Toilet Issue

Craig P. · 06-05-2011, 09:39 AM

Today for the first time ever, my RV toilet plugged up. I cleared the plug with a coat hanger and all seemed well.

The next time I used the toilet, I could see water and TP swirling around just below the toilet ball valve. I've never experienced this before. It's almost as if the black tank was full. It's only half way.

Is there possibly waste build-up in the tank just below the ball value? If so how do I clear it?

Craig

OSP1268 · 06-05-2011, 09:42 AM

Rinse, rinse, rinse and rinse some more. Also check a cleaner product at this web site:
5starhappycamper.com
I've used it in the past and it works very well.

Craig P. · 06-05-2011, 09:51 AM

I am anal (pardon the pun) about back-flushing. I use a clear sewer hose adapter and don't stop rinsing until the water is clear.

I have been using 5 Star Happy Camper for years.

Craig

mikron · 06-05-2011, 10:05 AM

Our tank has a back flush, works good.

**JMonroe** · 06-05-2011, 10:24 AM

Check to make sure the vent is clear. Our toilet had turned into a virtual geyser, spraying up and out all over the bathroom! Turned out a poorly positioned vent pipe (runs aproximately horizontal from the tank) had accumulated enough water in it to block air flow.

You could have any number of things blocking the vent, anywhere from the tank up to the roof.

Craig P. · 06-06-2011, 09:38 AM

UPDATE:

Talking with another couple at the CG that we were staying in, they said this is a common problem (even though I’ve never experienced it in my 20+ years of RVing). They told us to boil water and pour it into the toilet until the build-up clears. This, along with continuous back-flushing in between the pots of hot water, did the trick. In fact, I can now see the bottom if my gray colored waste tank when I open the toilet valve.

Just thought I’d pass this along...

Craig

**JMonroe** · 06-06-2011, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig P.

UPDATE:

...boil water and pour it into the toilet until the build-up clears...

Craig

Just be sure to let it cool again before use.

puttin · 06-07-2011, 04:55 PM

Craig,

I had this several months ago when I had company over during Thanksgiving....lots of t.p. when down there and I was using the soft stuff (Northen Ultra) as I recall. The coat hanger worked but I also went back to the safe rv-style stuff...what a mess!

Perry White · 06-07-2011, 05:21 PM

I had the problem because Newmar put too long a drain on the tank and it was cut only 2" from the bottom.

Craig P. · 06-07-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

I was using the soft stuff (Northen Ultra) as I recall.

We've been using Angel Soft for some time without any issues until now. Perhaps I should change brands...

dagray · 06-08-2011, 01:45 PM

This happens in my motorhome when my wife uses to much TP and not enough water. There has to be enough water for the TP to go all the way down the tube. If not it will just slide a little ways down and then stop up. I always tell my wife one sheet of TP is all she should use but like anything else she does not listen to me. So use lots of water.

1ciderdog · 06-08-2011, 02:35 PM

Doesn't sound sanitary but put the paper in a covered waste basket next to the commode. That's what we do. We started this when we lived on a sail boat and the marine heads clogged up easier & faster than the RV heads. After cleaning it out a couple of times I told spouse and kids if they put paper in it and it clogged they cleaned it out. That was over 25 years ago and wife is still around and uses the waste basket in the RV batahroom and when the kids visit they also use the basket.
Good luck
Bob

ga traveler · 06-08-2011, 02:46 PM

Some motorhomes have a short toilet to holding tank tube. These don't give any problems. Others have longer tubes and they give a little more trouble. The long tubes with a offset are problematic. If you shine a flashlight down the tube and cannot see the holding tank, you have a offset tube. Several of the pace arrows and Airstream motorhomes were in this catagory.(among others) I always made a cleaning rod for my customers with these coachs. You will have to determine how long the pipe is. then add 24in. to the length. (to keep your hands out of a stopped up toilet) Next buy the right length Plastic water line and install a cap on both ends. Mark the dirty end with a majic marker. clean after each use and store. Use the 1/2 to 3/4 plastic that comes in 3ft diameter rools. (not soft but bendable)

num1dgh · 06-08-2011, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagray

This happens in my motorhome when my wife uses to much TP and not enough water. There has to be enough water for the TP to go all the way down the tube. If not it will just slide a little ways down and then stop up. I always tell my wife one sheet of TP is all she should use but like anything else she does not listen to me. So use lots of water.

Sorry . . . only a man says that one only needs one sheet of toilet paper. We are a little more, shall we say, delicate!