Bad Toilet Paper

[jumboscott]

FYI--This paper clogged our Black Tank (Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper, for RV & Boats), purchased @ Walmart. We 'assumed' it would break down since it was recommended for boats and rv's. However, after we would dump, tank was always 3/4 full. So we put this paper in a jar of water, let it sit and noticed it never broke down compared to cheap brands. So this paper is NOT recommended.

[wellduh326]

Just a thought, but could it have something to do with the chemicals you are using in your black tank? I have used that tissue from Walmart for the last 5 years in my Casita and have never had an issue. It dissolves completely. I'm about to continue using it in my new Escape.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by jumboscott

However, after we would dump, tank was always 3/4 full.

I don't see how this is possible if you add liquid in the beginning, and use a chemical, like Odorlos, and ensure the tank is almost full when you open the trap, there should be very little left in the tank.
If you leave the trap open for the duration of your stay, any liquid will drain, leaving a poop ( and TP ) pyramid.
I don't buy any special RV TP and I've never had this issue with tissue.
Are you only using the toilet for #2?

[davidmurphy02]

When you say that after dumping the black tank would still be 3/4 full, is that going by the tank gauge on the panel, or by visual inspection of the tank with the toilet flush valve open? It's pretty common for black tank gauge sensors to get clogged with a bit of toilet tissue or other solids and still read positive after dumping. There are ways discussed on the forum to clean out the black tank if this is a problem - I'm guessing that is what's happening.

When you open the black valve does a bunch of water rush out? The black tank drains pretty quickly. If the tank was clogged and staying 3/4 full almost nothing would be coming out when you dumped. After dumping, turn off the water, open the toilet flush valve and look down inside with a flashlight. You'll be able to either see the bottom of the tank, or will see a high water level if it is still 3/4 full.

[GregandTeresa]

I'll bet it's just the sensors. Ours always reads 1/2 to 3/4 full after we dump. Once we get it home, we use this to clean the sensors and it then reads empty.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/SWIVEL-ST...SABEgLOEfD_BwE

[jumboscott]

Did visual inspection with flashlight looking down into toilet. We use Happy Camper treatment. Got it clean by pouring bag of ice in toilet and driving. Cleaning with wand helped too.

[GregandTeresa]

We use Odorlos treatment and have never had an issue with it. And we use the Scotts tissue also.

[fudge_brownie]

Myth Busters (Or similar) did a session on ice in the toilet. Their finding was that it did not work. Always seemed like a good idea to me.

Also read here on the forum that is good to start with a gallon of water in the toilet. Tried it once so far and worked nicely.

[gbaglo]

Here is link to the video that shows dumping ice cubes in black tank is a waste of ice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH6acEmqvcw

[TTMartin]

ANY Septic Safe Toilet Paper should be fine. The following from information is from Roto-Rooter, but, it applies to RVs too.

SEPTIC-SAFE TOILET PAPER

There are numerous types of toilet paper available which are marked “septic-safe.” Generally, this designation is intended to indicate that the toilet paper will dissolve rapidly. If you’re skeptical of manufacturer labels, look for toilet papers that have been certified septic-safe by the National Sanitation Foundation, a nonprofit organization that tests products related to health and the environment.

Still uncertain?
Take matters into your own hands! If you’re particularly attached to a certain brand of toilet paper, there is a simple experiment you can conduct at home to compare brands.

Choose 3-4 brands of toilet paper to test.
Place 4-5 squares of each into a large mason jar or other clear container.
Fill the first jar about ¾ full with water. Replace the lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. This will mimic what happens to toilet paper after it is flushed and travels through the pipes and into your septic tank.
Have a look! If the toilet paper has fallen apart into tiny pieces, you’re in luck--it’s a better choice for your septic system.
Repeat with the other jars.
This comparison will show you how quickly and thoroughly different types of toilet paper dissolve, and can help you decide which is best for your septic system. If different types pass the test, then it’s up to you to decide using other factors--brand, comfort, or even convenience--what’s available at your local store for the right price.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Here is link to the video that shows dumping ice cubes in black tank is a waste of ice.

That really depends an how far you drive, and how much the ice has a chance to melt as you drive, and/or how much water you add with the ice. That video is hardly conclusive evidence that adding ice to the black tank is a waste of ice.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

ANY Septic Safe Toilet Paper should be fine. The following from information is from Roto-Rooter, but, it applies to RVs too.

SEPTIC-SAFE TOILET PAPER

There are numerous types of toilet paper available which are marked “septic-safe.” Generally, this designation is intended to indicate that the toilet paper will dissolve rapidly. If you’re skeptical of manufacturer labels, look for toilet papers that have been certified septic-safe by the National Sanitation Foundation, a nonprofit organization that tests products related to health and the environment.

Still uncertain?
Take matters into your own hands! If you’re particularly attached to a certain brand of toilet paper, there is a simple experiment you can conduct at home to compare brands.

Choose 3-4 brands of toilet paper to test.
Place 4-5 squares of each into a large mason jar or other clear container.
Fill the first jar about ¾ full with water. Replace the lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. This will mimic what happens to toilet paper after it is flushed and travels through the pipes and into your septic tank.
Have a look! If the toilet paper has fallen apart into tiny pieces, you’re in luck--it’s a better choice for your septic system.
Repeat with the other jars.
This comparison will show you how quickly and thoroughly different types of toilet paper dissolve, and can help you decide which is best for your septic system. If different types pass the test, then it’s up to you to decide using other factors--brand, comfort, or even convenience--what’s available at your local store for the right price.

This is true!

[CharlesPou]

the black water tank in my 2018 Escape 21 is swallow compared to my Casita. I never had trouble draining black water 12 years with the Casita, used whatever toilet paper was available, no special considerations. the Escape is problematic, and will easily form the dreaded pyramid, which is definitely a messy issue to get rid of. I found kitchen dish detergent like Dawn to help, and lots of water and driving around did the trick.

I'm careful to buy Scotts 1000 now, seems to work better for me. also, if you ever travel to the Caribbean Islands you may notice the locals don't want you to put toilet paper in the commode, but want it in the trash can instead. I'm not saying that's what I do, but that practice would eliminate any toilet paper issue, oh, my black water tank gauge has never given an accurate reading from day one. cheers

[barry]

If you get "Break Through" at the critical time when wiping your ass then it's usually breaks down in the tank but it's not any good for the job at hand.
Barry

[Philipclopez]

I've never had a problem with Scott's toilet paper. I even felt so glad to have tried this Scott RV toilet paper when someone recommended it to me.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by barry

If you get "Break Through" at the critical time when wiping your ass then it's usually breaks down in the tank but it's not any good for the job at hand.
Barry

Hi: barry... Remember, "No job is finished till the paperwork's done". Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[rubicon327]

Does anyone else see the irony that this thread was started by jumboscott?