
Keeping your camper toilet smelling fresh can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. The main causes of toilet odours are poor ventilation, improper use of chemicals, clogged or dirty tanks, leaks or damaged seals, lack of water in the bowl, improper waste disposal, and bacteria and mould growth. To prevent your camper toilet from stinking, ensure proper ventilation, use the correct chemicals, regularly clean and maintain your tank, fix any leaks, use enough water, dispose of waste properly, and address any bacterial or mould issues.
Characteristics of a Non-Stinky Camper Toilet
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Ventilation | Good ventilation is key to preventing odours. Ensure the vent pipe on the roof is clear and functioning. |
Toilet Seal | A faulty or damaged seal can cause odours to escape. Keep the seal moist with Vaseline or plumber's grease and replace if necessary. |
Water Level | Insufficient water in the toilet bowl can lead to odours. Ensure enough water is present to create a proper seal. |
Waste Disposal | Improper waste disposal, such as excessive toilet paper or non-biodegradable items, can cause odours. Use less paper and avoid non-biodegradable products. |
Tank Maintenance | Regularly clean and empty the holding tank to prevent waste buildup and odours. Use tank cleaners and deodorizers specifically designed for this purpose. |
Chemicals | Use RV-specific toilet chemicals to neutralise odours and break down waste effectively. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine. |
Vent/SOG Unit | Install a vent or SOG unit to release gases from the holding tank. Ensure it is not located near the door to avoid odours entering the living area. |
Toilet Paper | Limit the use of toilet paper as excessive paper can overwhelm the bacteria in the tank. Consider disposing of paper in a bin instead of flushing it. |
Toilet Cleaners | Use organic or biological toilet cleaners instead of chlorinated ones to preserve the beneficial bacteria in the tank. |
What You'll Learn
Ventilation
Firstly, check the vent pipe on the roof for clogs. Every RV has a pipe from the black tank to the roof, allowing methane gases to escape. If this vent becomes clogged, gases will come up out of the toilet when you flush. To check for clogs, put a garden hose into the top of the pipe and run some water through it. If the water backs up onto the roof, there is a clog, and you will need to use a stronger jet of water to dislodge it.
Secondly, make sure your RV bathroom vent fan is in good working order and use it regularly. A little fresh air can go a long way in banishing unwanted odours. If your camper does not have a vent, it may be worth installing one. A SOG unit is a vent that runs whenever the toilet flap is open, releasing gases from the holding tank and keeping your camper smell-free. When installing a SOG unit, ensure the vent is not located near the door, otherwise smells will waft straight back into your living area.
Thirdly, keep the flap between you and your holding tank closed after each use of the toilet. If this is left open, the SOG unit will keep running, and methane gas may escape.
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Use of chemicals
The use of chemicals is a common method to prevent odours in camper toilets. It is important to use chemicals that are specifically designed for camper or RV toilets, as the wrong type or amount of chemicals can contribute to unpleasant odours.
Look for products that are RV-friendly and designed to neutralise odours and break down waste effectively. These chemicals will not only keep your bathroom smelling fresh but will also prevent clogs and maintain a healthy plumbing system.
When choosing chemicals, avoid those that contain formaldehyde, as this is harmful to the environment and can disrupt the natural bacterial balance of septic systems. Also, stay away from petroleum-based products like motor oil, gasoline, and diesel fuel, as these substances can contaminate the soil and water. Additionally, steer clear of harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, and ammonia, as these can kill beneficial bacteria essential for maintaining a healthy septic system.
Instead, opt for organic or natural products that are safe for the environment and won't disrupt the natural bacterial balance. For example, Solbio organic toilet fluid is a natural product that doesn't contain harmful chemicals and can be disposed of in septic tanks.
Another option is to use biological solutions that work on the basis of aerobic (non-smelly) bacteria instead of anaerobic bacteria that produce the rotten egg smell. Products like Roebic Black Water and Bio-Septic Tabs contain a large number of aerobic bacteria, ensuring that the dirty water is broken down without producing a foul odour.
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Tank cleaning
Empty and Clean the Tank Regularly:
This is crucial to prevent odours from building up. Use a high-quality tank cleaner designed specifically for RV or camper toilets. Completely empty the black tank and follow the instructions on the cleaner packaging for mixing and application. Allow the solution to sit in the tank for the recommended time before flushing it out thoroughly.
Choose the Right Chemicals:
Using the wrong type or amount of chemicals in your tank can contribute to odours. Opt for RV-specific toilet chemicals that are designed to neutralise odours and break down waste effectively. These chemicals will help maintain a healthy plumbing system and prevent clogs.
