How To Unclog A Septic Tank In A Camper?

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  • Pour a generous amount of liquid laundry soap down the toilet and into your black water tank and fill the tank about half-full with water. Then take your RV for a drive—the bumpier, the better. The goal here is to knock off and disintegrate any build-up and clogs within the blackwater tank.

What do you do when your RV toilet is clogged?

How to unclog an RV toilet with the ice cube method: Fill the toilet basin to 1/3 full of water. Add ice and fill the rest of the toilet. Flush the ice down the toilet and drive around. Keep flushing with lots of water.

How do you know if your black tank is clogged?

Clogged Pipe: Nothing will go down the toilet, and nothing (or not much) comes out when you dump. You did NOT leave your black water valve open while parked. Compacted/Dried Up Tank: You can add liquid into the toilet, and it flows into the camper blackwater tank, but nothing comes out when you dump.

How do you clear a clogged RV black tank?

Begin by boiling several pots of water. Pour the water down the toilet and let it sit overnight. Attempt to dump the tank in the morning. Sometimes the super hot water is enough to break up a stubborn clog, especially if the tank isn’t already full.

Does pouring boiling water down a toilet unclog it?

Plain Hot Water Pouring boiling water into your toilet bowl can cause it to crack, which would leave you in an even worse situation. Fill the toilet with the hot water. The heat, combined with the movement of the water, should help to break up and remove the clog.

How do you get rid of the poop pyramid in RV black?

To eliminate a poop pyramid, you need to get water into your black tank. The first thing you should do is close the black tank valve and get as much water into the black tank as possible. If the poop pyramid prohibits you from putting water into the tank, get some tank cleaner to pour down into the sewer drain.

Can you put vinegar in RV black tank?

Yes, you can put vinegar in an RV toilet. Vinegar in combination with baking soda is great for cleaning and whitening the toilet bowl.

How do you remove sludge from a black water tank?

Directions for Cleaning an RV Black Water Tank:

  1. Close the gray water tank valve the night before cleaning.
  2. Clean your toilet.
  3. Connect your hose.
  4. Slowly turn on the water.
  5. Pull the black water tank valve.
  6. Slowly turn the water on more.
  7. Close the black water tank valve.
  8. Open black water tank valve again.

Can I use Drano in my RV black tank?

for clearing a clogged black tank are usually the most efficient and cheapest, I see no problem with using chemicals if one wants to do so. I’ve never agreed with those who caution against using Drano, Liquid Plumber, etc. in RV plumbing because it will harm something in the system.

Where do you drain RV drainage?

5 Places to Dump Your RV Black Water

  • Campgrounds and RV Parks. The easiest place to dump and clean your RV black water tank is at a full hookup campsite.
  • Gas Stations.
  • Rest Stops / Rest Areas.
  • RV Dealerships.
  • An Approved Municipal Sewer System or Septic Tank.

How often should you empty your RV black tank?

Dumping your RV black water holding tank is an essential part of RV camping. Unlike home septic systems, which only need to be emptied (or “pumped”) every few years, RV black tanks need to be emptied every 3-5 days!

How to Clear a Clogged RV or Camper Blackwater Tank: A Step by Step Guide

Please bear with me while I describe something that will sound disgusting: A clogged blackwater tank is quite similar to a clogged toilet in terms of appearance. As a matter of fact, as a disclaimer, this entire piece is going to be offensive. Here, we’re talking about your blackwater tank, if you have one. As an RV owner, it’s not the most pleasant of subjects to talk about, but it’s one that you must get intimately acquainted with. You’re probably already aware that drinkable water is obtained from the freshwater storage tank.

It is disposed of in the graywater collection tank.

You can see how this tank may become the dirtiest in the shortest amount of time.

In order to clean and unclog your blackwater holding tank, you must first identify its source.

What causes clogs, as well as how to avoid them in the future, will also be discussed.

What Causes Blackwater Tank Clogs?

When trying to determine what causes blackwater tank blockages, simply ask yourself what causes your toilet to become blocked as a starting point. Yes, once again, this isn’t nice, but give it some thought anyway. There are primarily two factors that contribute to the accumulation of debris in your blackwater tank. The first is made up of human waste (yep, excrement), while the second is made up of clumps of toilet paper. If your blackwater holding tank is a more contemporary, high-end model, it may incorporate a series of sensors to monitor its contents and function.

  • They use a gauge to determine how full the blackwater tank is.
  • After that, you may clean out the tank.
  • In the event of a buildup of human waste or toilet paper in the tank, the sensors may become clogged and ineffective.
  • Even if your blackwater holding tank does not include sensors, the accumulation of human waste and toilet paper is still a major source of frustration.

How to Clear a Clogged Blackwater Tank: Step by Step

It is typically necessary to identify and eliminate the source of the blockage before you can begin to remove the sludge from your blackwater tank. After all, how can you remedy a problem if you don’t know what’s causing it to begin with? To be clear, just because I compared your blackwater tank to a toilet in the introduction does not imply that you can just take a large plunger and pull all the garbage out of it. That would be fantastic, but there aren’t any plungers large enough for the task.

It’s possible one day.

If these procedures are attempted, they have the potential to cause significant damage, if not outright failure, to the blackwater tank.

That is something you do not want to witness firsthand at any point in your life. If you want to ensure your safety and the durability of your blackwater tank, you should avoid using the following methods:

  • Using a pressure washer or power washer: On the surface, this appears to be a smart idea, and some self-proclaimed RV “experts” even propose power-washing your blackwater tank as a first step in the cleaning process. Don’t take everything you read on the internet at face value. In the case of a blackwater tank, the use of a pressure washer or a power washer might result in the tank being damaged. It’s also possible that you’ll be hurt. It’s not worth it. Using compressed air as a source of energy: Once again, any form of pressure should be avoided. The use of pressurized air from a device has the potential to pump large amounts of air into the blackwater tank. This can cause waste and toilet paper to become stuck in difficult-to-reach areas, as well as damage to the tank itself. That’s not going to assist you at all
  • Using a toilet snake is a good idea: Having a toilet snake on hand is a convenient and useful equipment to have around the house. Their performance when it comes to cleaning dirt out of pipes is excellent. With the use of blackwater tanks? That’s not the case. The snakes will not properly remove the waste accumulation, so save yourself the time and trouble by skipping them altogether.

After getting all of that out of the way, you now know what not to do in order to unclog your clogged blackwater storage tank. All well and good, you’re presumably thinking. But what are you going todo with it? Let’s get into it right now.

Step 1: Clean the Tank

A tank that is clean is a tank that is content. As a result, cleaning your blackwater tank is the first step in unclogging it. Now, ideally, you’ve gone through the bullet points above and decided not to use any of the ways mentioned. It is possible to acquire a septic system powder treatment and pour it down the toilet. Rid-X is a well-known brand among RV and camper enthusiasts. Amazon allows you to purchase enough for several months’ worth of consumption in a single order. Rid-X is available for purchase for $6.88 for a single month’s supply, $13.88 for a three-month supply, and $73.66 for a year’s worth of treatment.

