding tank.
Cassette Type Toilets:
Cassette-type toilets are popular in smaller campervans due to their compact size. They typically use chemicals to treat waste, which can be unpleasant for some users. An alternative is to install a SOG (Sewage Off-Gas) system, which uses a fan to draw air into the cassette when the toilet valve is activated, eliminating the need for chemicals. Cassette-type toilets require regular emptying and proper disposal of waste.
Plumbed RV Toilets:
Plumbed RV toilets are connected to the freshwater system of the campervan, supplying water for flushing. The waste is emptied into a black water tank located under the vehicle. These toilets usually have a pedal or electric flush mechanism. To maintain this type of flushing system, ensure proper plumbing connections and regularly empty the black water tank.
Portable and Composting Toilets:
Some campervans may also have portable or composting toilets. Portable toilets are small and may or may not have a flushing mechanism. They typically have a holding compartment under the toilet to collect waste. Composting toilets, on the other hand, use biological decomposition to manage waste and require a bulking agent like wood shavings. These toilets usually require manual emptying and proper waste disposal.
Propane Tank Safety: Serial Number Matching for Campers
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Only use toilet paper that is RV-friendly. Thinner toilet paper made of cellulose is easier to dissolve in the chemical detergent.
It is recommended to empty the tank about every 3 days. However, this should be done more frequently in the summer as high temperatures are ideal for the growth of bacteria and bad odours.
Do not use household products as they can damage the seals and other components. Instead, use special detergents and chemicals designed for camper toilets.
Always keep the lid of the toilet bowl closed to avoid the excessive dispersion of chemicals. Additionally, use the right chemicals in the clean water tank to keep the toilet hygienic and free of bacteria and bad odours.