The Best RV Toilet Treatment Guide
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Ensuring that your plumbing system and toilet are maintained might not be the most glamorous job when owning an RV but it is an important one. This is why our best RV toilet treatment guide will save you a lot of time and effort.
I’m going to go through why you need to treat the toilet in an RV, a few things to consider when doing so, what the best RV toilet treatments are, and what is the best one that you should buy.
First, let’s have a quick look at how the plumbing and the toilet actually work in an RV.
This is the best liquid RV toilet treatment that you can get at the minute. Rid-X has a variety of different treatments that will ensure that your toilet is free from odors and waste!
How do RV toilets work?
There are a few different systems for RV toilets however either having the waste going into a large tank or being connected to a dumping point are the most common.
In the first method, the waste from your RV toilet goes into a tank where it is stored and will need to be emptied at designated dumping points. The other method is when your RV is connected to a hook up and the waste can be dumped there and then.
There are also different types of RV toilets out there that you can upgrade your RV with.
Full RV toilets – these are permanently fixed in the bathroom in your RV and are connected to a waste tank.
Portable RV toilets – you’ll find these in smaller RV and these types of toilets can be moved around hence the ‘portable’ name. You’ll need to manually get rid of the waste.
Composting toilets – these toilets store waste in the toilet itself rather than a tank and the waste will be converted into organic material.
Grey water and black water tanks
You might have seen the terms grey water tanks and black water tanks pop up but what is the difference? Grey water tanks hold the contents that come from sinks, baths, washing machines as well as the other water which comes from your kitchen appliances.
The black water tank is where the toilet waste goes and it is this tank and the toilet that we are going to look at for the best products to treat it.
Why do you need to treat an RV toilet?
There are several reasons why you need to treat the toilet in your RV.
It might not be the most glamorous activity when you are hitting the open road and exploring different places around the country but it is necessary that you do it.
Eliminates odors
One of the big reasons to treat the toilet in your RV is to eliminate any odors that are caused by using it.
The toilet in your RV isn’t like the one at home that sends toilet waste away and never to be seen again. In an RV it is stored in a tank which then has to be emptied. Unsurprisingly, odors can build up in the tank and the toilet which can make traveling around in the RV pretty uncomfortable.
With the different treatments for your RV toilet that I am going to show you later in this guide, you can successfully eliminate the odors in your RV and enjoy the experience of traveling around the country a lot more.
Helps to digest waste materials
Another reason that you need to treat your RV toilet and also the tanks that hold waste is to breakdown and digest different waste materials.
While disposing of waste can be made easier with an RV macerator pump, you’ll still need to ensure that the waste can be easily disposed of. With the right treatment product, you can break down things like waste solids, tissue paper and help remove any blockages in the system.
Alongside eliminating odors, breaking down the waste that goes through your toilet system in an RV is important too.
Things to consider with RV toilet treatment
Before we get into the best toilet treatments that you can buy for your RV, there are a few things you need to know before you make a purchase.
Only use specific RV toilet treatment
Many new RV owners fall into the trap of using any old cleaning product in their RV toilet, however, the best results come from an actual treatment that has been specifically designed for an RV.
These products are generally a mix of bacteria or enzyme compositions that help to break down waste and also get rid of odors in your black tank.
Liquid or dissolving tablets
You will normally find two types of RV toilet treatment – liquid and dissolving tablets.
Liquid RV treatment is flushed down the toilet into the black tank the same way you would treat a toilet at home with bleach for example. You usually don’t need a lot of liquid treatment to do the job.
Dissolving tablets are put into your RV toilet, flushed and then they dissolve in the black tank. Many people prefer this option as it means less chance of spills as you can take the powder and apply it directly to the toilet.
Make sure you have a water base in the tank
One last thing to know about is that before you put in any toilet treatment or even use the RV toilet you need a water base in your black tank.
You shouldn’t use the toilet before you do this. Add a few gallons of water to your black water tank before you do anything with the RV toilet as not doing so can result in clogs and blockages.
Best RV toilet treatment for your RV
So, what are the best RV toilet treatments that you can buy?
Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment
This is the best liquid RV toilet treatment that you can get at the minute. Rid-X has a variety of different treatments for septic tanks and normal toilets and their RV product will ensure that your toilet is free from odors and waste is broken down effectively.
