Everything You Need to Know About RV Toilets and Black Tanks (2023)

How is a toilet in an RV different from a toilet in a sticks and bricks house?

An RV toilet is different from a toilet in your home, so maintenance requirements will also be different. A house toilet has a fresh water supply system and is connected to the main drain system that removes waste water from your home into a sewer line or septic system. An RV toilet also has a fresh water supply—provided by either a campground water hookup or the RV fresh water tank—however, the waste empties directly into a black water tank, where it is stored until you empty it. An airtight rubber seal at the bottom of the toilet bowl is all that separates you from the black tank waste. So take care of it, and replace immediately if worn, dry, or cracked.

What types of RV toilets are available?

The most common type of RV toilet has a connection to your RV water supply, a foot pedal for flushing, and empties into the RV black tank. Premium RV toilets are porcelain, and more affordable models are plastic. Some smaller RVs, like tent trailers and teardrops, may come with cassette toilets. These have a built-in reservoir for fresh water and a small, attached “cassette” for waste. The cassette detaches for dumping the waste into a sewer drain. Another RV toilet option that has become more popular is the composting toilet. These do not need a plumbing system or water supply to operate, making them popular for folks who like to boondock. All waste is deposited into a lower holding tank (or tanks) where liquids evaporate and solids turn into fertilizer.

What is an RV black tank?

An RV black tank is a holding container attached to the underbelly of the RV. All of the waste from the RV toilet empties into the black tank (the rest of the waste water from the RV showers and sinks empties into the gray tank). Black tanks vary in size anywhere from 15 gallons to 50 gallons. The size of your black tank will determine how long you can use your RV toilet without emptying the tank into a sewer at a campsite or designated dump station. RVers that plan on dry camping and boondocking should look for a larger black tank or be prepared to minimize use of the RV toilet.

How do I maintain my RV black water tank?

How do I maintain an RV toilet seal?

The toilet seal creates an airtight seal between the black tank and the inside of your RV, keeping the smelly odors out. Always make sure the seal is well lubricated and holding water in the base of your RV toilet bowl. Only use RV-safe cleaning products to avoid breaking down the toilet seal. Household-style toilet cleaning brushes with stiff bristles can also damage seals. If the seal appears to be dried out, use an RV toilet seal lubricant or plumber’s grease and apply according to product directions. A cracked toilet seal can be replaced easily and affordably. If you’d rather avoid DIY toilet projects, a certified RV technician can do it for you.

Do I need to use RV toilet paper?

If you want to start a war in an RV Facebook group, ask about RV toilet paper. Many people insist on only using RV specific products, while other people insist RV toilet paper is a big rip-off. The difference between regular toilet paper and RV toilet paper is that RV toilet paper is manufactured specifically to dissolve in the black tank, avoiding clogs. Companies such as Scott and Thetford conduct extensive testing to make sure their RV toilet paper dissolves efficiently in holding tanks, and the consumer pays a bit extra for a niche product and peace of mind.

Is septic-safe toilet paper the same as RV-safe toilet paper?

Some RVers claim that septic-safe toilet paper is developed for the same purposes as RV toilet paper—to easily dissolve in a waste holding tank—and therefore equally safe to use, yet cheaper to purchase. There are differences between a home septic system and an RV black tank system, though, and septic-safe toilet paper is not guaranteed to dissolve in RV black tanks. Therefore, while some septic toilet paper may dissolve just fine in an RV black tank, you can’t be sure that all brands will. Some RVers like to test their septic-safe toilet paper by placing a few sheets of toilet tissue into a jar of water and vigorously shaking it for about 10 to 15 seconds. If the toilet paper begins to dissolve, it is safe for the RV; if not, they won’t use that brand.

Is Charmin toilet paper RV safe?

Never use regular toilet paper in an RV. This will lead to clogs, blocked sensors, and backed-up black tanks. The difference between regular toilet paper and RV toilet paper is that RV toilet paper is manufactured specifically to dissolve quickly and completely in the black tank, avoiding clogs.

Can you flush toilet paper in an RV?

RV toilets are designed to handle the flushing of RV-safe toilet paper. If you are using RV toilet paper, and flushing with plenty of fresh water, you should never have to battle a clog. When flushing, make sure the toilet paper has completely flushed before releasing the flush lever. This will prevent toilet paper from getting trapped in the toilet seal and keeping it from closing completely. Note that some RV owners refuse to flush toilet paper into their RV black tank, and instead use a trash can with a lid to dispose of their toilet paper. This is completely unnecessary, but some folks would prefer to err on the safe side of black tank maintenance.

Should you poop in your RV?

RV toilets are designed to handle all human waste, including your poop. If you are properly maintaining your black tank and RV toilet, plus using plenty of fresh water when flushing, you will be able to poop in your RV without experiencing clogs or smells.

How do I connect my RV to a sewer?

