When it comes to RV living, one of the most common questions is whether or not regular toilet paper can be used in an RV. After all, RV-specific toilet paper can be expensive and it’s not always easy to find. So, can you use regular toilet paper in an RV? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
First, it’s important to understand that not all regular toilet paper is created equal. Some brands and types of toilet paper are more likely to cause issues in an RV’s plumbing system than others. For example, thicker, more absorbent toilet paper can take longer to break down and can potentially cause clogs in the RV’s black water tank.
However, there are plenty of regular toilet paper options that are safe to use in an RV. Many major brands offer toilet paper that is specifically designed to break down quickly and easily, making it safe for use in RVs. Additionally, there are alternative options to traditional toilet paper, such as biodegradable wipes or bidets that can also be used in an RV.
Understanding RV Toilets
RV toilets are different from traditional home toilets. They use a holding tank to store waste until it can be emptied at a dump station. The holding tank is typically located beneath the toilet and is connected to the toilet bowl by a pipe. The tank is sealed to prevent odors from escaping and has a vent pipe to allow gases to escape.
RV safe toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and easily in water, making it safe for use in RVs. It is usually labeled as “RV safe” or “septic safe” and can be found at most camping and RV supply stores.
Some popular brands include Thetford, Camco, and Scott Rapid Dissolve. Using the wrong type of paper can lead to expensive repairs and unpleasant odors.
Types of Toilet Paper
Regular Toilet Paper
Regular toilet paper is the most common type of toilet paper used in households. It is soft, comfortable, and easily available. However, using regular toilet paper in an RV can lead to clogging and other issues.
Most regular toilet paper is not designed to dissolve quickly, which can cause problems in an RV’s black water tank. The tank can become clogged, which can lead to unpleasant odors and the need for costly repairs.
However, some brands of regular toilet tissue are safe to use in an RV. These brands are designed to dissolve quickly and are labeled as safe for use in RVs and boats. If you choose to use regular toilet paper in your RV, make sure to select a brand that is safe for use in RVs.
RV-Specific Toilet Paper
RV-specific toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and prevent clogs in an RV’s black water tank. It is made from materials that break down easily, such as recycled paper and plant fibers.
RV-specific toilet paper is more expensive than regular toilet paper, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs and unpleasant odors. It is also more environmentally friendly, as it is made from recycled materials.
When selecting an RV-specific toilet tissue, make sure to choose a brand that is labeled as safe for use in RVs. Some brands may claim to be RV-friendly, but they may not dissolve quickly enough to prevent clogs.
Can You Use Regular Toilet Paper in an RV?
One of the most common questions among RVers is whether they can use regular toilet paper in their RV. The answer is yes, but it depends on a few factors. In this section, we’ll discuss the factors to consider, potential problems, tips for using regular toilet paper in an RV, and whether specific brands like Costco, Charmin, and Scott are safe for RV use.
Factors to Consider
When it comes to using regular toilet paper in an RV, there are a few factors to consider. First, you need to look for toilet paper that is designed to dissolve quickly in water. This is because RV toilet systems are not as powerful as residential systems and require a specific type of rapid dissolving toilet paper that breaks down easily.
Second, you need to consider the size of your RV’s holding tank. If you have a small holding tank, you’ll want to use toilet paper that breaks down quickly to avoid clogs and backups.
When choosing a “regular” TP for your RV, the less thick the better. Opt for single ply if you can, but avoid the super thick products that are out there.
Potential Problems
If you use regular toilet paper that doesn’t break down easily in water, you may experience clogs and backups in your RV’s holding tank. This can be a messy and expensive problem to fix, so it’s important to use the right type of toilet paper.
Tips for Using Regular Toilet Paper in an RV
If you want to use regular tp in your RV, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, look for toilet tissue that is labeled as “septic tank safe”. This type of toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water and is safe for use in RVs.
Second, use only as much of your favorite brand toilet paper as you need. Overuse of toilet paper can lead to clogs and backups in your RV’s holding tank.
Third, consider using a holding tank treatment product that is designed to break down waste and toilet paper in your RV’s holding tank.
Is Costco Toilet Paper Safe for RVs?
Costco and Kirkland toilet paper is safe for use in RVs. It’s 2-ply, which is a plus, and relatively inexpensive.
Can I Use Charmin Toilet Paper in My RV?
Charmin Ultra Soft and Charmin Essentials Strong are two Charmin toilet papers that can safely be used in an RV. You should not use Charmin Ultra Strong, as it is too thick for your RV’s system.
Is Scott Toilet Paper RV Safe?
Scott toilet paper is safe for use in RVs as long as you use it in moderation and don’t overuse it. The most common single-ply, 1,000 sheets-per-roll works great. However, it’s important to note that not all Scott products are safe for RV use, so be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.
How To Test Your Toilet Paper To See If It’s RV Safe
If you’re not sure whether your preferred brand of toilet paper is safe to use in your RV, there’s a simple test you can do. Here’s how:
- Fill a glass jar (like a mason jar) halfway with water.
- Add a few (clean and unused) squares of your regular toilet paper to the jar.
- Put the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously twice.
- Let the jar sit for about 5 minutes.
- If the tissue has dissolved or broken down, it’s safe to use in your RV. If it’s still intact, it’s not RV safe and could cause clogs in your system.
It’s also worth mentioning that even if your regular toilet tissue passes the dissolve test, it’s still a good idea to use septic-safe toilet paper in your RV. These papers are specifically designed to break down quickly and easily in RV septic systems to help prevent clogs and backups.
Conclusion
After conducting thorough research, we can conclude that using regular toilet paper in an RV is possible, but it’s important to choose the right brand..
If you do choose to use regular toilet paper, we recommend conducting the at-home water jar test to ensure that your preferred brand dissolves quickly. Additionally, it’s important to use only a small amount of toilet paper at a time and to avoid flushing anything else down the toilet, such as flushable wipes or feminine hygiene products.
What’s your favorite brand of TP to use in your RV? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, check out our other RV repair and troubleshooting guides while you’re here:
Can You Dump Grey Water On The Ground?
How To Make A DIY RV Sewer Hose Support
RV Low Point Drain Valve: Everything You Need To Know
What To Do If Your RV Toilet Is Not Holding Water