It consists of a combination of enzymes and bacteria which will break down waste and RV tissue paper while also having citrus smell which will eliminate any odors. You’ll get 16 treatments out of this bottle for a 40-gallon black water tank in your RV.
It is a powerful RV toilet treatment solution that has everything you need to ensure your toilet is kept clean and your tank doesn’t get clogged up.
Pros
- Effectively dissolves and breaks up waste from your RV toilet
- Provides around 16 treatments for a 40-gallon tank
- Citrus smell to get rid of odors
- Tried and tested formula for treating your RV toilet
Cons
- Isn’t advised for people with respiratory issues
This is the best liquid RV toilet treatment that you can get at the minute. Rid-X has a variety of different treatments that will ensure that your toilet is free from odors and waste!
Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer
These tablets offer an effective drop-in solution to treat your RV toilet.
The big advantage with these tablets is that you don’t need to measure it out – you simply take one of the tablets and drop them into your toilet. It is Formaldehyde free and is also biodegradable too so it is an environmentally friendly treatment.
The Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer will work for up to 7 days after you drop it in so you don’t need to do it every day. It breaks down waste and RV tissue paper effectively and ensures you have no blockages in the system.
If you are looking for a tablet solution for your RV toilet then this is the best you can get and does everything that you need it to.
Pros
- Easy drop-in RV toilet solution
- Doesn’t contain Formaldehyde
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Works for up to 7 days
Cons
- Even though it is a tablet solution it can be an irritant to sensitive skin
The Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer will work for up to 7 days after you drop it in so you don’t need to do it every day, which is a GREAT plus if you usually forget it.
Camco TST MAX Ocean Scent RV Drop-In
This drop-in solution for your RV toilet offers a fresh ocean scent which will keep it smelling well days after you put it into your toilet.
It comes with 15 treatments per bag and you don’t have to measure anything out either as you simply just need to drop in the tablet and let it do the work. This product helps break down waste and the fresh smell gets rid of any odors too so it is highly effective.
The Camco TST MAX Ocean Scent RV Drop-In doesn’t contain any formaldehyde either and it is safe to use in all kinds of septic tanks including RV toilets and black water tanks.
Pros
- An easy drop-in solution to treat your RV toilet
- Great fresh smell to get rid of odors
- 15 treatments per bag so it is a cost-effective solution
- Doesn’t contain formaldehyde
Cons
- Tablets can melt in high-temperature environments
The Camco TST MAX Ocean Scent RV Drop-Ins doesn’t contain any formaldehyde either and it is safe to use in all kinds of septic tanks including RV toilets and black water tanks!
Walex BOI-11530 Bio-Pak Natural Holding Tank Deodorizer
Featuring a nice alpine fresh scent that will keep the toilet in your RV smelling good, the Walex BOI-11530 Bio-Pak Natural Holding Tank Deodorizer is a highly effective tablet solution for treating your toilet.
There are 10 treatments with this product and the portions come ready-made so there is no need to measure anything out and you won’t spill the product either.
It works to break down waste and it is also very effective at breaking down any type of toilet tissue and not just RV specific tissue which can be a big plus for many people. This product provides a great smell, ensures waste is broken down, and prevents blockages in your RV toilet system.
Pros
- Can break down all types of toilet tissue’
- Lovely alpine smell to keep your toilet fresh
- Ready portioned tablets
Cons
- Like many tablet solutions, can melt in hot environments
Featuring a nice alpine fresh scent that will keep the toilet in your RV smelling good, the Walex BOI-11530 Bio-Pak Natural Holding Tank Deodorizer is a highly effective tablet solution for treating your toilet.
Valterra V23002 ‘Pure Power Blue’ Waste Digester and Odor Eliminator
Moving back to the liquid solutions for RV toilets, this product from Valterra does a very good job at eliminating odors and digesting waste that comes from your RV toilet.
The Valterra V23002 ‘Pure Power Blue’ Waste Digester and Odor Eliminator is a cost-effective option as you can portion it out as you need and you usually only require two ounces of the solution per treatment. It has a clean smell and will work well in all temperatures.
It is an environmentally friendly product too so you don’t need to worry about any harmful chemicals if you happen to spill any of it either. Like all the products on this list, it is approved to be used in camping grounds as well.