  1. It is recommended that you apply Rid-X or your favorite product at least once a month to ensure the longevity of your blackwater tank.
  2. This should certainly avoid future blockages (and don’t worry, I’ll have many more advice on how to do so later on in this article).
  3. Approximately 9.8 ounces of enzymes and natural microorganisms are contained in each month’s supply, which is in powder form.
  4. The instructions on the Rid-X box or powder cleaning of your choice should be followed to guarantee that your blackwater tank is free of debris.

Step 2: Wipe down the Line

Your blackwater tank collects all of this waste, and a connection links it to the toilet to dispose of it. Pyramid plugs can form in this line if it is not cleaned on a regular basis. These are a sort of hardened waste material that develops on and around the line while it is being manufactured. An excessive number of pyramid plugs might cause your connection to become clogged. How does one go about obtaining pyramid plugs in the first place? The primary reason for this is a failure to clean the blackwater tank.

  1. In reality, you have two alternatives when it comes to doing so.
  2. Yes, an auger is a form of toilet snake, which I have previously stated should not be used.
  3. Because the line contains pipe, an auger is entirely acceptable for usage, but just for this particular project.
  4. If you’re not careful, a motorized auger can puncture the blackwater tank and cause a backup of dirty water.
  5. Breaking apart the pyramid plugs should begin as soon as you start poking about.
  6. A long spray wand will suffice in the absence of a long wand.
  7. To do this, you must add water to your blackwater tank until it is halfway full.
  8. After that, you’ll have to start up your RV or camper and drive about in the rugged terrain.

In order to do this, the water must be moved about without your intervention. Allow the water to rest in the tank once it has passed through your pipes. After a few hours, you’ll be able to cleanse the system. Hopefully, you were successful in getting rid of all of the pyramid plugs.

Step 3: Test Tank Valves

Now that your blackwater tank and line are almost completely free of debris, it’s time to move on to some troubleshooting techniques. The first step is to check your tank valves and make sure they are open and operating properly. You may think this is a stupid question, but you may have overlooked something while you were setting up your car. Is the sewer line, for example, properly connected? Did you make sure that every valve was turned on? If this is the case, go back and double-check your work.

Neither a significant amount of effort nor monetary investment was required.

There’s still a lot you can accomplish in this situation.

Step 4: Try a Chemical Treatment

Isn’t it annoying to have to rummage around in your toilet for things? If there’s a chemical that can accomplish the job faster and more efficiently, you’ll probably use it, right? The same may be said for your blackwater tank as well. If you aren’t going to be reaching around in there too much, then save yourself the trauma of doing so. Chemical treatments are quite widespread, and there are a plethora of options available on the market. You might want to consider the following for your own blackwater tank, all of which are available on Amazon:

  • Drop-Ins for Camco’s TST Ultra-Concentrated RV Treatment include: These orange citrus-scented drop-ins are free of bronopol and formaldehyde, making them completely safe to use. For $20.35, you may receive a box of 30 cards. As long as your blackwater tank holds at least 40 gallons, a single one of these drop-in cleaners will be adequate to clean it. When you call Camco, their drop-ins will begin to work right away, dissolving gunked-up waste and making your tank smell nicer as well
  • Happy Campers’ Extreme Cleaner (also known as Happy Campers’ Extreme Cleaner): This cleaning from Happy Campers may be used on both the sensors and the blackwater tank itself. It has a four-star rating and can be purchased for $23.95 on Amazon. To make use of it, simply fill a bucket halfway with hot water (warm water also works). The bucket should be able to hold at least five gallons of liquid. Then, throw the Extreme Cleaner into the tank and let it sit for a while before emptying it. You’ll notice a reduction in odor and improved sensor performance, as well as a significantly cleaner blackwater tank. Holding tank treatment package from Thetford, which comprises six packets of the detergent and digester, is available for purchase separately. Each pack contains eight ounces of product. For $21.18, you may get the entire six-pack set. It’s no surprise that this product has received five stars on Amazon. In addition to being biodegradable, the deodorants may be used to clean drain lines and the walls of your blackwater tank. Because tissue and other debris are transformed into a liquid, blockage is no longer a concern. Not only that, but Aqua-Kem has a nice smell that effectively eliminates odors. Drop-Ins for Walex’s Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer include: Walex’s Porta-Pak drop-ins are another excellent alternative to keep onboard your vehicle, and they have the pleasant scent of Sunglow to accompany them. Alternatively, you may get a 10-pack for $9.98 or a 50-pack for $45.99. That’s a fairly decent deal for the money. Similar to Camco’s offering, you just drop one in your blackwater tank and forget about it. Drop-ins emit chemicals into the environment (which do not include formaldehyde), and toilet paper and other toilet waste are unable to survive as a result.

Step 5: Try the Water Hose Method

However, while chemicals are nearly always the most effective solution, there are other options available if you cannot wait for them to arrive or would want to avoid using chemicals altogether. This procedure should be effective in eliminating smells and trash from your blackwater tank without the use of chemical cleansers. This procedure necessitates the following:

  • It’s a drill
  • A hose for delivering water
  • A water piping connection with a minimum length of five feet
  • A sewage hose for an RV
  • A hose connection with a transparent casing

Bring the clear hose connector over to the blackwater tank and attach it to the tank using the clear hose connector. Clarity or translucency of the hose is required. Otherwise, how else will you know whether or not this strategy is effective? Check to see that the connector is properly secured. After that, you’ll need to drill a hole into the connection using your drill. Make the hole at the top of the hole and make sure it is large enough to accommodate the water line passing through it. It should not be larger than the water line, or else leaks may occur.

Turn on the blackwater tank’s valve to allow water to flow through the system to the storage tank.

The majority of the time, water should be turned on, but this is not always the case.

If this is the case, waste should begin to flow via the water line rather than water.

Step 6: Or the Ice Cube Method

If drilling appears to be too much work (which is understandable), there is one more alternative available to you. The ice cube approach is what this is referred to as. It may appear unusual at first, but don’t dismiss it until you’ve given it a go. Many RV and camper owners have found it to be effective. What you’re really doing is pouring water into your blackwater tank to flush it out. It shouldn’t be entirely full, but only about a third of the way full is OK. After that, fill the remainder of the tank with ice.

Using your RV or camper to move around might help to release any tenacious waste or toilet paper that has become lodged in your blackwater tank. After that, you may empty the entire thing, and your tank should hopefully be cleaner as a result.

Step 7: Bring in the Pros

If none of these options work, you are left with just one option: pull over and call a professional repairperson for assistance. This may be expensive, but at the very least you will be guaranteed that your blackwater tank is completely clear of garbage and residue.

