Last Updated on May 11, 2023
If you’re an avid RV enthusiast, you understand the importance of maintaining a clean and functional toilet. However, there’s nothing worse than dealing with poop that stubbornly sticks to your RV toilet bowl.
This issue is common and can be caused by a few factors, such as insufficient water in the bowl, inadequate lubrication in the black tank, and lack of ventilation.
Don’t let nasty issues mess up your travels, keep a clean and fresh RV bathroom with just a few easy steps. Add some lubricant to the black tank, regularly clean the toilet bowl, and you’ll never turn away from an adventure due to unpleasant odors.
Want to know how you can keep your RV toilet from becoming a sticky, smelly mess? Read on for some useful tips and tricks.
How to Keep Poop From Sticking to RV Toilet: 3 Essential Advice
To prevent poop from sticking to your RV toilet, follow a few tips that will help keep your bathroom clean and odor-free. The following tips are easy to implement and will make a big difference in the overall cleanliness of your RV bathroom.
ONE: Use Plenty of Water When Flushing
Using plenty of water when flushing your RV toilet prevents poop from sticking to the bowl. A bowl with too little water can get stuck, causing unpleasant odors and making cleaning hard.
Hold down the flush lever for several seconds after you’ve finished using the toilet to ensure that you’re using enough water when flushing. This will allow enough water to flow through the bowl and into the black tank. You can also add some water manually before using the toilet if necessary.
It’s important to note that using too much water can also be problematic. If there’s too much water in the black tank, solids won’t break down properly, leading to clogs and other issues. Aim for a balance between using enough water to prevent sticking and not overloading your black tank.
TWO: Add Lubricant or Chemicals to Black Tank
One effective way to keep poop from sticking is by adding lubricant or chemicals to the black tank. This helps to break down waste and reduce the likelihood of buildup in the tank and in the toilet bowl.
There are several types of lubricants and chemicals available on the market that serve this purpose. Some are designed to be added directly to the toilet bowl, while others are added to the black tank. Following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully is essential when using these products.
One popular option is RV Digest-It, which contains natural enzymes that break down waste and eliminate odors. Simply add it to your black tank after emptying it, along with plenty of water, and let it do its job.
Another option is a lubricant like Thetford Toilet Seal Lubricant, which helps create a barrier between the waste and the toilet bowl, preventing buildup. Apply it directly around the rim of the toilet bowl for best results.
Regardless of which product you choose, adding lubricant or chemicals regularly can help keep your RV toilet clean and functioning properly.
THREE: Clean and Maintain the Toilet Regularly
Keeping poop off your RV toilet by cleaning and maintaining it regularly is essential. This helps to keep the toilet bowl and black tank in good condition, preventing any buildup that may cause blockages or unpleasant odors.
Start by cleaning the toilet bowl with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too vigorously as this can damage the bowl’s surface. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to remove any residue.
Next, focus on maintaining the black tank. Regularly add chemicals or lubricants specifically designed for RV toilets to help break down waste and prevent buildup in the tank. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products.
Reasons Why Poop Sticks to RV Toilet
RV owners everywhere can relate to the dreaded issue of poop sticking to their toilet bowls. This frustrating problem arises for multiple reasons, making it a nuisance that many would rather avoid. Here’s what makes poop stick to RV toilet bowls:
1. Insufficient Water in the Toilet Bowl
This is perhaps the most common cause of poop sticking to RV toilets. Solid waste can stick to the sides and bottom of the toilet when there isn’t enough water in the bowl. This is because water helps to carry waste away and prevent it from clinging to surfaces.
2. Inadequate Lubrication in Black Tank
Another common issue that can cause poop to stick to your RV toilet bowl is inadequate lubrication in the black tank. The black tank holds all waste and sewage until it’s time to dump it. If there isn’t enough lubrication in the tank, waste can stick and build up on the walls of the tank and toilet bowl.
3. Lack of Ventilation
In addition to the issues mentioned above, a lack of ventilation can also cause poop to stick on your RV toilet bowl. Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free bathroom. A lack of airflow can lead to foul odors and sticky residue in the black tank and toilet bowl.
