Whether you’re on the road or at a campsite, having a working toilet is a must-have. Because it’s so important, you’ll want to make sure everything is working properly – and that you have anything you might need in case of an emergency!

Here are four ways to keep your RV toilet running at full capacity on your next adventure.

1. Check the monitor. It’s not uncommon for an RV’s black tank monitor to sometimes read improperly. For example, the tank may be empty, but the monitor will indicate that it’s two-thirds full. This often is due to a tank that hasn’t been properly flushed, meaning that there may be some left-over residue covering one of the sensors. This can be avoided by bringing your RV in for a service appointment and having the tank properly flushed.
2. Prep the holding tanks. Before solid waste starts going into a holding tank, it’s crucial that the bottom of the tank is covered with water. As well, add in an RV-friendly toilet chemical to help process the accumulating waste. We recommend our very own Fraserway RV Holding Tank Deodorant, which controls odour, liquefies waste and conditions the tank’s seals. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, so you can’t go wrong!
3. Only use RV-friendly toilet paper. You may prefer Charmin or Bounty, but your RV has its own preference – and when you’re on the road, this is the preference that counts! RV toilet paper breaks down easier than household toilet paper, which makes it less likely to cause any of the aforementioned problems with your tank’s sensors.
4. Have backup for when you’re backed up. Even with taking the best precautions, a clogged toilet can sometimes occur. A small bottle of Thetford Tissue Digester will help clear up any clogs and have your toilet open for business as usual (just don’t add it to your tank if there already are other chemicals in there!).

Another handy tool to have on hand is a Valterra RV Hydroflush, which attaches to the tank valve and a water hose. The clear plastic makes it easy to see when the system is clean.