Tips for Preventing Future Clogs

Hopefully, one of the ways suggested above was successful in totally cleaning your blackwater tank. Regardless of whether you used chemicals, performed physical labor, or even hired professionals, your tank is now completely clean. If you have sensors, be sure that they are not obscured by toilet paper chunks. Great! You’ll have to put in some effort now if you want to maintain your blackwater tank looking and functioning as well as it does. Sorry for the inconvenience, but frequent blackwater tank repair is an unavoidable aspect of RV and camper ownership.

See also:  How Often Should Septic Tank Spray?

In order to avoid future blockages and maintain your blackwater tank as clean as possible, you should follow these guidelines:

  • It should be cleaned on a regular basis. When you get in there and utilize a cleaning on the tank on a regular basis, the less likely it is that muck will collect. If your blackwater tank is equipped with sensors, they will alert you when it is time to clean it. If you don’t already, get into the practice of cleaning out the tank once a week, or at the very least every few weeks. Don’t forget to clean your graywater and freshwater tanks, as well as the sensors on your water meters. Aside from that, you’ll obtain erroneous readings, which will cause you to have to clean the blackwater tank more frequently than is absolutely necessary. That is something no one wants. Use only chemicals and products that are intended for use in RV or camper toilets and blackwater tanks to avoid contamination. You might believe that the drain cleaner you have on hand would do the task, but that is not the case. It has the potential to cause drain valve seal deterioration. It is also possible that the waste in the tank may not dissolve as quickly as it should
  • Avoid leaving the blackwater tank full for any longer than is absolutely necessary. Make certain to dump it in the middle of, or at the very least after, your road trip. Only in a dumping site should this be done! Afterwards, install a graywater tank, and make an investment in environmentally friendly toilet paper. Thetford’s Soft Aqua toilet tissue is one of the most effective toilet paper solutions available to RV and camper owners. It is designed for use in both automobiles and maritime boats. On Amazon, you can get a four-pack for $8.55, which is almost the same price as conventional toilet paper, give or take a few cents. Soft Aqua, on the other hand, is just two-ply and will break down in the toilet or blackwater tank, which is a significant difference. That means no toilet paper in the way of your sensors, and never leaving your blackwater tank completely depleted of water. The bottoms and sides of the tank would otherwise be the only places for wastes, toilet paper, and other solids to go. You’ll definitely be able to smell the waste while it sits, especially if it’s warm outside. When filling the tank with water, it is advised that you fill it slightly more than halfway. The toilet should be flushed often while using an RV or camping toilet. Do this at least twice every trip to the restroom, and if required, even more frequently.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that it is not a pleasant subject to discuss, the blackwater tank is a crucial component of any RV or camper. It is the location where all toilet waste is disposed of, including excrement and toilet paper. It has the potential to get clogged, resulting in severe headaches. Fortunately, determining the root cause of the problem is rather simple. There are a variety of troubleshooting approaches that you may use to get to the bottom of a blocked blackwater tank, as mentioned above.

Never leave the tank empty!

How To Fix A Clogged RV Blackwater Tank

Kelly Beasley contributed to this article. Date of publication: October 5, 2021 The most recent update was made on December 14, 2021. When your camper’s toilet backs up, it’s undoubtedly one of the most uncomfortable elements of RVing! It is not need to occur, and it is entirely avoidable. I’m assuming, though, that you already have a clogged black tank, my buddy, because you’re reading this. It’s a bummer for you. The good news is that most waste obstructions can be cleared out. It is OK to use your dump tank as long as there are just four items in it: water, pee, toilet paper, and feces!

Don’t be concerned.

Continue reading to find out how to clear a clogged RV black water tank.

Types Of RV Toilet Clogs

Toilet paper, solid waste, and hardened solid waste are the three things that clog an RV toilet, and any combination of these three items will clog it. Having stated that, there are three ways in which an RV toilet might get clogged:

Pipe Clog

The drain pipe for your RV toilet extends from the toilet’s base and transports all waste down to the black tank below. While sometimes it’s just a straight piece of pipe, sometimes there are bends in the waste pipe that go down to the waste collection system. The majority of the time, a pipe blockage occurs in an RV toilet design that includes twists and turns in the pipe.

The use of bent elbows (pipe turns) to guide sewage into the black tank is necessary if the black tank is not located immediately beneath the toilet bowl. This is the most common location where issues arise. The following are examples of errors that might clog a pipe:

  1. Using insufficient water in the toilet bowl for flushing purposes
  2. Using an excessive amount of toilet paper or toilet paper that is not septic-safe
  3. Large or difficult bowel motions (this is dangerous)

Poop Pyramid

This one is exactly what it says on the tin. Down in the dark tank, there’s a mound of your feces in a pyramid form. This is often typically caused by a rookie RV owner forgetting to close the valve to your black tank while parked and linked to a dump station, as described above (most likely when you are at an RV site with full-hookups). When the black tank valve is left open when connected to a dump, the liquids can escape from the black tank and into the dump. Meanwhile, the particles remain where they fell when they exited the RV toilet’s discharge line, where they remain.

Eventually, the pyramid develops to such a height that it contacts the toilet pipe, preventing the toilet from draining into your tanks.

Compacted Tank Or Hardened Solids

It’s not probable, but it’s conceivable that if you don’t utilize enough liquids in your RV toilet holding tank, a mass of solid stuff will collect at the bottom of the tank. Similarly, if you keep your RV for an extended period of time with the contents of the RV’s black tank still there, the liquids will ultimately evaporate. This approach leaves the solids in the container, where they will ultimately dry and solidify, at the very least. (Remember that your RV’s blackwater holding tank has a vent for this purpose.) As a result, it is not completely sealed.)

So My Black Water Tank Clogged. Now What?

After that, you need to figure out what kind of clogged black water tank you’re dealing with. (This can be in the form of a pipe, pyramid, or compressed.) Which sort of blocked black tank problem you have will dictate which procedures you will need to take to clear the obstruction. There are three indicators that something is going on:

  1. When you flush your RV toilet, nothing goes down the drain anymore. When you empty your RV’s black holding tank, very little or nothing flows out of the tank. You’re dealing with two issues at the same time.

The use of clear RV sewage line adapters allows you to see how much waste is emptying from your black holding tank, which is a great idea.

How to figure out what these clues mean:

  1. No matter how hard you try, nothing will go down the toilet bowl and nothing (or very little) will come out when you dump. It is your fault that you have left the black tank valve open while connected to the sewer system. You’ve got a poop pyramid on your hands. Nothing will flush down the toilet, and nothing (or very little) will come out when you defecate. Clogged Pipe: You did not leave your black water valve open when you were parked, as claimed. Tank that has been compacted or dried up: When you flush the toilet, liquid enters the camper blackwater tank and runs into the toilet bowl, but nothing comes out when you dump. During your camping/connection to the sewer, you did not ever leave the black tank valve open
  2. Misreading Tank Sensors:an Here’s example you might not have considered before. However, your sensors indicate that your black tank is full, although you have just emptied it. If everything appears to be working properly (you can dump without issue, and toilet contents flow into the blackwater holding tank without issue), but the RV black tank sensors indicate otherwise, your sensors are generating erroneous readouts (this is a very typical issue).