Address Clogs and Buildup:
A clogged or dirty tank can cause odours to escape into the RV. Address clogs promptly and ensure proper ventilation. If waste sits in the tank for too long, it can emit a foul odour. You can use a plumbing snake or auger to unclog pipes, or try backflushing the tank with a backflush tool. Keep running water through the tank until it comes out clear and clean.
Ventilation:
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent odours from building up. Ensure the vent pipe on the roof is clear and functioning properly. Check for any clogs or obstructions in the vent pipe, as this can prevent gasses from escaping and cause them to come up through the toilet. Use a garden hose to run water through the vent pipe and dislodge any clogs if necessary.
Empty Waste Regularly:
Frequent emptying of the waste tank will help minimise odours. If using a portable toilet cassette, wash it out thoroughly each time and empty it multiple times to ensure it is completely clean. For fixed tanks, consider using a sewer tank rinser to thoroughly clean the tank.
Use Water Efficiently:
Maintain a proper balance with water usage. Ensure there is enough water in the toilet bowl to create a seal and prevent odours from escaping. At the same time, be mindful not to use too much water, as this will cause the waste tank to fill up more quickly.
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Toilet seal maintenance
Inspecting the Seal:
- Check the seal regularly for any signs of dryness or cracking.
- Look for water leaks around the toilet, especially after flushing.
- If the seal appears dry or damaged, proceed to the next steps for maintenance or replacement.
Maintaining the Seal:
- Coat the seal with Vaseline or plumber's grease using rubber gloves.
- Keeping the seal moist can prevent leaks and odours.
Replacing the Seal:
- Purchase a new seal kit, ensuring it is the correct size for your toilet model.
- Turn off the water pump and city water source.
- Flush the toilet to relieve pressure.
- Disconnect the water lines from the toilet.
- Put on rubber gloves for protection.
- Remove the top half of the toilet to access the seal.
- Take out the old seal carefully.
- Place the new seal securely in the flange.
- Reattach the top part of the toilet and bolt it into place.
- Reconnect the water lines.
- Turn on the water pump or city water source to test the new seal.
By following these steps, you can effectively maintain and replace the toilet seal in your camper, helping to prevent unpleasant odours and leaks. Remember to inspect the seal regularly and address any issues promptly to keep your camper toilet functioning properly and odour-free.
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Proper waste disposal
Empty the waste tank regularly: The more often you empty your waste tank, the less likely it is to smell. This is because you're removing the waste matter that gives off gases, which cause the unpleasant odours. It's especially important to empty your tank frequently in hot weather, as the tank can start to swelter, making smells more noticeable.
Be mindful of toilet paper use: Excessive use of toilet paper can lead to blockages in your waste tank, as the bacteria in the tank have to work harder to break it down. Limit your use of toilet paper where possible, and consider disposing of it in a bin instead of flushing it. If you do choose to flush, use extra water to help soften the paper and prevent blockages.
Use the right chemicals: Using the wrong type or amount of chemicals in your toilet can contribute to unpleasant odours. Look for products designed specifically for camper toilets, which are effective at breaking down waste and neutralising odours. Avoid using products with formaldehyde, as it's harmful to the environment and can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in septic systems.
Clean your waste tank: Regularly cleaning your waste tank will help prevent the build-up of waste and odours. Use a high-quality tank cleaner to thoroughly clean and deodorise the tank. You can also use natural products like baking soda to keep your tank smelling fresh.
Dispose of waste responsibly: When emptying your waste tank, make sure to dispose of the waste responsibly. Use designated emptying stations and follow the correct procedures to ensure you're not causing any environmental harm.
By following these proper waste disposal practices, you can help prevent unpleasant odours in your camper toilet and keep your living space smelling fresh.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent odours, you should ensure that your camper toilet is well-ventilated, regularly cleaned, and properly maintained. You should also use the correct amount of water when flushing and avoid using excessive amounts of toilet paper.
You can use chemical products, such as Solbio organic toilet fluid, to prevent odours in your camper toilet. However, these products are not environmentally friendly and can be dangerous for children. A more environmentally friendly option is to use biological products that contain aerobic (non-smelly) bacteria, such as Roebic Black Water and Bio-Septic Tabs.
A common cause of a smelly camper toilet is a clog in the vent pipe, which prevents methane gases from escaping. This can be fixed by using a garden hose to run water through the vent pipe and dislodge any clogs. Another common cause is a faulty or damaged seal in the toilet or plumbing system, which allows odours to escape. This can be fixed by repairing or replacing the seal.