Toilet Flush

[N1VWD]

My wife and I have just purchased our first TT and we have been reading about black water tank problems IE toilet paper choices and using enough water when you flush so as to keep the bad guy solids in solution and not building the evil pyramid in your black water tank. So here comes the stupid question; When you flush how much water is considered enough to keep the black water tank happy???? My foot is on the flush peddle awaiting your reply!!
Thank you all for your replies.

[John Hilley]

We just use what is in the bowl, sometime using a bit more with the spray.

[Ed-Sommers]

If you are diligent about putting some water in the black tank after dumping, you should have no worries. Amount is dependent upon your tank size of course, but at least SOME.

Ed

[Doug Sage]

Ideally you want enough water in the black tank to just cover the bottom. How many gallons this equals is dependent on the shape of the tank and how long the drain pipe is from the tank to the shutoff valve. Secondly, you want to use enough water in the flush or in a second flush to wash away the poo pyramid. This is the biggest problem because it can plug the bottom of the toilet. Just look down the toilet drain with the valve open to see if a pyramid is forming.

[wa8yxm]

When you hear folks talking about this toilet paper or that, or how much water.. Close your ears

First: Toilet paper,, Many argue you need over priced Tethford Sandpa.. er, toilet paper. Don't believe it.. Scott single play is better IN fact most all single plys are better, some of the quilted brands are worse but the test reports I've seen.. Assuming I dump the tanks right after I dump.. by the time I get my pants pulled up, get out to the valve and pull the T-handle,,, IT won't make much difference.

Now the amount of water... That is why they make tank flushing wands and devices. A good idea is to fill the tank at least 2/3 before flushing (half will do) if needed, add water to get there.. Then ddo it again to rinse.. I have a "Tornado" rinser in the tank and will often let it spray (Valve closed) till I hear a change in the sound (Water reaches it) then I pull the handle and let it run a while longer... Don't clean the sensors off, that takes a Master Blaster wand. (I made my own, Valterra makes the for sale one)

But since you can always add more water during the "Rinse out" phase of dumping.. How much you add when you flush.. Do not worry about it.

Finally Chemicals.. Forget them. I do use a biological when I plan on a week between dumps. but in truth I don't think it's helping. But chemicals.. (Other than water and perhaps Dawn and Calgon (Dishwashing liquid, not anti-bacterial and water softener) not really a good idea, and the Dawn/Calgon only when headed for the storage lot.

[StStg1]

Chemicals: You'll hear lots of oppinions. I used to use them. They are mostly for a deoderant. I've learnd that if I rinse my tanks after each dump, I don't need to use the chemicals. We usualy camp for 3-8 days and have had no odor problem.

[dagray]

I like to have several gallons of water in the tank. I like the bowl to be filled about 3/4 of the way full and then enough water to make sure the toilet paper goes all the way down to the tank. My motor home has a long tube going to the tank and the DW uses a lot of TP. My first motorhome had a short tube and was never a problem.

I guess any TP is good except an old Sears catalog.

[Techie]

Use an RV/Septic safe paper and plenty of water...more is always better than less.

Re chemicals, we only use them in the summer as when the tank starts to fill there can be times with the exhaust fan running that some odors will come up during flushing.