black tank clogging problems

[ChrisNJ]

Have an '02 Tradewinds 374LE. took two smaller trips with no problems, now we're into a week trip and the black tank is clogging bad right at the pipe to tank area, can't seem to keep ahead of it. It looks really shallow where the pipe goes in on the top on the left side right under the toilet, but seems much deeper on the dumb valve side on the other side. Is it just using too much paper that is getting clogged in the shallow pipe/toilet area? Appreciate any knowledge, tips. Thanks.

[Route 66]

It's usually from not using enough water to flush, but too much paper can add to the problem also.

[TW]

Real bad.... the worst is: KLEENEX
It's a BIG NO NO, even in the house !!

["007"]

If your toilet is offset from the black tank paper will collect in offset pipe to tank. Its a water killer needs more water to flush. What paper do you use?
One sheet paper not double may work better.

[Luv2go]

We had a similar problem with our old coach with a shallow tank depth under the toilet pipe. We found plunging it with an ordinary household plunger would clear it enough to get water through and move the blockage. Much better than the "stick" method.

It was definitely related to using too little water, but with small kids directions don't always get followed...

Stewart

[JVJ]

Yeap, as every one is pointing out, start with at least an 1/8 tank of water in the black tank before every using the tank. Then don't drain the tank until it is between 3/4 to full if possible. Make sure you flush with plenty of water, don't use standard store brand Charmin, Northern type papers, and use a good deoderizer designed to help break down black tank contents.
If you do find your self with a blockage, pour a bag of ice down the toilet and go for a drive. As the ice shifts and sloshes around in the tank it will break up and paper blockage. The ice does melt after awhile.
Good Luck

[fishfighter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JVJ Yeap, as every one is pointing out, start with at least an 1/8 tank of water in the black tank before every using the tank. Then don't drain the tank until it is between 3/4 to full if possible. Make sure you flush with plenty of water, don't use standard store brand Charmin, Northern type papers, and use a good deoderizer designed to help break down black tank contents. If you do find your self with a blockage, pour a bag of ice down the toilet and go for a drive. As the ice shifts and sloshes around in the tank it will break up and paper blockage. The ice does melt after awhile. Good Luck

Nice tip about the ice. I will be using that on the boat too! Thanks.

[ChrisNJ]

well, i got a coat hanger and bent the end like a hockey stick, cause i could see the paper jammed up. got it looking clean, the part I can see anyway. taught the kids/wife about less paper, more water, so far 1.5 days no trouble. i think a winter project might be relocating the pipe from the toilet inboard a little where it looks to be not as shallow, and/or adding or relocating the spray hose thing.
Thanks for the tips. The ice thing sounds like a good one.

[UFO Pilot]

Always add water to the bowl before using and then use plenty of water to flush.

["007"]

ChrisNJ, if your toilet is raised on a platform you may run into a bigger problem trying to change it, easier to just add the water.

[jimkate]

I don't remember the name of the stuff, but I buy it at Wal Mart. It's in the household cleaners section. It's powder, it's enzymes or bacteria for septic tanks, holding tanks, etc.

I've heard it called Rid X, but I've never seen it under that name in Canada.

I've used it for years in our rural household septic tank, use it all the time in our 'mobile' septic tank.

I dump one bag into the tank after being dumped. When it's full, all that comes out is dirty water. No solids, no paper, just dirty water. And,... no smell.

I also watch what toilet paper we're using. I do the water test. Take a piece of it, put it into a glass of water, and see how long it takes for it to dissolve. I won't let any household toilet paper in the coach, and never let kleenex go down the toilet.

[Margarittamobile]

I strongly suggest using only RV toilet paper. My understanding of these products is they are made with short strands of wood fiber conpared to household tissue. When the tissue breaks down, it turns into thick liquid rather than the "clumps" you get with household.

The RV product also seems break down with a good toilet chemical where household tissue just clumps up and changes to the blue or green color of the chemical you are using.

Don't be duped into thinking thin household tissue is anywhere close to RV product.

To summarize: RV toilet paper, lots of water and sufficient chemical.

[WOODYDEL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisNJ well, i got a coat hanger and bent the end like a hockey stick, cause i could see the paper jammed up. got it looking clean, the part I can see anyway. taught the kids/wife about less paper, more water, so far 1.5 days no trouble. i think a winter project might be relocating the pipe from the toilet inboard a little where it looks to be not as shallow, and/or adding or relocating the spray hose thing. Thanks for the tips. The ice thing sounds like a good one.

Where do you hang it? Are the kids getting used to using it?

[WOODYDEL]

Count yourself lucky to not have my brother-in-law with you. One time he flushed and walked out. It stuck out of a "real" toilet. Couldn't break it with a stick. Soaked it all night. Had nightmare that night. Woke up to half a baseball bat still sticking out.

He is never invited to go anywhere in my MH.