How Do You Unblock An RV Black Tank?

The approach you’ll need to use to unclog your black water holding tank is entirely dependent on the sort of obstruction you’ve discovered. We’ll show you how to repair each one in this section.

How To Unblock A Poop Pyramid

Prior to attempting to clear pyramid clogs, you must first determine whether or not a poop pyramid is responsible for the blockage in your tank. There are three factors that indicate if a pyramid is blocking your toilet:

  • You must first determine whether or not a poop pyramid is to blame for your tank’s blockage before you can begin to unclog it. You can tell whether a pyramid is blocking your toilet because of three factors:

If any of these three statements apply to your situation, you should be pleased. You’ve got a poop pyramid on your hands.

Here’s how to unclog an RV with a poop pyramid.

You can experiment with a variety of approaches. Your primary objective is to create a route via which water may be pumped into the tank in order to fill it. What you should do initially is the following:

  1. The first and most important step is to CLOSE your black tank valve. Pour some liquid plumber type enzymeRV black tank treatment into the toilet and flush it down the toilet. It could be able to accomplish the task of breaking down solids in order to create a channel. Allow it to sit for as long as the maker specifies. Typically, this will take a few hours or as long as a few days
  2. Whenever a channel opens up, fill the tank with water and an enzyme treatment, which will immediately begin working to break down the waste accumulation. If no channel opens up, you must manually open up the socket that is causing the problem. You may perform this with a flexible PEX pipe (which looks similar to a toilet snake) to save time. It should be flushed down the toilet and moved about. If everything goes according to plan, the recalcitrant material will finally give way. Once the door is open, continue with 3
  3. Keep in mind that you must allow the product to sit for at least the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. If you have the ability to go a bit further, that is probably even better. Allow enough time for the product to break down the solids. After the stipulated time has expired, flush out the clogged RV toilet tank with fresh water. Everything has to be dissolved and let to flow freely
  4. However, even if everything appears to be flowing well, it is a good idea to repeat the process at least once more to ensure that the entire pyramid has been dissolved.

How To Unblock A Compacted Black Tank

To unclog a compacted tank, you must first check that the tank in question is truly a compacted RV holding tank. What decides whether or not you have a compacted tank is as follows:

  • When you flush water down the toilet, liquids enter the toilet bowl. When you dump the blocked black tank of your RV, nothing comes out
  • NOTE: If liquid does flow out of the tank when you empty it, it is most likely due to faulty sensors rather than a blocked black tank, as previously stated.

So you’ve learned how to clear a clogged RV black tank. Keep in mind that clearing up this sort of obstruction may take a bit longer than usual (no pun intended).

This is especially true if you haven’t emptied your RV’s blackwater tank before putting it away. The solids at the bottom of the tank have now solidified and are ready to be removed. Maybe you’ll have to read it twice or three times before it sinks in entirely.

Here’s how to unclog an RV with a compacted blackwater tank:

  1. Prepare by filling your blackwater tank completely with water
  2. Fill the container with your selected enzyme therapy. It’s possible that the manufacturer wants you to utilize the full bottle. Keep it in for as long as the manufacturer recommends. The more time you have, the better. It is preferable if you can let it sit for at least one night. Alternatively, you might try dumping the tank at an RV dump station once the authorized time has passed. If there is no liquid waste coming out, leave it for a little longer. Empty the blackwater tank and dispose of it at the disposal station. If you believe there are still particles of debris left, repeat the process.

Liquid Tank Unclogger

In order to disconnect an RV holding tank, all three methods necessitate the use of a liquid enzyme treatment to aid in the process. You might want to consider using the Unique brand tank cleaning, which is particularly designed to deal with clogged pipes, feces pyramids, and a compacted tank.

How To Clear An RV Toilet Clogged Pipe

A liquid enzyme treatment is required for each of the three methods of unplugging an RV holding tank in order to aid in the process. Consider using the Unique brand tank cleaning, which is particularly developed to deal with clogged pipes, feces pyramids, and a compacted tank, among other problems.

Here’s how to unclog an RV with a clogged toilet pipe.

  1. Plunge it into the water to see what happens. If the pipe is actually clogged, this procedure will be effective in clearing it. However, it is possible that it will not be enough to remove the obstruction. If it still doesn’t work, flush your enzyme treatment down the toilet and let it rest for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. After the allocated time has passed, flush the system to check whether it works. If it doesn’t work, try again. Repeat the enzyme treatment until the blockage is successfully eaten away by the enzymes. When everything else fails, grab yourself a PEX pipe and try pushing it through into the black tank. As soon as the blockage has been cleared, fill your tank with water and flush it to remove any leftover “junk.”

How To Maintain A Healthy Black Tank

Congratulations! It’s time to figure out what caused your clogged black tank pipe in the first place and what you can do to avoid further obstructions in the future. The following are the traditional methods of avoiding a blocked toilet:

  1. Use toilet paper that is suitable for septic systems. Before you use your toilet paper, rip it up into small pieces. Make use of a lot of water when flushing your BM (How much water? At the very least, half-fill the bowl. The greater the amount of water, the better)
  2. If you are constipated or have firm stools, you may be suffering from a digestive ailment. Stools that are too hard or too lengthy might become trapped. If and when this occurs, remove them from the equation. Disgusting? Yes. Effective? Yes, as well

DEMONS! LOL The most effective approach to avoid a clog in your blackwater tank is to avoid flushing your toilet paper down the toilet. Instead, throw it away in a trash can or recycling bin. It may seem disgusting, but it isn’t at all. Kelly has not dumped toilet paper down the plumbing of her toilet for about 5 years, and she has never experienced a blockage. Even better, I can use whichever brand of toilet paper I choose! Final point: it conserves gas tank space when boondocking, allowing you to remain out longer before needing to dump.

In the hopes that you’ll continue to use septic-safe toilet paper and more water than you used previously, and that you’ll never have another blockage in either of your tanks again.

Whatever the case, I pray you never have to deal with your human excrement in this manner again!

How To Unclog A RV Toilet Holding Tank- MYTHS!

I’m providing several techniques. Others have claimed to have found jobs simply performing a Google search. Some of them are really outrageous in their absurdity. But here’s what we’ve got:

Ice Method

Nothing can be removed from your black water tank by using this method, it just does not work. Even if you tried something and it worked, it was all by chance. A blocked pipe means that neither water nor ice will be able to reach the obstruction and remove it from the pipe’s interior. Unless you have a poop pyramid, the only ‘rubbing’ that the ice can perform is extremely minor and will only affect a single level of the blockage at a time. If you have a tank that has been compressed, floating ice will not even get close to touching the tenacious waste.

