An RV toilet can become blocked for a variety of reasons – it’s a common issue for RV owners. A clogged toilet is inconvenient and unsanitary, so it’s important to know how to unblock it properly. Here we’ll go over the causes of RV toilet clogs, steps you can take to try and unblock it yourself, when to call a professional, and how to help prevent clogs in the future.
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What causes an RV toilet to become blocked?
There are a few common culprits when it comes to a blocked RV toilet:
- Trying to flush too much toilet paper or paper towels down the toilet
- Dumping food waste or grease down the toilet
- Using too much toilet chemical treatments
- Mineral deposits building up in the toilet or drainage pipes
- Issues with the blade valve not opening properly
- A broken/damaged drainage pipe
RV toilets are designed differently than residential toilets. They use only about 2 quarts of water per flush, compared to 3-5 gallons in a residential toilet. This means there is less water volume to help break down waste and toilet paper, making it easier for clogs to occur. Dumping the wrong things down the RV toilet, like food waste or too much toilet paper, compounds the problem.
How to unblock an RV toilet
If your RV toilet becomes blocked, try these methods to unblock it:
1. Use a plunger
The first method to try is a simple plunger. Place the plunger over the toilet drain opening and plunge vigorously several times. The suction can help dislodge minor clogs.
2. Use a closet auger
If plunging doesn’t work, the next step is to try a closet auger (sometimes called a toilet snake). Insert the auger cable into the toilet drain and crank the handle. Slowly rotate the cable to maneuver past the obstruction. Once past it, crank the handle the other way to pull out the cable and hopefully dislodge the clog.
3. Disassemble the toilet
If the auger is unsuccessful, the next step is to disassemble the RV toilet. This involves disconnecting the water lines and unscrewing the toilet from the floor. Inspect the blade valve and the toilet base for any obstructions. Remove any debris or blockages. Then reassemble.
Be sure to have a bucket ready to catch water still in the toilet. Wear gloves for this messy process.
4. Use a drain cleaning chemical
There are chemical drain cleaners made specifically for RV waste systems. These can help dissolve some types of clogs. Follow the product instructions closely. Allow the recommended time for the chemical cleaner to work before attempting to flush.
5. Use pressurized water
For really stubborn clogs, pressurized water may be needed. Some RV parks have utility sinks that supply high pressure water. Or you can try a hand pump plunger that pumps water into the toilet drain as you plunge. The pressurized water helps push through and flush out the clog.
When to call a professional
If you try all of the above methods and the RV toilet still won’t unclog, it’s time to call an RV repair professional. Continuing to use a badly clogged toilet can damage the waste system. The kinds of advanced tools and techniques a pro RV technician has access to include:
- Industrial strength drain augers
- High pressure water jets
- Video cameras to inspect the drain pipes
- Sewer jetters
They can thoroughly diagnose the issue and make any repairs needed to get your RV toilet flushing properly again.
Preventing future clogs
To help avoid annoying and messy clogged toilet situations, follow these tips:
- Only flush waste and toilet paper – No paper towels, feminine products, diapers or other trash.
- Use RV toilet paper – It breaks down much faster than regular household TP.
- Go easy on chemicals – Using too many chemical toilet treatments can damage components and cause buildup.
- Regularly de-scale the toilet – Use a commercial RV toilet de-scaler to remove mineral deposits before they build up.
- Clean the seals – Wipe down the seals regularly and apply lubricant to prevent drying out and cracking.
- Watch what goes down the sinks – Avoid letting fats, oils and food particles down the drains.
- Use a sewer hose filter – Attach a filter to your sewer hose to catch debris and prevent clogs.
- Flush regularly – Make sure you flush every time you use the toilet and always flush before traveling.
Following basic RV toilet use and maintenance practices will go a long way towards preventing annoying and unsanitary clogs!
Conclusion
A blocked RV toilet is one of the most dreaded problems for RVers. Understanding the typical causes of clogs and trying methods like a plunger, auger, disassembly, chemicals, or pressurized water can often successfully unclog a toilet. For really stubborn blockages, call an experienced RV technician. Be sure to practice good RV toilet habits, like only flushing approved waste, using RV toilet paper, and regular cleaning/de-scaling, to help avoid clogs in the future. Taking prompt action to unblock a toilet and prevent future issues will keep your RV’s plumbing running smoothly.