Should Your Rv Toilet Hold Water? It’s Time To Find Out
What To Know
- If you are camping in cold temperatures, the water in your RV toilet can freeze, causing damage to the toilet and plumbing system.
- The decision of whether or not to keep water in your RV toilet is a personal one.
- An RV toilet can smell for several reasons, including a lack of water, a clogged vent, or a dirty toilet bowl.
When it comes to RV living, the question of whether or not the toilet should hold water is a common one. While some RVers prefer to keep their toilets filled with water, others opt to leave them dry. In this blog post, we will delve into the pros and cons of both approaches, helping you make an informed decision for your RV.
Advantages of Keeping RV Toilet Water
Odor Control
A major advantage of keeping water in your RV toilet is odor control. The water acts as a barrier, preventing unpleasant odors from escaping into the RV. This is especially important if you are using a composting toilet or if you have a limited ventilation system.
Waste Breakdown
The water in your RV toilet helps to break down waste, making it easier to flush and empty the tank. This can prevent clogs and ensure a smooth operation of your toilet system.
Disadvantages of Keeping RV Toilet Water
Freezing
If you are camping in cold temperatures, the water in your RV toilet can freeze, causing damage to the toilet and plumbing system. This is a major concern for RVers who live in or travel to areas with freezing temperatures.
Water Conservation
Keeping water in your RV toilet can waste water, especially if you are not using the toilet frequently. This can be a concern for RVers who are boondocking or have limited access to water.
Advantages of Leaving RV Toilet Dry
Water Conservation
Leaving your RV toilet dry is a great way to conserve water. This is especially important for RVers who are boondocking or have limited access to water.
Easy Maintenance
A dry toilet is easier to maintain than a toilet that holds water. You do not need to worry about cleaning or replacing the water seal, and you can simply dump the waste tank when it is full.
Disadvantages of Leaving RV Toilet Dry
Odor
A dry toilet can be more prone to odors than a toilet that holds water. This is because there is no water barrier to prevent odors from escaping into the RV.
Clogs
Without water to help break down waste, a dry toilet can be more prone to clogs. This can be a major inconvenience and can require you to manually unclog the toilet.
Factors to Consider When Making a Decision
The decision of whether or not to keep water in your RV toilet depends on several factors, including:
- Climate: If you are camping in cold temperatures, you should leave your toilet dry to prevent freezing.
- Usage: If you are using your toilet frequently, you may want to keep it filled with water for odor control and waste breakdown.
- Water availability: If you have limited access to water, you should leave your toilet dry to conserve water.
- Maintenance: If you are not comfortable with maintaining a water-filled toilet, you should leave it dry for easier maintenance.
Alternatives to Water-Filled RV Toilets
If you do not want to keep water in your RV toilet, there are several alternatives available:
- Composting toilets: These toilets break down waste into compost, which can be used as fertilizer.
- Cassette toilets: These toilets have a removable cassette that can be dumped at a designated waste station.
- Portable toilets: These toilets can be used anywhere, making them ideal for RVers who are boondocking or camping in remote areas.
Summary: Making an Informed Decision
The decision of whether or not to keep water in your RV toilet is a personal one. By weighing the pros and cons of both approaches and considering the factors that are important to you, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Why does my RV toilet smell?
A: An RV toilet can smell for several reasons, including a lack of water, a clogged vent, or a dirty toilet bowl.
Q: How often should I empty my RV toilet tank?
A: You should empty your RV toilet tank when it is about two-thirds full to prevent clogs and overflows.
Q: What should I use to clean my RV toilet?
A: You can use a variety of cleaners to clean your RV toilet, including RV toilet cleaner, bleach, or vinegar.
Q: How do I unclog an RV toilet?
A: You can unclog an RV toilet by using a plunger, a drain snake, or a chemical drain cleaner.
Q: How do I winterize my RV toilet?
A: To winterize your RV toilet, you should drain all the water from the toilet and plumbing system, and then add antifreeze to the toilet bowl and tank.