Boiling Water

Okay, can you assist me with this hot water method? HOW is it that hot water, boiling water, or even warm water will be able to break apart anything? It does not have the ability to ingest or remove anything from its environment.

Even seeing this as a’solution’ on another page makes me wonder how I came to be here. Is there hot water? Please. Is it effective against grease clogs? Maybe. Is it effective for feces clogs? Nope! (Unless, of course, you consume an excessive amount of grease.)

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Again. Please. Perhaps you could try dumping this on some dog feces and see what happens. It will be a complete and utter waste of time. Don’t waste any more of your time. If you believe that a few little bubbles will make a difference, you’re wasting your time. Furthermore, the process that produces the bubbles is only active for a relatively brief period of time. No, this one isn’t going to work out for you. (Even though that is a fantastic technique to create a volcano!)

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Dish Soap

Once again, how does liquid soap intend to function? Anything that gets between the stuck object and the wall or pipe, such as toilet paper and feces, will not be able to get soapy water in between them. This method of repairing tanks is just not a realistic alternative, despite the fact that some individuals say it worked for them while they were rebuilding their camper toilets. At the very least, it MIGHT assist in degreasing and doing some minor tank maintenance in a gray water tank. It is necessary for anything to EATEN/LIQUEFY their solid waste or for an object such as PEX pipe to physically transport it if their solid waste is the source of black tank clogging.

Harsh Chemicals

You might be tempted to employ some harsh chemicals in your holding tanks to get rid of the garbage that has accumulated there. Why, once more? You run the danger of harming the seals in the plumbing that prevent leaks from occurring. Furthermore, it is preferable to keep these chemicals out of the dump station or septic tank that you are currently utilizing.

Pressure Washing

It is possible that using a pressure washer will be effective. Using a drain snake to penetrate through pyramid obstructions or RV clogs, on the other hand, is far less nasty and much easier. Some people say that utilizing a pressure sprayer into the toilet and accidently puncturing through your clogged blackwater tank is a possibility, but I don’t believe so. In the event that your black tank is in desperate need of a thorough cleaning, there are specialists that can pressure wash your holding tanks.

Black Tank Flush

If you use a wand style flusher to flush your black water tank, it could work. Not to mention the fact that if you have a blockage, you must puncture a hole through the tank’s contents, thus it might either drive a blockage through or at least open a hole so that you can get drain unclogger product down the tank. In that case, good luck if you attempt to employ a backflush method in which water is poured into the tank through its exit plumbing (the drain line in your RV that you use to empty the tanks).

Those who have witnessed the inside of a tank during one of these utterly pointless flushes would appreciate why.

RV Blackwater Tank Clogged FAQs:

There are a variety of reasons why your black tank continues to clog.

  1. When you flush the toilet, you are not utilizing enough water. You’re either using too much toilet paper or you’re not utilizing toilet paper that is safe for septic systems. In the pipe that leads into the tank, there is an obstacle that keeps collecting objects on it.

How Do You Snake An RV Black Tank?

Get yourself some PEX pipe if you want to snake an RV’s black tank.

Because it is flexible, it will still function even if your waste pipe has bends in it. Plunge your way through the obstruction until you can get water into your tank again. Fill it with water, and then apply an enzyme treatment to dissolve the clog in the hole.

What Do You Do If Your Black Water Tank Won’t Drain?

Don’t get too worked up if your black water tank refuses to empty or flush. You’re dealing with a barrier that has to be removed. To begin, determine what sort of obstruction you are experiencing, and then follow the instructions provided above to remove that blockage.

Conclusion

RV owners do not want their RV’s black tank to become blocked. If you’re in a travel trailer, 5th wheel, or motorhome, it’s bad enough that you have to deal with your RV dump hose and human waste on the road. A toilet that isn’t operating properly in your RV, on the other hand, might cause your camping trip to go horribly, horribly wrong. It’s a filthy and stinky chore to clean it up. If your black water tank is not draining its waste water, there are three sorts of obstructions that you might be dealing with at the same time.

  • It shouldn’t be too difficult to correct them.
  • It is hoped that this will be the last time you have to deal with blockage, as it is a common problem.
  • You should now be aware of how to avoid future jams.
  • I’m the co-founder of Camp Addict, which was founded by my business partner and me in 2017.
  • Heck, I lived in my travel trailer for more than 5.5 years, primarily boondocking during the duration of that time.
  • Anyway, I’m a huge animal lover who despises campsites and seldom cooks.
  • My current activities include plotting and strategizing over whether or not to begin collecting farm animals (or planning my next RV vacation!) at my gorgeous new ‘ranch’ titled ‘Hotel Kellyfornia,’ which is located in Southern Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.

How to Unclog an RV Toilet – (4 Easy Methods That Actually Work)

Unless otherwise stated, all of our reviews are based on in-depth research, industry knowledge, and, if feasible, hands-on testing. When you make a purchase through one of our carefully selected links, we will receive a tiny part of the revenues as compensation. As a result, the site is supported and Jeffsetter continues to operate. More information may be found here. When it comes to some of the most difficult RV jobs, unclogging your RV’s toilet has to be towards the top of the list of the most difficult tasks to complete.

It’s also possible to conduct some simple home cures that are both inexpensive and effective in clearing a blockage as rapidly as possible.

But which of these ways are the most effective, and how can you prevent further blockages from forming? Come with me as I go through some of the most useful tips and tactics I’ve picked up while living full-time in a vintage travel trailer.

How Does My RV Toilet Get Clogged?

One of the first questions you might have is, “How did my RV toilet become blocked in the first place?” While the exact cause of a blocked RV toilet or black water tank is unknown, there are a few significant factors that contribute to the problem. It is the inability of your waste and toilet paper to decompose correctly inside your tank that is the most common cause of a blocked black water tank. Nevertheless, because your varied solid wastes will not decompose on their own, leaving your RV toilet and sewage system unattended will result in a blocked sewer system.

Because your black tank is placed below your rig and has little to no insulation, the different wastes solidify more frequently in these sorts of weather situations than in other weather settings.

Water and other liquid waste are harmful to the complete emptying of your RV’s black water tank!

You are not alone in your difficulty, and fortunately, numerous firms have developed items to aid with blocked toilets when traveling in an RV or motorhome.

What Products Should I Purchase for Unclogging My RV Toilet?

Because a plunger would not function in an RV toilet system, you may be wondering what things might truly do damage to a blocked toilet. Here are some suggestions. Here are my top ideas for extra purchases that you may make to assist in unclogging the sensitive sewer system in your recreational vehicle.

