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Topic: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely? (Read 1012 times) previous topic - next topic

What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Besides the RV papers are there any commercial brands that wont clog up the works???

Thanks Rob
2002 U320
Houston, Texas
Rob
2002 U320 36'

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #1 –
Quote
Besides the RV papers are there any commercial brands that wont clog up the works???

 Of all the disagreements between RV owners, one of the most hotly debated revolves around one of man's most basic needs--whether or not you have to use RV specialty toilet paper in your RV sewage system.

But, most RV old-timers insist you don't need to hoof it to Camping World and pay an arm and a leg for specially formulated toilet paper; you just need to choose a septic-safe one-ply tissue.

There's a quick and easy trick to figure out if your favorite brand of toilet paper is already RV-friendly:

    * Take an empty Mason jar (or really any quart-sized container, we used an empty spaghetti sauce jar)
    * Fill at least three-quarters full with water
    * Put in two sheets of the toilet paper in question
    * Shake vigorously for 30 seconds or so.
    * Let it rest for 10 minutes.

When you return, if it's shredded or beginning to dissolve, you know it's safe for your RV's septic system. RVers writing in numerous RV owner forums recommend either this test or a similar one in which you leave the TP in the jar overnight and see if it has dissolved.

Among those discussing the issue in forums, Scott—a brand of household toilet paper safe for septic systems, which also comes in quick dissolving and 40 percent recycled versions—is the most recommended toilet tissue, while Angel Soft (which is inexpensive and easy to find) and Thetford (which is slightly more expensive and found at Camping World and other specialty stores) also got high marks.

While all toilet tissue these days are biodegradable, you may want to consider using 100 percent post-consumer recycled toilet paper so more trees don't have to be cut down just so you can wipe your bum. Choosing a non-bleached version won't make a difference to the effectiveness, but will prevent the waste from leaching dioxin into the environment after you dump it. Liquid Gold, which is made for RVs, is 100 percent recycled and chlorine-free.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #2 –
I use Scott single ply toilet paper and periodically while travelling with the black tank that is at least 50% or more full, place about 20 pounds of ice cubes into the toilet then dump when first arrive at the next stop. 

The ice cube aggitation loosens and breaks up as much residue in the tank as possible depending upon condition but it should due a decent job.  I have done this quite a while on 2 gas coaches I previously owned and have not had any problem with clogs or smells in the bathroom or coach.

Tony
Tony Pasquale
SOLD....
'99 U295 36'
WTFE, 04/99, #5572
Toad: 2020 Equinox

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #3 –
 
Quote
Besides the RV papers are there any commercial brands that wont clog up the works???
We don't put used toilet paper in the toilet.  We put it in a waste basket.
 
A habit we picked up in Mexico
___

best, paul
"Thriving not surviving" <(*¿*)>
Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon)
See our blog at LazyDazers.com
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #4 –
We use Scott single ply as well.  It breaks apart quite quickly in the "shake in a jar with water" test, and one of the recent packages I bought even stated RV in addition to Septic safe.

-M
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #5 –
For what its worth, we use Scott RV paper we purchase at Walmart. We like it much better than the Thetford premium brand. I am now wondering if the regular Scott single ply isn't the same stuff but a little less expensive. Can someone be more specific as to the type of Scott paper.

Also, I learned a trick to unplugging a stopped up black tank. Last winter I left the black tank valve open by mistake and ended up with a blocked outlet and a full black tank. That can be a real problem unless you like wearing the black tank contents. If you run a snake or a hose up the sewer pipe to loosen the block, guess where the goo will go when you break the blockage. Sooo, the answer is to fill the gray tank as full as it will go. With the sewer cap on the sewer outlet, open the gray tank valve and then open the black tank valve. The volume of the gray tank is larger than the black tank so it creates back pressure on the black tank blockage and will loosen the plug, hopefully. Be sure to close the gray tank valve first then the black tank valve (REMEMBER, always open the gray water valve first and close it first to keep from getting black tank contents in the gray water tank)  Place a pan of adequate size, a plastic dish pan that you can throw away is ideal, under the sewer outlet. Then very gingerly take off the sewer cap and get the heck out of the way. Its a little messy but it is better than having the whole black tank open in your lap and run all over the ground. Hook up your sewer hose and empty tanks as normal.

If this little trick doesn't break the blockage immediately (you will see a small amount of black tank contents in the pan if it worked) then recap the sewer pipe and open both valves again and let it set over night. For a very stubborn blockage, drive the coach with the valves open. BE DARN SURE THE CAP IS ON TIGHT AND THE O- RING IS FUNCTIONAL.

If none of the above works, take it to a pro and let them break the black dam.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
Sooo, the answer is to fill the gray tank as full as it will go. With the sewer cap on the sewer outlet, open the gray tank valve and then open the black tank valve. The volume of the gray tank is larger than the black tank so it creates back pressure on the black tank blockage and will loosen the plug, hopefully.

Several of our members have added a 3rd waste valve that helps with this as well.  It allows the grey to backflush the black plus it eliminates that "no man's land" plumbing zone between the tank valves and the sewer cap. 

I believe Bill W. is the originator of the 3rd waste valve idea.  It's something Steve plans on adding to our coach (when he isn't coding ForeForum mods).

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #7 –
Michelle, do you know where it is placed in the sewer line?
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #8 –
Right at the exit "port" where you connect the sewer hose.  I'm sure someone else will chime in with photos...
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: What Toilet Paper That Can Be Used Safely?

Reply #9 –
I just replace my old oversized Foretravel sewer connector and waste valves two weeks ago, I wish I had thought of that. Oh well, I will just have to be careful not to leave the valve open when parked. I've never had a problem with the valve closed.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback