Clogged toilets are a common issue for RV owners. An RV toilet is quite different from a residential toilet, so typical household plungers and drain cleaners may not be effective. There are several methods and tools specially designed to unclog RV toilets quickly and easily. This article will provide an overview of the causes of clogged RV toilets, steps for basic unclogging, and recommendations for specialty tools and commercial cleaners to clear severe blockages.
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What Causes Clogged RV Toilets?
There are a few common culprits when it comes to clogged RV toilets:
- Too much toilet paper – Most RVs use a smaller black water tank than residential plumbing, so too much paper can easily cause clogs.
- Paper products – Items other than toilet paper like napkins, paper towels, and baby wipes will not break down and can accumulate to block pipes.
- Solid waste buildup – Lack of water flow and gravity to flush solids can result in accumulations.
- Tank treatment products – Chemicals meant to break down waste and tissue may turn solid and cause clogging if too much is used.
- Foreign objects – Objects accidentally dropped down the toilet that do not break down like hygiene products, toys, bottles, eating utensils, etc.
Knowing the source of the clog can help identify the best unclogging method. Next, we will look at some basic first steps for clearing simple toilet clogs.
Basic Steps for Unclogging an RV Toilet
Here are some simple, go-to methods to try first when faced with a clogged RV toilet:
1. Turn off Water Supply Valve
The first thing to do is stop the flow of water into the toilet. Locate the water supply valve (usually under the RV, close to the black tank) and turn it off. This prevents excess water from complicating the clog.
2. Empty Toilet Bowl
Use a small plastic cup to scoop out any standing water and waste from the toilet bowl. Dispose of properly. Having an empty bowl gives you full access to the clog.
3. Use a Plunger
With an empty bowl, you can now use a plunger to attempt forcing the clog out. RV plungers have an extension rod and a bellows style suction cup to reach deep into the toilet. Insert the plunger fully over the drain opening and repeatedly plunge up and down vigorously to apply pressure to the clog.
4. Flush with Water
After plunging, turn the water supply back on. Fill the bowl to the normal water line and flush the toilet a few times. The rush of water along with the plunging can help dislodge the clog. If the flush water still drains slowly, you may need to use a different method.
5. Remove Toilet for Access
If plunging fails, the next step is to fully access the pipe by detaching the toilet from the floor. First turn off the water supply valve. Flush any water remain in bowl. Disconnect supply line. Remove mounting bolts and slide toilet out of position. Inspect pipes and remove any debris.
While basic plunging is effective for minor clogs, tougher obstructions require specialty tools. Let’s look at some of the best options specifically made to tackle RV toilet clogs.
Specialty Tools for Unclogging RV Toilets
Flexible Auger
Also called a plumbing snake, this bendable metal coil can reach deep into pipes and break up material. Insert a few feet past the clog and crank the handle to rotate the auger until it hooks and dislodges the obstruction. Use care not to scratch plastic piping.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Korky Flex Plumber’s Snake | 1/4 inch x 6 feet, zinc flexible coil for RV use |
| DrainX Flexible Drain Auger | 3/8 inch x 6 feet steel wire, anti-rust coating |
| Ridgid KwikSpin Compact Drain Opener | 1/4 inch x 6 feet heavy duty 4-section snake, handle crank |
Bladder Snake
This inflatable bag attaches to a garden hose and is inserted into the piping. Turning on the water inflates and expands the bag to push against pipe walls and dislodge clogs. Deflate and remove bag and flush lines with water flow.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Docrg Galvanized Steel Bladder | Heavy duty rubber construction, steel fittings |
| Supersnake Bladder/Hose Drain Cleaner | Industrial grade thick rubber up to 10 feet, adapter fittings |
| MroMax Flexible Bladder Auger | 9 inch rubber bladder, garden hose adapter |
Closet Auger
A closet auger has a long, flexible steel cable that feeds down the toilet opening and into the drain pipe. A crank handle rotates the auger to clear blockages. It is affordable and effective for RV toilet clogs.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Cobra 3 ft. Toilet Auger | For sinks & toilets, bulb end guide, rust proof |
| Jones Stephens JSCOT3 3 ft. Steel Toilet Auger | Flexible 3/8″ cable, corrosion resistant epoxy coating |
| General Pipe Cleaners Toilet Auger | Heavy duty 7/8″ x 4 foot cable length |
Chemical drain cleaners and powered drain augers are two other heavy duty options for badly blocked RV toilet pipes.
Chemical RV Toilet Uncloggers
For persistent clogs, strong chemical cleaners in liquid or solid gel form can help dissolve and break down material. Look for a product specifically made for RV use as household chemical drain openers may damage plastic and rubber plumbing parts.
Types of Chemical Uncloggers
- Oxidizing agents – Sodium or potassium nitrate to break down organic matter
- Acids – Sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to dissolve inorganic matter
- Solvents – To break down fats, oils and grease
- Combination formulas
Follow product instructions closely, as most require extended working time to fully liquefy obstructions before flushing with water. Proper ventilation and skin protection are important when using corrosive chemicals.
Popular RV Sewer Line Cleaners
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Camco TST Ultra-Concentrated Toilet Treatment | Sodium Nitrate, Sulfamic Acid |
| Happy Campers Holding Tank Treatment | Nitric Acid, Urea Hydrochloride |
| Unique RV Toilet Treatment | Tannic Acid, Quarternary Ammonium |
If you need serious drain cleaning power, a powered auger is the most heavy duty method recommended by professionals.
Powered Augers for RV Toilets
A powered auger, also called a drain snake, uses an engine driven rotating cable to cut through even the toughest clogs. They are available in electric or gas powered models. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a powered auger:
Cable Length & Diameter
Look for a cable at least 1/2 inch thick by 25 feet long to reach plumbing exits. Larger diameter cables are stiffer and may be harder to maneuver.
Feed Type
Check the cable feed system design:
- Hand Feed – Manual release of cable in set increments
- Auto Feed – Motorized cable feed
- Self Feed – Cable automatically adjusts feed as needed
Self feeding models are most convenient.
Torque Power
Higher torque motors provide more power to grind through difficult clogs. 1000+ RPM under load indicates maximum torque.
Popular RV Drain Augers
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Ridgid K-750 Section Machine with 3/4″ x 100′ Cable | Heavy duty motor, self feeding, low vibration |
| General Pipe Cleaners MaxRooter XL | 1/2″ or 3/4″ cables to 115′, hand crank feed |
| Duracable DM138 Power Drain Cleaner | 600 RPM motor, auto cable feed |
A power drain auger is the most effective method to clear a fully blocked RV sewer line. Rental options are also available if purchasing is not cost effective.
Conclusion
Dealing with a clogged black water tank and RV toilet is never a pleasant experience, but armed with the right information you can get it cleared and back in working order promptly. Start with basic plunging, then progress to speciality hand tools like augers and bladders. For tough obstructions, a commercial chemical cleaner or power auger will do the job. Carefully follow product instructions to avoid damage and complications. A little preventive maintenance like using RV toilet paper and regularly treating tanks will help avoid the hassle of clogs. But even the best maintained systems encounter problems occasionally, so keep these unclogging methods handy.