How do you unclog an RV camper toilet?

Having a clogged toilet in your recreational vehicle can be extremely inconvenient and frustrating, especially when you are out camping and relying on it. RV toilets have a tendency to clog more easily than residential toilets due to their compact size and low water flow. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to unclog an RV toilet yourself without having to call a plumber.

What Causes RV Toilet Clogs?

There are a few common culprits when it comes to clogged RV toilets:

• Excess toilet paper – Too much toilet paper used at once can create a blockage.
• Paper products – Items other than toilet paper like tissues, paper towels, and baby wipes will not break down properly.
• Sanitary products – Feminine hygiene products should never be flushed.
• Black tank buildup – Waste buildup in the black tank from limited water flow.
• Foreign objects – Dropped items like toys or bottles can get lodged.

Many clogs start small and get worse with continued use of the toilet. Acting quickly at the first sign of a clog can help avoid a major blockage.

How to Unclog an RV Toilet

Try these methods to get your RV toilet flowing freely again:

1. Use a Plunger

A standard force-cup plunger can be very effective for dislodging minor toilet clogs. Follow these steps:

• Close the blade valve by pushing the valve handle forward if your RV toilet has one. This stops water from filling the bowl.
• Place the plunger over the hole at the bottom of the toilet bowl to form a seal.
• Plunge vigorously several times to force air into the drain and break up the clog.
• Flush the toilet to see if the blockage cleared. You may need to repeat steps 2-4 several times.
• Open the blade valve once the clog is removed.

2. Use a Closet Auger

If a plunger doesn’t work, the next tool to try is a closet auger (sometimes called a toilet snake). A closet auger is designed to break up clogs and pull out waste. Follow these instructions:

• Insert the auger blade into the toilet drain as far as it will go. Turning the handle will break up the clog and hook onto waste.
• Slowly pull the auger out, turning periodically, to bring waste out with it.
• Look for obstructions like toys, paper products or female products on the auger and remove.
• Flush the toilet to ensure the drain is fully clear.

You may need to run the auger into the drain a few times to completely remove the clog. Flush between attempts to wash away loosened waste.

3. Check the Blade Valve

If you can’t clear the toilet with a plunger or auger, an issue with the blade valve could be preventing a complete flush. Follow these steps:

• Check that the valve seal inside the valve hole is present and not cracked.
• Verify the valve opens fully when the handle is pulled up and spring returns to the closed position.
• Remove the valve by unscrewing the retaining nut to inspect for cracks and calcification.
• Clean mineral deposits off the valve with a CLR or vinegar solution if needed.
• Install a new $5-$10 valve seal or replace the entire valve if faulty.

4. Empty the Black Tank

A buildup of solid waste in the black tank can back up into the toilet. Follow these steps to empty and flush the tank:

• Carefully detach the sewer hose and nozzle to empty the tank at a dump station or campsite hookup.
• Rinse and drain the tank thoroughly with water for several minutes.
• Reattach the hose and add 1-2 gallons of water and 1 cup of dishwashing detergent to the tank.
• Drive or tow the RV for 15 minutes to agitate the soapy water and coat the tank interior.
• Drain the soapy water and rinse the tank again with plain water.
• Use RV enzymatic black tank treatment monthly to control waste buildup.

Flushing the tank helps remove any stuck-on waste causing a blockage in the toilet.

5. Remove the Toilet

If other methods don’t resolve the clog, the toilet may need to be unbolted from the floor to access and clean the drain pipe. Follow these precautions:

• Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet before beginning.
• Use a bucket to catch any water left in the bowl or tank.
• Unscrew the retaining bolts holding the toilet in place.
• Lift the toilet straight up from the flange to prevent damage.
• Inspect the drain opening and pipe for clogs, scrubbing away any waste buildup.
• Set the toilet back over the flange, pushing down firmly to create a seal.
• Secure with the retaining bolts and nuts.

Removing the toilet allows you to thoroughly clean the drain and ensure no blockage remains.

Tips for Preventing Future Clogs

Once you have cleared a clogged toilet, take steps to prevent future clogging:

• Limit toilet paper usage and remind guests not to overdo it.
• Provide a small bathroom garbage for sanitary products and other waste.
• Use RV-friendly single-ply toilet paper designed to break down.
• Use an RV holding tank treatment regularly to control tank buildup.
• Flush with extra water periodically to remove sticky waste from pipes.
• Immediately replace any leaky toilet seals or valves.

Being vigilant about proper RV toilet use and maintenance is the best way to avoid clogs while camping.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY methods can resolve many RV toilet clogs, call in an RV service professional if:

• You are unable to clear a clog after trying several approaches.
• The toilet is completely backed up with overflowing water.
• You suspect the clog is beyond the toilet in the tank or sewer hose.
• Removing the toilet did not resolve the issue.
• You have a faulty valve, leak, or other toilet repair needs.

A qualified RV service technician has the right equipment and experience to fully diagnose and fix persistent clogs or complex toilet problems. They can also inspect the rest of the black tank plumbing system for any issues. Calling a professional right away prevents makeshift fixes that could worsen the problem or cause costly damages. Most campgrounds can recommend a trusted local RV technician to unclog your toilet and get your camping trip back on track.

Conclusion

Dealing with an RV toilet clog can put a damper on camping but is usually manageable with some DIY unclogging methods. A plunger, closet auger, and black tank flush are the first tools to try. For severe or recurrent clogs, removing the toilet may be needed to fully clear the drain pipe. Preventative steps like using RV toilet paper and tank treatments can reduce future clogging. Call in an RV service expert if DIY approaches don’t resolve the issue. Unclogging an RV toilet properly is important to avoid damages and ensure your plumbing system functions properly.