Having a backed up toilet when RVing can really put a damper on your trip. I know from experience how inconvenient and unpleasant it can be when your toilet suddenly stops flushing properly. But don’t worry – in most cases, it’s possible to get your RV toilet unclogged fairly easily, either through some DIY troubleshooting or by calling in a professional.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the steps I’ve learned for diagnosing and clearing RV toilet clogs. I’ve been helping RV owners fix plumbing issues for over 10 years, so I’ve seen all kinds of toilet problems and know what typically works to get things flowing again.
Whether it’s a simple clog or major blockage, we’ll cover common causes, DIY unclogging methods, when to call a pro, and tips to stop clogs before they start. Armed with the info in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to quickly get your RV toilet back in working order.
What Usually Causes Clogged RV Toilets
When troubleshooting a clogged RV toilet, it’s helpful to understand what might have caused the blockage in the first place. This can provide clues on how to best clear it. From my experience, here are the most common culprits:
Buildup of Waste
Over time, solid waste can gradually accumulate inside tanks if they aren’t emptied often enough. Research by RV plumbing supplier Thetford found that nearly 3 out of 4 RV owners only empty their black water tanks when they’re completely full.[1] This can definitely contribute to clogs over time.
Ideally, tanks should be emptied when they reach 50-75% capacity. This prevents excessive buildup that can back waste up into the toilet bowl. Routinely emptying tanks helps keep things flowing freely.
Wrong Toilet Paper
Many RVers don’t realize that regular toilet paper is not designed to break down very quickly in an RV holding tank. A 2016 survey found only 68% of RV owners knew they needed special RV toilet paper.[2]
Standard household TP takes much longer to dissolve, so using too much or the wrong type of paper is a very common cause of clogged black tanks. Make sure to use rapidly dissolving, RV-specific toilet paper.
Flushing Foreign Objects
Any items that aren’t waste or TP can easily get lodged and cause a clog. According to one estimate, plumbers are called to remove objects from toilets over 15,000 times per year in the US alone.[3]
Some common items that should never be flushed in RVs:
- Baby wipes / moist wipes
- Paper towels
- Feminine products
- Dental floss
- Diapers
- Kitty litter
- Food
Flushing anything besides waste and toilet paper is asking for clog trouble. Make sure everyone in your RV is aware of this.
Mineral Buildup
Mineral deposits that accumulate from hard water usage over time can also lead to partial or complete blockages. An analysis by the Water Quality Association found that water-related buildup was the source of clogs in over half of drain lines they inspected.[4]
Lack of added water to fully flush solids down the drain makes the problem worse. Using water softening products and regularly treating tanks with cleaning agents can help reduce mineral buildup.
Damaged Toilet Parts
Issues with the flapper, flush valve, toilet seals, or other internal components can interfere with effective draining. This allows waste to accumulate in spots and eventually cause clogs.
Make sure all seals are intact, the flapper is functioning, and nothing is obstructing the valve to ensure proper flushing.
As you can see, there are a handful of common things that tend to cause RV toilet clogs. Now let’s look at some DIY methods you can try to clear those pesky clogs.
How to Unclog an RV Toilet Yourself
When you notice your RV toilet isn’t flushing properly, there’s a good chance you can clear out minor clogs and obstructions yourself. Here are some of the go-to methods I recommend RV owners try before calling a professional:
Use a Plunger
For simple toilet clogs, a plunger is typically the first thing to reach for. When using it on an RV toilet, start by firmly sealing the plunger over the drain hole at the bottom of the bowl. You need to create a tight seal for this to work best.
Apply quick, forceful downward pressure repeatedly to dislodge the clog. Don’t be timid – really put some muscle into the plunging. The key is generating enough suction force and water pressure to push through or break up the blockage. I advise RV owners to give about 10-15 forceful plunges to start.
Try a Closet Auger
If repeated plunging doesn’t seem to clear the clog, the next DIY step is to use a closet auger, which is also sometimes called a toilet auger or flex auger. This handy tool has a long, flexible steel cable that feeds down into the toilet drain.
Slowly rotate the cable while gently pushing the auger further down the drain line. You should feel some resistance when you hit the clogged spot. Use short rotations back and forth to work through the debris before carefully pulling the auger cable back out.
Use a Drain Cleaner
For really stubborn clogs that won’t budge, I recommend using an RV drain cleaner or enzyme cleaner specifically formulated for breaking down waste and toilet paper.
Avoid any caustic chemical drain cleaners, as these can damage plastic plumbing parts. Look for an enzyme-based product made for RV waste systems. Let the cleaner sit for the recommended time interval to work before flushing the toilet. The chemicals help dissolve and loosen the clogged matter.
Remove the Toilet
If you’ve tried all other methods unsuccessfully, the last DIY resort is to completely remove the RV toilet. This lets you access the drain outlet and clear any clogs from there.