Black Tank Cleaners

When it comes to unclogging the toilet in your RV, the most obvious solution is to use a black tank cleaning. If you’re looking for a quick and effective solution to a blocked toilet, these chemical-based treatments are a good choice. It is something that every RVer should be familiar with from the beginning of their camping adventures! Black tank cleaners are available in a plethora of varieties, and you can learn more about them by visiting this website. A few forms may be more straightforward to complete than others, and you will undoubtedly have your own unique preferences.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Its highly concentrated water-activated mineral combination reduces odor and breaks down both solid and liquid waste, making Happy Camper the perfect camping companion.

Wand or Snake Options

Did you know that you can unclog a blocked toilet with only a little bit of warm water? It is possible to get goods on the market that are specifically designed for RVs and that can clean or otherwise power wash away the interior of your black tank. Cleaning your holding tank is vital because it helps to keep the sensors in your holding tank clear and functioning properly. Moreover, it aids in the prevention of unpleasant smells from persisting in the tanks after they have been emptied. This Flexible Swivel Stik from Camco is ideally suited for usage in recreational vehicles when the holding tank is situated at an angle or away from the restroom.

With its vigorous rotational cleaning action, the holding tank’s sides are sprayed with water, which helps to remove waste that has remained after the tank has been completely emptied.

Besides clearing obstructions, it is most effective when used to thoroughly clean your tank after it has been emptied.

Sewer Hose Attachments

It is highly recommended that you use this product from Camco if you are a full-timer or if you want to have your black tank cleaned on a regular basis without a lot of bother. As a result of this product’s attachment to your RV sewage hose, you may use it while your RV is completely connected to a sewer system. The Rhino Blaster Tank Rinser attaches securely to the sewage outlet of your recreational vehicle. Due to the 45-degree angle, water can shoot straight into the exit, effectively washing away debris.

Backflow into the water pipe is prevented by the use of a vacuum breaker.

I’m aware that I used my Rhino to clear blockages when my tank was still full.

Are There Home Remedies for a Clogged RV Toilet?

Was there anything else that you could do if you didn’t have the time, money, or chance to acquire any of these extra things when your black tank became clogged? Fortunately, there are several home cures that may be performed almost anywhere, at any time, and on a little expense!

Ice Trick

One of the most straightforward ways to break down sediments in your black tank is to use ice, which is an old-school RVer tip that has stood the test of time. In addition, ice can be purchased in campsites and convenience stores, making it a low-cost and simply available at-home treatment solution. Pour a whole bag of ice or two down the toilet and into the black tank. a. Check to see that all of your valves are closed, and then go for a drive. If there are any speed bumps on the road, feel free to drive over them since the more shaking of your tank occurs, the better!

Your tank sediments should have been crushed or somehow loosening as a result of the ice, which should have reduced the likelihood of blocking your sewer system.

This is a very beneficial aspect of utilizing ice.

Dish Soap or Vaseline

Finding a cost-effective solution to an obstruction that may even be accomplished using goods that you already have in your truck or trailer? Look no further. Take a look at this simple home treatment, which makes use of dish soap or Vaseline! Fill the container with a whole bottle of dish soap or a couple of servings of laundry detergent. Allow it to sit in your tank before attempting to empty it. Although this procedure is most effective as a preventative measure, several RVers have claimed that it is effective in clearing existing blockages as well.

These soapy substances can cover the walls of your black water tank, preventing any solid substances from moving when it’s time to empty the contents of your tank into a disposal container.

It is also possible that using dish or laundry detergent may assist to improve the fragrance of your tank, making it a simple and cost effective deodorizer as well! If you happen to have any Vaseline or any other off-brand petroleum jelly on hand, it would be a great alternative.

Boiling Water

Finding a cost-effective solution to an obstruction that also makes use of goods already in your truck or trailer is a difficult task. See how to make this simple home cure with dish soap or Vaseline! Dish soap or laundry soap in large quantities can be added to the container. It should be left alone in your tank while you try to empty it. The effectiveness of this procedure is debatable; nevertheless, some RVers have stated that it can be used to clear blockages that are already present. It is possible to keep things moving in your black tank by adding a significant quantity of dish soap or another lubricant (such as laundry detergent).

It is also possible that using dish or laundry detergent can assist to improve the fragrance of your tank, making it a practical and cost-effective deodorizer.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Looking for a cost-effective solution to a clog that you can utilize goods you already have in your truck or trailer? Check out this simple home treatment that makes use of dish soap or Vaseline! Dish soap in its whole or a couple of tablespoons of laundry soap would suffice. Allow it to sit in your tank while you attempt to empty it. This approach may be most effective when used as a preventative measure, but some RVers have noted that it is also effective when used to clear ongoing blockages.

These soapy substances can cover the walls of your black water tank, preventing any solid substances from moving around when it’s time to empty the contents of your tank.

If you happen to have any Vaseline or any other off-brand petroleum jelly on hand, it would be a great substitute.

How Can I Prevent Future Clogs in my RV Toilet?

Let’s imagine you’ve successfully unclogged a clog in your black water tank and you don’t want to experience the same blockage again in the near future. Congratulations on your accomplishment! What can you do to keep clogs from forming in the future?

Use Less Toilet Paper

While it may not be ideal, especially if you are traveling with a family that is accustomed to indoor plumbing, using less toilet paper is a simple remedy to a blocked RV toilet when you are on the road. It is also a very cost-effective solution! I’m not advocating that you stop using toilet paper altogether; rather, I’m suggesting that you use a few less sheets than you typically would. Your sewer system will be grateful to you.

If you have a rig that is particularly fussy, you might want to consider getting RV-specific toilet paper. Despite the fact that it is more costly, RV toilet paper degrades significantly more quickly than other types of toilet paper and is widely accessible in most retailers.

Use Extra Water

If you and your family are accustomed to indoor plumbing, using an RV toilet may be a challenge. The amount of water used by the average household toilet is predetermined by the system and internal workings of the toilet itself. It is customary in RVs for the amount of water that is used in the toilet to be determined by the individual using the toilet. This can be beneficial in terms of functionality, but it can also be detrimental to the health of your black tank. By being able to flush the toilet with more water than you normally would, you can promote more lubrication and a more natural flow of the solid waste that collects in your black tank.

However, if you aren’t boondocking and have access to a dump station, having more water is usually a good investment.

Perform Regular Maintenance

You may be wary of employing chemical-based black tank cleansers because of their reputation. I appreciate your point of view, but they certainly are the most effective instrument for maintaining your sewage system in good working order and routinely maintained. Add a black tank cleaning solution to your camping supplies towards the conclusion of your camping season, whether it’s in the form of a pod, capsule or pill; powder; or liquid form. It also contributes to the pleasant and fresh fragrance of your tank!

