This may not sound like the most appealing article, but if you use an RV even once, you’re going to want this wisdom! Even seasoned RVer, there are tips and tricks here that will help you when the inevitable happens. Read on!
When you’re on the road in your RV, the last thing you want to deal with is a clogged toilet. It’s an unfortunate reality that many RV enthusiasts face. However, there’s no need to worry, as there are numerous ways to handle this problem.
Have an RV Swivel Skit on Hand
An RV swivel skit, also known as a sewer auger, is a handy tool to have. It can reach further into your RV’s plumbing system than a regular toilet plunger (which is not recommended) and can often break up stubborn clogs.
Other ways to unclog an RV Toilet
Hot water and dish soap can sometimes do the trick, with the soap helping to dislodge and break up the clog and hot water moving it along.
Chemical RV Toilet Cleaners
If the clog persists, you may want to consider using a chemical RV toilet cleaner. These are specially designed to break down waste and toilet paper that may be causing the blockage.
Simply pour the recommended amount into the toilet bowl and let it sit for the time indicated on the bottle—typically an hour or two. Then, try flushing the toilet again. This method can be very effective and it’s gentler on your RV’s plumbing system than using standard chemical drain cleaners.
Using a Regular Household Snake
A regular household drain snake, also known as a plumber’s snake, can also be a viable option for unclogging an RV toilet. This tool is essentially a flexible coil of wire that can reach deep into your RV’s plumbing system to dislodge clogs. To use it, you simply insert the snake into the toilet bowl and turn the handle to extend it into the pipe. Keep turning until you feel resistance, which is likely the clog, and then turn the snake in the opposite direction to help break up the blockage.
Once you believe the clog has been dislodged, you can retract the snake and attempt to flush the toilet again. Please remember to be gentle when using a drain snake to prevent any potential damage to your RV’s plumbing system.
When All Else Fails Hire a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and the toilet is still clogged, it may be time to call in a professional. We know what you’re thinking. You’d rather drive the RV into a lake than have a stranger take care of your mess. Well, worry not! They deal with this sort of thing all the time. A trained RV plumber will have the tools and knowledge to deal with the issue effectively.
What We Do Not Recommend
While it may be tempting to resort to familiar household solutions, we strongly advise against using conventional products and tools like Drano or a regular toilet plunger for RV toilets. These can potentially cause harm to the particular design and material of RV toilets and plumbing systems. Drano, for instance, contains harsh chemicals that can degrade the seals and gaskets in your RV toilet, leading to leaks and costly repairs down the line.
Similarly, a regular plunger can exert excessive force on the relatively delicate RV toilets, resulting in cracks and damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to use methods and tools that are appropriate for RV use to safely and effectively address any plumbing issues.
How to Prevent an RV Toilet Clog
To avoid future clogs, be careful with what you flush down the toilet. Only use RV-grade toilet paper and avoid flushing large amounts of paper at once. Also, use plenty of water – up to 3/4 gallon for the tough flushes.
Regular maintenance of your RV’s plumbing system can also help prevent issues. Maintain your black tanks by regularly flushing them out with good RV toilet chemicals.
While dealing with a clogged RV toilet is never pleasant, there are many solutions that can get you back on the road. By following these tips and keeping your RV’s plumbing system well-maintained, you can avoid the stress and inconvenience of toilet clogs.
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