Last Updated on May 11, 2023
Maintaining a proper sanitary system while traveling in an RV is necessary to make the journey enjoyable and hassle-free. But the problem is not all toilet paper is created equal, especially regarding the RV’s septic system.
RV toilet paper and septic-safe toilet paper are two different types, used for different reasons. But what are the fundamental differences between the two? If you compare RV toilet paper to septic-safe toilet paper, the significant differences lie in their usage intention and material composition.
RV toilet paper is designed specifically for RVs and is made from 100% biodegradable materials. Conversely, septic-safe toilet paper is intended for homes with septic systems and is typically made from a blend of wood pulp and synthetic fibers.
Throughout this article, we’ll look closer at the RV toilet paper and septic safe options and help you decide on your next road trip. Let’s get started.
RV Toilet Paper vs Septic Safe Toilet Paper: A Comprehensive Comparison
When choosing the best type of toilet paper for an RV or septic system, there are two main options: RV-specific and septic-safe toilet paper. While they may seem similar, some key differences can make a significant impact on the health of your septic system, such as:
Usage Intention
RV-specific toilet paper is meant for use in RVs and other mobile homes. It is made from substances that dissolve quickly and readily, which helps to prevent clogs and system damage.
Alternatively, Septic-safe toilet paper is designed for use in homes with septic systems. It is also made from materials that break down quickly and easily, but it may not be as effective in preventing clogs and damage in an RV system.
However, if you have a septic system at home and want to use the same toilet paper in both locations, septic-safe TP may be the best choice.
Material Composition
A toilet paper’s material composition is essential when choosing it for your RV or septic system. Most RV toilet paper is made from completely biodegradable materials, such as recycled fibers or bamboo, which are softer and more delicate than regular toilet paper.
Conversely, regular toilet paper is typically made with a blend of synthetic fibers and wood pulp that does not break down as easily. This can lead to clogs in your RV’s pipes or septic tank, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Breakdown Time
You must also consider breakdown time when picking the best RV toilet paper for your recreational vehicle or septic system. This refers to how quickly the toilet paper dissolves in water, which is important for preventing clogs and damage to your system.
RV-specific toilet paper is designed with a shorter breakdown time than regular toilet paper. This is because RV tanks are smaller and can only hold a limited amount of waste before needing to be emptied. If the toilet paper takes too long to break down, it can accumulate in the septic tank and cause clogs.
Septic-safe toilet paper is also manufactured with a quick decomposition time, but it may not be specifically formulated for use in an RV. It’s essential to check the label and ensure that the septic-safe toilet paper you choose is suitable for use in an RV.
To ensure you’re using toilet paper suitable for your RV and septic system, look for products labeled as “RV-specific” or “septic-safe” with a short breakdown time.
Why Should You Choose the Right Toilet Paper for Your RV Or Septic System?
Choosing the suitable type of toilet paper for your RV or septic system is crucial to avoid clogs and prevent damage to your plumbing. While it may be tempting to use regular toilet paper, it can negatively affect your system.
Choosing the right toilet paper is essential for the following reasons:
Avoiding Clogs
Using the most appropriate toilet paper helps to avoid clogs in your RV or septic system. Regular toilet paper can cause serious problems as it does not decompose easily and can accumulate in the pipes or tank, leading to blockages.
RV-specific toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and completely, minimizing the risk of clogs. It is made from materials that are biodegradable and safe for septic systems. Some popular brands include Thetford quick-dissolve RV toilet paper and Camco RV TST ultra-soft toilet tissue.
Meanwhile, septic-safe toilet paper is also a good option for those with septic systems. While not specifically designed for RVs, these products are still biodegradable and break down easily in water. Some examples include Scott rapid dissolving toilet paper and Charmin ultra soft mega roll toilet paper.
It’s important to note that even with the right toilet paper, other items should never be flushed down the toilet in an RV or septic system. This includes wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and anything not designed to dissolve quickly.
Preventing Damage to Your System
Using the wrong kind of toilet paper can lead to clogs and costly repairs. One of the main reasons why using ordinary toilet paper in an RV toilet or septic system is not recommended is that it does not break down easily.
RV-specific TP is designed exclusively for use in RVs and boats with holding tanks. This biodegradable toilet paper is made from things that decompose quickly, such as recycled fibers, so it won’t clog up your system.
Septic-safe toilet paper is also designed to break down easily and quickly in a septic system. It is usually labeled as “septic safe” or “safe for all systems.” Using regular toilet paper in an RV or septic system can lead to clogs, which can cause structural damage to your system over time.