Conclusion

Having a clogged RV toilet is never a pleasant experience. It has the potential to spoil a camping vacation, but fortunately, you do not have to let it ruin yours! Following this advice for both useful RV toilet products and home treatments is a good idea, so that you can get back to enjoying your camping experience without having to worry about a blocked toilet! –

How To Clear A Clogged RV Or Camper Blackwater Tank

The blackwater tank in your RV or camper is something you may not want to worry about too much. But it is necessary. It is, nonetheless, essential to enjoying a pleasant and comfortable RV trip. Furthermore, if your RV toilet becomes blocked, you won’t have much of an option than to call for assistance. After all, the toilet is a very necessary component of your RV. Because the blackwater holding tank is such an important component of the system, any blockages must be removed as soon as possible.

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You will learn all you need to know about maintaining your blackwater holding tank and preventing blockages in the future with the aid of this tutorial as well.

Table of Contents

  1. Learn about your blackwater tank
  2. What causes a clog in my blackwater tank
  3. Get ready to clean
  4. Preventing future clogs. Finally, good habits to develop for your blackwater tank are discussed.

Understanding Your Blackwater Tank

Understanding how your blackwater tank operates is beneficial for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, you will have a greater awareness of the issues that might arise. Following that, you’ll learn why proper tank care practices are crucial, as well as how to put them into action. Finally, it will assist you in understanding how the plumbing system in a travel trailer operates. The toilet system in your recreational vehicle is not the same as the toilet system in a typical home. In most cases, human waste does not just disappear into subterranean sewer lines; instead, it ends up in your black tank.

You may flush anything down the toilet including toilet paper, human feces, and whatever else you choose.

It is quite acceptable to use water combined with a chemical or natural solution inside the tank for this purpose.

According to what you may have imagined, this sewer pipe should not be ignored either. Are you interested in seeing what the inside of a blackwater holding tank looks like? Listed below is a brief video demonstrating the inside of a brand new black tank while it is currently being flushed.

Why Is My Blackwater Tank Clogged?

You may be wondering what the most prevalent causes of black tank blockages are. Here are some suggestions. There are a variety of conditions that might result in a clogged RV toilet/black tank. Here are some examples. These are the ones:

Waste Buildup

The collection of waste in a black tank is the most typical source of clogs in this system. An excessive amount of solids can accumulate and, after a given amount of time, constitute a blockage. To be clear, I’m referring to the use of toilet paper and, of course, feces in general. This might happen if you haven’t been dumping your tank on a regular basis. In addition, failing to clean the tank on a regular basis might result in waste accumulation in both the line and the tank itself. It’s understandable that if your blackwater holding tank is fitted with sensors, you would be concerned about how waste could accumulate without your knowledge.

Sensors that are dirty might give you erroneous readings.

Flushing The Wrong Items

Things like wet wipes and sanitary products should never be flushed since they might cause blockages in the pipes. It is possible that these things will aid in the building of clogs, especially if you are flushing your toilets often.

Dumping Too Often

It may seem contradictory, but dumping your tank too frequently might result in clogs in the system. Dumping your RV tank on a regular basis may cause it to dry up, which should be avoided at all costs. Waste and other particles can adhere to the dry walls of a tank, causing blockages to form over a period of time.

Get Ready To Clean

Don’t forget to take precautions to keep yourself safe before you begin working to remove the impediment. Just because you aren’t working with gas lines or electrical wiring doesn’t mean you aren’t at danger of injury or other consequences.

1. Take Safety Precautions

The fact that you should avoid exposing yourself to garbage at all costs should come as no surprise to you. Not only is it repulsive to come into contact with human excrement, but it is also potentially hazardous since it can cause physical illness. It’s possible that you’ll be working with hazardous chemicals to clear the clog. Make sure you have a nice pair of gloves on before you start working on resolving the problem if this is the situation. Because you’re going to get up close and personal with your black tank, you might want to consider shielding your eyes as well.

I strongly advise buying protective eyewear that is adjustable (such as theSuperMore Anti-Fog Safety Goggles available on Amazon) so that it may accommodate people with varying head shapes and sizes.

Some of the approaches are easier to do if you have an extra pair of hands to assist you.

If you’re the sort of RV owner who gets nauseated just thinking about emptying the tank, it’s better not to push yourself to deal with the clog right away.

The option of hiring a professional to remove the obstruction on your behalf is always available. It’s important to remember that hiring a professional will always be more expensive than doing it yourself.

2. Clean The Waste Pipe

If the clog is not found in your black tank, it is possible that the problem is with your waste pipe. Your waste pipe is most likely to blame if you’ve drained out your black tank yet still have a blockage after doing so. In the event that you are dealing with pyramid plugs and are unable to recall the last time you cleaned it, it is possible that you are dealing with them. Pyramid plugs are an unusual term for an unpleasant occurrence, but it is a good one. These are the result of a buildup of waste that finally becomes hard.

  • You’ll have to get your hands dirty if you want to remove pyramid plugs.
  • You’ll need to get your hands on a toilet snake and be prepared to put in some effort in the process.
  • As you probe about, you’ll most likely be able to feel the pyramid plugs in your hands.
  • Alternatively, a toilet wand equipped with a motor can be used.

3. Check For Other Potential Issues

The next step is to rule out the likelihood of any additional problems, both small and significant. Trying to unclog something that doesn’t exist isn’t something you want to waste your time and energy on. The presence of a blockage is usually indicated by a foul odor coming from the toilet and difficulty dumping the tank. However, there are a number of additional issues that might be at the base of these manifestations of symptoms. These are some examples:

Leaky Toilet

If there is water on the floor of your RV or 5th-wheel bathroom, it is possible that your toilet is leaking. It’s possible that your toilet’s connection to the bathroom floor is insufficient. If this is the case, don’t be concerned; it’s a rather simple problem to resolve.

Dirty Toilet

Inspect the floor of your RV or 5th-wheel bathroom for signs of water leakage from your toilet. It is possible that your toilet is not correctly attached to the bathroom floor. Worry not if this is the case, because the solution is rather straightforward.

Broken Or Stuck Toilet Flapper

It’s possible that a faulty toilet flapper or ball valve is causing the odor. When the toilet is flushed, this device is responsible for creating a seal between the black tank and the toilet bowl. It is possible that odours will escape if this seal is not airtight. Check to discover whether any waste or toilet paper has become stuck in the flapper, preventing it from closing. A broken item will have to be replaced with a new one, as stated above. With the aid of this video, you will learn how to replace the seal:

Improperly Set-Up Tank Valves

Testing the valves on your black tank will save you a lot of work in the long run.

Perhaps you neglected to turn on a valve or connect the sewer line properly before you started. Fortunately, this is the best-case situation, and nothing further is required.

4. Don’t Make The Problem Worse

Let’s be on the same page as far as the things you should avoid doing while unclogging your RV’s tank is concerned. Approaching a barrier in the incorrect manner might be quite dangerous. There’s no way you want to do irreversible harm to your tank. Additionally, attempting to implement these tactics might have disastrous repercussions, such as garbage being dumped in places it shouldn’t be.