Every RV with a black tank will have a connection point for a sewer hose. Put on latex gloves and attach one end of your sewer hose to the RV and the other end to the ground sewer connection. Make sure the sewer hose is securely attached to both the RV and the ground sewer connection in order to avoid leaks or spills. Open the black tank valve so the waste can empty into the sewer. It is good practice to empty the gray water tank immediately after to help completely flush out any waste. Make sure to invest in a quality sewer hose long enough to reach sewer connections often located at the rear of campsites. While it is perfectly acceptable to keep the sewer hose attached to the RV and sewer connection at a full hookup campsite, remember to always keep the black tank valve closed until you empty it.

Should I keep my black tank open or closed when hooked up to a sewer connection?

Always keep your black tank valve closed, even when hooked up to a sewer connection. It is critical to have a decent amount of liquid in the black tank when you open the valve to empty it out. If you make the mistake of keeping the valve open, you will develop the dreaded poop pyramid that has plagued many new RVers. The pyramid forms because all the liquid waste drains out, leaving the solids behind. With no liquids and chemicals sloshing around in the tank to dissolve the solids, clogs and smells will develop. Only open the black tank valve when emptying the black tank into a ground sewer connection. Then immediately place fresh water and chemicals into the black tank.

What is an RV macerator?

A macerator uses an electric motor to grind up solid waste from the black tank enabling it to flow easily through a smaller hose. The electric motor also allows you to empty the black tank even on an uphill incline since you aren’t relying on gravity as is the case with a traditional RV black tank system. Some RVs come with macerators, or offer them as an optional upgrade. RV macerators can also be installed aftermarket. Many users appreciate the more streamlined hose and dumping process. The most common complaint is not being able to leave the gray tank valve open when parked at a full hookup campground, since you only connect the macerator hose while emptying your tanks. However, many RVs with macerators also have a traditional sewer hookup option that you can use when it is more convenient.

What is a black tank flush?

One of the most underrated RV features, a black tank flush is a hose port on the RV that essentially allows you to power wash the inside of your black tank. After emptying the black tank, connect a hose to the black tank flush port and spray water into the tank, giving it a good scrub and preventing waste buildup. You should always follow a black tank flush by immediately putting fresh water and chemicals into the black tank. Make sure to have a dedicated hose for flushing the black tank and never use your fresh water drinking hose to do the dirty jobs.

Why does my RV smell like a sewer?

What deodorizing chemicals should I use in my RV black water tank?

There are a variety of deodorizing chemicals available for RV black tanks. We recommend using Thetford’s Aqua-Kem Toss-Ins with a couple of gallons of fresh water. Look into the scent-free offerings to keep your RV from smelling like a port-a-potty at a summer music festival. Another popular odor-free holding tank treatment is the Happy Campers powder, which claims to be biodegradable and environmentally friendly. A number of RV loyalists use the GEO Method, which entails mixing Calgon water softener with Dawn dish detergent and adding to the black tank after you dump. Some proponents of the GEO Method recommend the use of bleach or borax, but RV experts generally caution against using these caustic chemicals as they can break down RV valves and seals.

How often should you dump your black water tank?

If in use, you should dump your black water tank whenever your tank sensors read three quarters full. You should also dump your black water tank before storing your RV for any period of time. If you are staying at a campsite with sewer hookups, make sure to dump the tank, complete a black tank flush if possible, and add water and chemical to the tank before departing. If you are staying at a campground without sewer hookups, look for a dump station to empty the black water tank before you leave. If no sewer hookup or dump station is available, search for a place to empty the tank along your route. Pilot/Flying Js, state park campgrounds, and some municipalities offer the service for a fee.

How do I dump my black water tank if I do not have a sewer hookup at my campsite?

If you are staying at a campsite with sewer hookups, make sure to dump the tank, complete a black tank flush if possible, and add water and chemicals to the tank before departing. If you are staying at a campground without sewer hookups, look for a dump station to empty the black water tank before you leave. Many public campgrounds offer this service for free for campers, but some charge an additional fee. If no sewer hookup or dump station is available, search for a place to empty the tank along your route. Pilot/Flying Js, state park campgrounds, and some municipalities offer the service for a fee.

Can you use the bathroom in an RV while driving?

Technically, the RV toilet is capable of functioning while the RV is in motion. However, it is never safe for passengers to be unbelted and moving around the RV while in transit. Find a place to park the RV and safely use the facilities. The biggest benefit of having an RV bathroom is never having to use public restrooms along your route. Enjoy the perks of RV living, while also staying safe.

Can you use the RV bathroom at a rest stop?

You can absolutely use the RV bathroom at a rest stop instead of the public facilities. If you put a bit of water in your fresh water tank before the drive, simply turn on the water pump before using the toilet, and flush as usual. If you do not want to drive with water in the fresh water tank, keep a jug of water in the bathroom to use for flushing the toilet.