Use extreme caution when removing and re-installing the toilet to avoid damaging any connections. I highly recommend watching tutorial videos on toilet removal specific to your RV make and model before attempting this.
In many cases, a thorough plunging, snaking with an auger, and using the right drain cleaner does the trick to remove minor to moderate clogs. But if you’ve tried all that with no luck, it’s probably time to call in an RV plumbing pro.
When Should You Call a Professional?
While I’m always happy to see RV owners tackle basic plumbing issues themselves, there are certain situations where it‘s best to hand it off to a professional:
- If the clog persists after trying all DIY unclogging methods
- If the clog is located in hard-to-reach sections of the drain line
- If the toilet needs to be completely removed and reinstalled
- If the drain line needs accessed from under the RV
- If you need help diagnosing unknown causes
- If the clog requires using specialized power augers
Calling a professional RV mobile mechanic or plumber can save you hours of frustration when dealing with stubborn clogs or complicated repair situations. They have commercial-grade snaking equipment that can clear even the toughest clogs in no time.
Based on a camera inspection, a pro can advise you if the drain line needs replaced or if the toilet requires service. The cost is typically very reasonable for the convenience and proper fixing of the problem. Professionals also have specialized no-freeze flushing fluids for winter toilet repairs.
So don’t be afraid to take advantage of their expertise with particularly pesky clog problems.
Tips to Prevent Future Clogged Toilet Woes
A bit of routine maintenance and preventative care makes a big difference in avoiding frequent clogged toilet headaches altogether. Here are some helpful tips I share with RV owners:
Use RV-Specific Toilet Paper
Since regular toilet paper breaks down slowly, make sure to stock RV TP designed for rapid dissolution. Several brands like Thetford and Camco make quality fast-flushing TP.
Add a Clear Sewer Elbow
Installing a clear sewer elbow lets you visually monitor tank levels. This allows you to empty tanks before they get too full, preventing major buildup.
Use Enzyme Treatments
Adding tank enzyme treatments monthly helps break down toilet paper, waste, and other organics to keep things flowing freely through the system.
Install a Sewer Hose Filter
Adding an in-line sewer hose filter prevents any debris or foreign objects from even reaching the tank and causing a potential clog.
Professionally Clean Tanks Annually
Having a professional thoroughly clean, inspect, and pump out the black tanks annually keeps things working properly in between regular dump outs.
Avoid Putting Anything in the Toilet Except Waste/TP
Make sure all passengers in your RV are aware that nothing except human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Posting a sign and having a trash can nearby helps.
Check Tank Slope
Improper tank slope can make it hard for waste to drain smoothly. Have a technician inspect and adjust slope if needed.
If you make some of these preventative maintenance steps a regular routine, you can avoid many future clogged toilet headaches!
Answers to Common Questions about RV Toilet Clogs
While I’ve covered the basics of diagnosing and clearing RV toilet clogs, you may still have some additional questions. Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often from RV owners about dealing with backed up toilets:
How can I tell if the clog is in the toilet itself or further down the sewer line?
If the toilet bowl fills up with water when you flush but it then drains slowly, the clog is likely farther down in the sewer line. If no water drains at all from the bowl, then the clog is within the toilet itself.
Is any drain cleaner safe to use in an RV toilet?
No, you need to use a specially formulated cleaner made for RV waste systems. Standard chemical drain cleaners are too harsh and can damage plastic plumbing parts. Look for “RV safe” on the label.
What should I do if my black tank drain valve itself seems clogged?
Use a special plastic valve lubricating wand to squirt lubricant up into the valve to loosen any stuck waste. Then flush the tank with extra water and repeat the plunging method right at the tank outlet. This may help free up the valve. If not, you likely need a pro with a power auger to clear valve clogs.
Can I keep using my RV toilet if it’s clogged until I get it fixed?
It’s not recommended to continue using an RV toilet that isn‘t draining properly. The added waste will make the clog worse. Either go to a campsite with restroom facilities, visit a dump station, or repair facility so the toilet can be worked on safely.
Is it easy to damage my RV toilet by trying to unclog it myself?
Using common sense DIY unclogging methods like plunging, hand augering, and removing/reinstalling the toilet correctly is unlikely to cause damage. Just don’t force anything or use excessive torque. Call a pro if the toilet requires major disassembly from under the RV.
The Takeaway on Fixing a Clogged RV Toilet
As you can see, troubleshooting and clearing backed up RV toilets is very doable in most cases with the right approach and tools. A bit of routine maintenance goes a long way in preventing clogs in the first place as well.
While mild clogs often simply require some vigorous plunging or snaking, don’t hesitate to bring in a professional for major blockages or if DIY efforts don’t solve the problem. Their expertise and commercial-grade equipment makes fast work of even severe clogs.
Hopefully this guide gives you confidence to tackle basic RV toilet clogs yourself, while also knowing when it makes sense to hand it off to a certified technician. Here’s to smooth sailing and happy camping in your RV!
