Camping has changed quite a bit in recent years. Nowadays, if you want to enjoy the great outdoors, you can do so while camping in a tent, a car, a van or a spacious and comfortable recreational vehicle.
One of the reasons many people might choose an RV over a tear drop camper or a van is that it has a flushing toilet. On the other hand, it can be problematic, as RV toilets tend to mess up.
Fortunately, it does not have to be that way. You just need to do your best to keep your toilet in perfect condition. You can do just that by flushing out the holding tank after it fills up a bit and not throwing toilet paper down the drain. In addition to that, it is recommended that you use chemicals to get rid of the bad smell and break down feces and toilet paper, as well as do your best to keep your bathroom clean.
If you want to learn more, you will find a short guide below that will help you avoid bathroom disasters in your recreational vehicle.
What can cause a mess in an RV bathroom?
Feces
After being flushed down the toilet, your feces will end up in your recreational vehicle’s holding tank. If you do not empty the tank regularly, the feces will begin to break down, which will lead to an unpleasant odor.
Toilet paper
While in an RV, you should not forget that the toilet inside it is not as efficient as the one you have back home, particularly when it comes to handling toilet paper. If you use large amounts of it, it is likely to end up clogging the drainpipe of the vehicle.
Oxygen bleach
It is not recommended that you use oxygen bleach in your recreational vehicle, as it might damage its drainage system. On top of that, bleach might react with other substances in the pipes, leading to the creation of toxic fumes.
How can you prevent it?
Flush out the holding tank
If you do not want your recreational vehicle to start smelling like a dumpster, it is essential that you get rid of the waste from its holding tank on a regular basis. However, do not do it every day or every single time you use the bathroom. If you do flush out the holding tank too often, the waste inside the vehicle’s drainage system will not have the time to settle on the bottom of the tank. In such a situation, it is likely to clog the entire drainage system up. To avoid such an unpleasant situation, flush out your recreational vehicle’s holding tank every three or four days.
Avoid throwing toilet paper down the drain
It is recommended that you do not throw toilet paper down the drain, as it has a tendency to clog. To dispose of toilet paper, you should put it in a trash bag and just throw it away. If you prefer not to do that, consider purchasing quickly dissolving toilet paper, as it is less likely to cause clogs. Alternatively, you could invest in a high-quality bidet.
Use strong and effective chemicals
To make sure that your recreational vehicle does not smell bad and that the smell of feces and urine does not linger in its bathroom, as well as its holding tank, it is recommended that you use an enzyme cleaner – you can even make it yourself. It is capable of breaking down feces and toilet paper quickly and easily without damaging the vehicle’s drainage system, making it possible for your recreational vehicle to both look and smell great.
Keep your bathroom clean
To prevent your recreational vehicle from smelling bad, it is important that its bathroom stays clean. You can achieve that goal by using a toilet brush and scrubbing the toilet bowl on a regular basis. You can also wash the bathroom floor every two or three weeks.
Stay cautious
If your recreational vehicle smells terrible or if you notice that its drainage system is not working the way it should be, it might be a good idea to schedule a service appointment with a professional. If you do not resolve the issue in a timely manner, you risk having to pay thousands of dollars for costly repairs.
In conclusion
If you own a recreational vehicle, it is important that you pay special attention to its bathroom, as recreational vehicle bathrooms have a tendency to mess up from time to time. You can take care of it by flushing out the vehicle’s holding tank on a regular basis, avoiding throwing toilet paper down the drain, and using strong and effective chemicals to get rid of clogs and unpleasant smells.
In addition, do not forget to keep your bathroom clean, and do not be afraid of scheduling a service appointment with a professional if things get out of hand. By following the tips listed above, you should be able to ensure that your RV bathroom stays in perfect condition for years to come.
Images by Paul Brennan from Pixabay
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