Your mobile RV’s toilet isn’t particularly difficult to keep running, but it is one of the most essential parts of your RV that needs regular maintenance. Most RV toilets function like regular toilets in a home, except that the toilet’s holding tank is located in the RV instead of an outside holding tank that is serviced by a city or town. village. In other words: you are responsible for the wastewater you generate.

Regular maintenance of your RV toilet will keep it running smoothly, prevent odor buildup, prevent clogging and overflow, and more. Regular maintenance of your RV toilet consists of a few easy but vital steps.

Step 1: Avoid odors with RV toilet chemicals

Sewage odors are among the most common problems with RV toilets, due to the simple fact that the sewage tank is located in the RV itself. To help prevent an odor problem, you will need to purchase an RV-specific toilet chemical. DO NOT buy chemicals designed for regular toilets as they are often too harsh and can wear down your pipes!

RV-specific toilet chemicals are primarily intended for odor control. Some brands are also used to help dissolve toilet paper and toilet waste, which can make it easier (and less disgusting) to empty your sewage tank. The most popular brands are Enviro-Chem and Aqua-Kem. Odor control can come in powder, liquid, or packet form.

Step 2: Prevention of blockages and overflows

Home toilets (and regular sewage tanks) can generally take more of a hit than an RV toilet. You should avoid putting anything in your toilet that cannot be dissolved or broken down by the chemicals in your RV toilet. This includes napkins, paper towels, q-tips, baby wipes, pads, and other feminine products, etc. Even one of these items can create a potential blockage that could leave you dealing with a sewage buildup or a blocked toilet.

You can prevent even more problems like overflow and blockage by purchasing toilet paper designed specifically for RV toilets. This tissue will dissolve much easier and faster than normal toilet paper and will help you in the long run.

Step 3: Regularly empty your tank

Emptying the wastewater tank regularly is essential to reduce odors and prevent potential buildup problems. You may be tempted to empty the tank as often as possible, but don’t. You should only empty your tank once it’s at least 3/4 full, for two reasons: a) a fuller tank will actually move through the sewage hoses faster, and b) it gives the toilet chemicals from your RV more time to break down your waste and toilet paper. But you will need to be careful not to empty your tank for too long, as this can cause an even stronger odor problem.