Best Practices for Dumping the Black Tank
Emptying the black tank is a necessary task for any RV owner. Not only does it keep your RV smelling fresh, but it also prevents blockages and damage to your plumbing system. Here are some best practices to follow when dumping your black tank:
Empty Your Black Tank Frequently
Emptying your black tank frequently is one of the most important things you can do to keep your RV toilet clean. When the black tank gets too full, it can cause many problems, including clogs and backups. It’s essential to empty your black tank before it reaches capacity.
So how often should you empty your black tank? The answer depends on several factors, including how many people use the RV, how often they use the toilet, and how large the tank is. As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on dumping your black tank at least once a week if you’re using your RV regularly.
When it comes time to dump your black tank, there are a few best practices to remember. Find an appropriate dumping station. Many campgrounds and RV parks have designated areas for dumping tanks. Ask the campground staff for assistance if you’re unsure where to go.
Before dumping your black tank, ensure all valves are closed except for the valve leading to the dump station. Then slowly open that valve and let gravity do its work.
Use a High-Quality Sewer Hose and Gloves
Using a reliable sewer hose and gloves is essential when dumping the black tank in your RV. A good sewer hose should be durable and able to withstand the pressure of waste water flowing through it. Your RV should also be able to reach the dump station without getting blocked by any bends or kinks.
Gloves protect your hands from coming into contact with any harmful bacteria or chemicals that may be present in the wastewater. Also, they make it easier to handle sewer hoses, so spills are less likely.
When choosing gloves for dumping your black tank, look for ones made from durable materials such as nitrile or latex. Avoid regular household gloves as they may not protect against harmful substances.
Rinse Your Black Tank Thoroughly After Dumping
After you have successfully emptied your black tank, it is crucial to rinse it thoroughly to ensure that there is no leftover waste or debris. Failing to do so can lead to a buildup of solids, which can cause clogs and unpleasant odors.
You will need a hose specifically designed for this purpose to rinse your black tank. A high-quality sewer hose with a built-in sprayer or nozzle lets you directly flow the water into the tank and flush out any leftover waste.
When rinsing the black tank, fill it with water using the sprayer or nozzle on your sewer hose. Once the tank is full, let the water sit for a few minutes before draining it again. Repeat this process several times until the water runs clear.
After rinsing the black tank, keeping it clean and well-maintained is essential. You can use specialized chemicals and treatments to break down waste and prevent odors from developing in the tank.
For Stuck-Up Poop In RVs, How Long Should You Leave a Toilet Cleaner?
To get rid of stuck-up poop in RVs, leaving the toilet cleaner in for up to 10 minutes is recommended. Before applying the cleaner, clean any exterior parts of the toilet to ensure all surfaces are free from dirt and debris. Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes and then flush the toilet.
This may require multiple flushes to eliminate the buildup and clog. It is essential not to leave any residue behind, which can lead to further blockages. Besides that, be sure you are using a cleaner specifically designed for RV toilets, as they may require special care or ingredients due to their unique components.
Does vinegar help sanitize sticking poop in RV toilets?
Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to help sanitize an RV toilet, specifically when dealing with sticky poop. Vinegar’s acidity helps to break down the proteins that cause stickiness and odors, making it an especially effective option for RV toilets.
To use vinegar for sanitation, you should pour one cup of white vinegar into the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before flushing. The vinegar will help break down any remaining residue from the sticking poop, allowing your toilet to stay clean and sanitary.
As a bonus, the acetic acid in white vinegar also kills some common bacteria and germs associated with poo, such as E. coli and salmonella. Additionally, it is non-toxic and biodegradable, making it a safe choice for septic tanks or other areas of your RV where toxins may be concerned.
Furthermore, vinegar can be your answer if you are looking for a natural solution that works quickly and effectively without harsh chemicals.
Conquer Stubborn Poops: Give It Your Attention
Maintaining a clean RV toilet is key to ensuring your camping trip is enjoyable and free from unpleasant experiences. Dealing with poop sticking to the toilet bowl can be challenging and requires attention to different factors.
However, by following best practices, such as ensuring sufficient water in the bowl, using adequate lubrication in the black tank, and ensuring proper ventilation, you can avoid sticky poop. Follow these simple steps to ensure a comfortable and clean camping experience.
So, keep your RV toilet clean and well-maintained, and you’ll surely have a memorable and worry-free camping experience.