By picking the appropriate toilet paper and following proper maintenance techniques, you can prevent damage to your RV or septic system and save yourself from costly repairs in the future.
Mythbusting: Can Regular Toilet Paper Be Used in an RV or Septic System?
Using regular TP in an RV or on a septic system is not suggested. Regular toilet paper is designed to break down slowly, which can cause issues in an RV or septic system.
When regular toilet paper is flushed in an RV or septic system, it can take longer to break down than specialized RV or septic-safe toilet paper. This slow breakdown time can lead to clogs and blockages in the system. Over time, these blockages can cause damage to the pipes and tanks, leading to costly repairs.
It’s important to note that not all regular toilet paper is created equal. Some brands may break down faster than others, but it’s still not recommended for use in an RV or septic system. Sticking with specially formulated RV or septic-safe TP is best to avoid any potential issues.
Tips for Maintaining Your RV or Septic System with the Right Type of Toilet Paper
Proper maintenance of your RV or sewage system is essential to avoid costly repairs and replacements. One important aspect of this maintenance is choosing the best toilet paper for your system. Here are some guidelines for taking care of your RV or septic system using the appropriate toilet paper:
- Use a designated trash can for used toilet paper instead of flushing it down the toilet.
- Empty the trash can regularly to prevent buildup and odors.
- Avoid dumping harsh chemicals or non-biodegradable items down the drain.
- If you must flush toilet paper, use a small amount at a time and make sure it’s fully dissolved before flushing.
Is Costco Toilet Paper Safe for RVs?
Costco toilet paper is 100% safe for RV use. This toilet paper is highly biodegradable and breaks down quickly and efficiently in the wastewater tank. It is septic-safe, meaning it won’t harm the septic system.
As long as RV owners use it properly and dispose of it correctly, they can enjoy the comfort and convenience of Costco toilet paper on their travels.
Costco toilet paper is sewer and drain-safe, so it won’t clog the pipes or damage the plumbing system. RV plumbing systems are often sensitive, and the last thing an owner needs is an expensive repair because of the wrong type of toilet paper.
Costco toilet paper is far superior to other brands for a number of reasons.
- It is composed of 100% reclaimed paper, meaning that it is gentle on the environment.
- It is highly absorbent, meaning that you won’t have to use as much per flush.
- It is very strong and doesn’t tear easily, meaning that you’ll be able to save money in the long run.
- It’s much thicker. This means that each roll lasts longer, which is ideal for families or anyone who goes through a lot of toilet paper.
- The rolls are perforated more densely, so you can use less paper without sacrificing absorbency.
- Costco toilet paper has a softer texture than most other brands, so it makes for a more comfortable experience.
How Long Does it Take for RV Toilet Paper to Dissolve?
RV toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve quickly in water, making it an excellent choice for use in boats, RVs, and other mobile homes. Typically, it takes up to 16 days for RV toilet paper to dissolve completely in water.
This is much faster compared to regular toilet paper since it can take over a month for regular toilet paper to dissolve. The quick dissolve feature of RV toilet paper helps to prevent clogs and backups in plumbing systems, which can be costly to repair.
Is There a Price Difference Between RV Toilet Paper and Septic Safe?
There is a considerable price difference between RV toilet paper and septic safe toilet paper. RV toilet paper is relatively expensive, actually over twice as costly as standard septic-safe toilet paper.
However, RV toilet paper is specially designed to dissolve quickly in water, reducing the chances of clogs and backups in plumbing systems in RVs, boats, and other mobile homes.
Septic-safe toilet paper may dissolve slower than RV toilet paper, but it is still a good choice for septic systems, and it is relatively affordable compared to RV toilet paper.
Therefore, choosing between RV toilet paper and septic-safe toilet paper comes down to balancing cost and effectiveness. If you can afford it, RV toilet paper is the better choice for your RV or boat plumbing system.
Septic and RV Toilet Paper: Protect Your Plumbing
Choosing the correct toilet paper is crucial for the proper maintenance and longevity of your RV or septic system. While regular toilet paper may seem harmless, it can cause major clogs and damage your plumbing.
To avoid these issues, you must understand your options and choose either RV-specific toilet paper or septic-safe toilet paper. Using the proper type of toilet paper can prevent costly repairs and ensure that your system operates smoothly.
So whether you’re hitting the open road in an RV or maintaining a septic system at home, use only the best-suited toilet paper for your unique situation.