Motorized Toilet Wands For Regular Toilets Are Unsuitable

When it comes to unclogging your toilet tank, a toilet wand (also known as a snake) will come in help. Why not take advantage of the fact that a motorized one can save you some elbow grease? There’s a perfectly excellent explanation for this, after all. In order to avoid accidently puncturing your toilet tank, it is not recommended that you use a motorized wand designed for domestic toilets instead. Always use toilets that have been particularly developed for RVs.

Don’t Use A Pressure Washer

Pressure washers may appear to be a simple answer to your clogged problem at first glance. Isn’t it true that water blasting at high pressure will get rid of even the most obstinate trash accumulation? Yes, it’s possible that it will help to clear the blockage. However, it has the potential to cause trash to spill all over the place accidentally. Think about the hazards you and your tank are exposed to if this isn’t enough to convince you not to use one. A pressure washer has the ability to damage your tank and cause you physical harm.

Pressurized Air Is A No-No

The use of pressured air offers the same issues as the use of pressure washers. Because of the pressure, your tank may crack or even break apart. Although this is unlikely to occur, you will not be able to directly target the barrier. There is a good chance that other waste may blow into the tank and potentially out of it, towards you.

5. Try Cleaning Your Blackwater Tank

The use of compressed air poses the same issues that the use of pressure washers does. Because of the pressure, your tank may crack or come apart. Although this is unlikely to occur, you will not be able to directly target the snag. There is a good chance that other waste may blow into the tank and potentially out of it, toward you.

6. Unclog Your Blackwater Tank Using Products

Cleaning your tank and line may have failed, therefore it is time to bring in the heavy guns. There are a variety of devices available that are designed to break down even the most difficult of obstacles. It’s important to understand that they are not the same as black tank maintenance products. They have a tendency to be stronger and are designed expressly for the purpose of removing impediments.

Natural Products

Natural treatments are not just useful for keeping your tank in good condition. You can acquire items that break down clogs by utilizing high amounts of enzymes or probiotics to break down the obstruction. These act by physically digesting the material that has accumulated and formed the clog. Their focus might vary depending on the company, however they can be on organic or artificial trash.

Chemical Products

If you wish to use a chemical-based product to do the task, look for one that is designed specifically for RV tanks.

7. Unclog Your Blackwater Tank Without Products

There are a few simple methods for cleaning up your black tank that do not require the use of specialist chemicals or equipment. If you can’t wait for the product you bought to arrive, you might want to consider trying one of these alternatives. One of the approaches that you may have heard of is the use of ice to cool things down. The practice of filling your tank with ice and driving around is said to be effective in dislodging jams.

However, it is possible that this is not the best solution. With this method, there are a plethora of factors that must be considered and considered carefully. The size of your tank, the amount of ice you use, the severity of the obstruction, and so on.

The Geo Method

The GEO approach has been proven to be effective in unclogging black tanks. A bottle of Calgon water softener and a clear sewage hose adaptor are all you’ll need for this project. You’ll need the adaptor to test if the water is clear as it comes out of the faucet. Install a sewage connection between your black tank and a sewer line to begin. Dump the water softener down the toilet and into the black tank to get rid of it. You may be generous with the amount you use because the water softener will not damage the walls of your tank.

When you flush the toilet, one of you should keep an eye on the sewage hose adapter while the other keeps an eye on the toilet.

You may find out more about the GEO approach by watching this video:

8. Clearing A Clogged Blackwater Tank On The Road

As a driver, what do you do when a roadblock occurs in the middle of your journey? It’s possible that some of you are now coping with this problem. When you are away from home, ordering goods and tools to remove a clog may be challenging, and finding a local specialist to assist you can be tough, not to mention expensive. No, you will not be required to reverse your RV and return to your campsite. The following approach, which makes use of commonly accessible things, can be used to break down an obstacle.

  1. Same goes for when your tank sensors indicate that the tank is full but won’t let you discharge the contents.
  2. Simply boiling water — and enough of it — is all you’ll need for this technique.
  3. After that, flush your toilet with hot water and allow it to rest for a few hours.
  4. Turn on the black tank heaters to provide additional warmth.

Preventing Future Clogs

A very simple duty is to prevent clogs from building in your black tank’s drain. Regular maintenance, along with a dash of common sense, may go a long way toward extending the life of your vehicle.

Watch What You Flush

Recall how I stated that some items should never be flushed down RV toilets? Take that statement seriously. There should be no sanitary products, wipes, or paper towels flushed into the toilet. This is true for both thick toilet paper and light toilet paper. Special varieties of septic-safe toilet paper are available that are specifically developed for RV toilets. These have the ability to break down more quickly than other brands. The more quickly toilet paper degrades, the less likely it is that it will clog your black tank.

Learn How Often To Dump Your Tank

As previously said, you should avoid emptying your black tank on a regular basis or too frequently in order to conserve water.

Allow your tank to fill up to at least two-thirds of its capacity before dumping it into portable tanks. Don’t forget that drying up your tank might produce obstacles in the water flow. Keep some liquid (water and a maintenance solution) in your tank at all times to prevent corrosion.

Regular Maintenance

Maintain your tank as often as possible by using maintenance items. The better off you are if you maintain your tank and waste line as clean as possible. Maintain in mind to keep your sensors clean as well, so that you can get accurate data from them. Keeping up with your black tank maintenance schedule will also help to prevent the presence of unwanted odors.

Good Habits To Practice For Your Blackwater Tank

You should observe a number of excellent habits when using the toilet in your RV, and these are listed below. These will assist you in reducing the likelihood of garbage accumulation.

Double-Flush

If you have solid waste in your toilet, make sure to flush it at least twice more than usual. This is done to guarantee that everything goes through the waste pipe without clogging.

Educate All Travelers

If you’re traveling with children or anyone who is unfamiliar with the RV lifestyle, take the time to educate them. Educate them on the fact that these toilets are more delicate than the toilets at home. Make it clear that nothing but toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. You don’t want to discover mid-trip that your black tank has been blocked as a result of the negligence of a fellow passenger.

Use Products Specific For RV Or Campers

If you use an unclogging product at home, it is possible that it can harm your pipes or black tank. Recreational vehicle sewage systems are not constructed of the same materials as residential sewage systems. To stay on the safe side, only use items that are designed exclusively for recreational vehicles.

Conclusion

I sincerely hope you find this step-by-step instruction to be beneficial. If you are an RV owner, you know how difficult it can be to deal with a blocked black tank. Taking proper care of your black tank, as well as maintaining good practices when it comes to using the toilet in your RV, will lessen the likelihood of clogs. Any further suggestions or ways for unclogging a clogged RV black tank would be much appreciated. Please share your expertise with us by leaving a comment below this article.

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