Pros
- Does a great job at eliminating odors and breaking down waste
- Cost-effective and you can portion it out as you need
- Works in all temperatures
- Camping ground approved
Cons
- Possibility of spilling the product
- May need to use more of the solution than stated
TheValterra V23002 'Pure Power Blue' Waste Digester and Odor Eliminator is a great COST-EFFECTIVE option. It has a clean smell and will work well in all temperatures.
Camco 41197 TST Ultra-Concentrate Orange Scent RV Toilet Treatment
If you want a nice orange scent for your RV toilet then this product from Camco will provide just that.
It doesn’t have any harmful chemicals in it such as formaldehyde and it has been proven to eliminate odors and break down waste effectively. You will need to measure this treatment out as it comes in liquid form which can be a downside for some however it allows you to portion it out yourself and determine how much you need.
The Camco 41197 TST Ultra-Concentrate won’t stain your RV toilet either and it is already mixed so no need to dilute it before use.
Pros
- Effective treatment for your RV toilet
- Orange scene to eliminate odors
- DOesn’t need to be mixed or diluted before use
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than some other treatments
If you want a nice orange scent for your RV toilet then the Camco 41197 TST Ultra-Concentrate Orange Scent RV Toilet Treatment will provide just that. Plus, It doesn’t have any harmful chemicals!
Valterra V22011 Sensor Power Tank Gauge Cleaner
The last RV toilet treatment on this list is the Valterra V22011 Sensor Power Tank Gauge Cleaner which is another liquid cleaner.
It is safe to use on RV toilets and tanks and helps to prevent blockages by breaking down waste and tissue. This product also helps to clean sensors and effectively corrects tank gauge readings so it is more accurate.
It is a fairly cost-effective option too if you don’t want to spend a whole lot of money on a product to treat your RV toilet and clean the sensors in your tank.
Pros
- Inexpensive product and a bit cheaper than many other treatments
- Cleans sensors to help give better gauge readings
- The liquid product so you can measure out what you need
Cons
- Some people find that it takes several uses to work correctly
The last RV toilet treatment on this list is the Valterra V22011 Sensor Power Tank Gauge Cleaner helps to prevent blockages and also helps to clean sensors and effectively corrects tank gauge readings so it is more accurate.
FAQs About RV Treatments
Do I need to treat my RV toilet?
Yes. Treating your RV toilet has several advantages and is a necessary thing to do. It breaks down waste and ensures that your system isn’t blocked and also helps to eliminate odors.
What’s the difference between gray water and black water tanks?
The black water tank in your RV is where waste from the toilet goes whereas the grey water tank is for all the other waste from the RV for example from the kitchen.
What works better – liquid or tablet treatments?
Both have their advantages and whatever one you choose is dependent on what you prefer. Liquid solution means you can measure it out if you want while the tablet treatments are better if you just want to drop it into the toilet and let it work.
Can I upgrade my RV toilet?
Yes. If you want a better toilet in your RV or simply to want to upgrade to a different model you can do this.
Do I need water in the tank before I treat or use an RV toilet?
You shouldn’t use an RV toilet unless there is water already in the black tank as doing so can cause blockages and other problems.
Which RV toilet treatment should you buy?
This is the best liquid RV toilet treatment that you can get at the minute. Rid-X has a variety of different treatments that will ensure that your toilet is free from odors and waste!
Treating your RV toilet isn’t the most glamorous job of hitting the road and traveling around different sites on an adventure, however, it is necessary and something that you need to do.
Luckily it is one of the easiest maintenance jobs with your RV. Whether you opt for tablets or liquid RV toilet treatment is really down to your personal preference. Some people prefer liquid treatment because they can measure it out and use it as much as they need while other people prefer tablets that means you just put it into the toilet and let it dissolve in the tank.
The Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment is the best liquid formula that you can use as it provides up to 16 treatments per tank, has a nice smell and works really well at dissolving waste and ensuring your toilet system doesn’t become blocked.
If you want to opt for a tablet treatment for your RV toilet then go for the Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer as it is an easy drop-in solution that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly as well.
Treating your RV toilet isn’t time-consuming but it will make your travels a lot more pleasant and ensures that your sewage system doesn’t become blocked and that waste is broken down and disposed of properly.
