💩Clogged RV Toilet 😲 (and How to Fix it!) • RV Toilet Troubleshooting

[@CF542]

Josh, your videos are number 1... and number 2, at the same time.

[@applejacks971]

Cousin Eddie has entered the chat...

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

😂

[@sniggyflu]

Very impressive!!

[@chasl3443]

You are the euphemism king...even when you are full of it! That was a great video, Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mcgilm69]

I bought my used RV at a Bish's used RV clearance. Come to find out that the previous owner did not do proper black tank maintenance and it wouldn't drain anything at all. Didn't find out until my first trip that I had this problem, so I was towing the previous owner's doody around. Took it back to my local Bish's and they used that external drain flush valve to finally get the clog cleared enough to start draining. Since then I've been religious about maintenance on the tank. I do use the Unique product, always put the product back in with a few gallons of water after flushing, and a little water in the toilet bowl to keep the seal soft and blank tank gases from finding their way back into the trailer.

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

We had an odor problem on our last trip. I’m hoping the product we’re trying works on the upcoming outing.

[@mcgilm69]

@@LisaKayOGQueen Hoping the best in your attempts. I will say I do like the Unique because it does do a great job of odor control, as well as waste breakdown. It's also safe to use in the gray tanks, so I use it there as well. The best thing you can do to help control odors is to make sure to put a few gallons of water and your tank treatments back in directly after flushing your tank, and leave it there between uses. Only do a final flush when you are putting away for the winter, especially if you are in an area where freezing is possible.

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

@@mcgilm69 thanks for the tips! We are rv newbies.

[@Erin-Thor]

Thanks for tackling this topic, today you won not one but two awards! 🥇 🥈 😊

[@grantacoatneysr9657]

THE number 2 awards?? Lol......lol.....

[@InfernosReaper]

@@stevez340 From what I've read, if it's "septic safe" it'll probably be fine

[@stevez340]

@InfernosReaper exactly! and kleenex and Charmin isn't👍

[@thomaskluck5905]

Need, thanks for this informative video. Saved it.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hahahaha Well played

[@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS]

thank you for mentioning our video Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You bet

[@RabbiJesus]

2:30 the liquid at the bottom of the black tank is healthy. Good to know. It’s basically a free chocolate smoothie. Thanks Josh.

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

RV toilet paper needs to be revamped!!! Signed, Camping wives lol

[@DixieNormas]

anything "septic safe" works great, we like Quilted Northern.

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

@@DixieNormas good to know! What we got at camping world is similar to what I get to wrap gifts. 😳🤦🏻‍♀️😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@mcgilm69]

@@LisaKayOGQueen My wife calls it "John Wayne" toilet paper. Now we just use whatever we want, so long as it is marked as "Septic Safe".

[@LisaKayOGQueen]

@@mcgilm69 😂😂

[@Healthylivingwithwendi]

Yes!! Anything that shreds as you use it is not worth using.

[@bcroft68bc]

“National Lampoon Christmas Vacation” The shitter was full.

[@montef]

Thanks Nuuurd! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Didn’t know that second product with the outside water connection even existed; so thanks for sharing that. Good to know something like that is available, in case it’s ever needed. And yes, we all know the scene from the Robin Williams (man, did he ever leave way to soon 😢) movie. :)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You’re welcome 😊

[@daniellekbingham1104]

I learned the value of using *plenty* of water to flush during my first extended solo trip this year. Don't be miserly when flushing waste down the toilet. It'll make the emptying so much easier! Avoid building a 💩 mountain! Thanks, Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

“No such thing as too much flushing water”

[@mindsetwithmarie676]

My husband and I mainly do boondocking, so most dump sites we go to do not have running water. Also, our trailer did not come with a black tank flush. What we do instead is save 1-2 five gallon water jugs, my husband will dump and then I will go add more water to the black tank and that's how we do our flush. Works really good! Still have the sensors working well. We also always dump back in a 5 gallon clean water with the black tank pod once we are done so the tank is good to go for the next time!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ty for sharing - good tips

[@rsmartin68]

Unique Digest it or Liquefied in the tank, Scotts rapid dissolve TP and water, and more water..... and more water ... and like Our King of The Nerd Herd said, NO personal wipes down the terlet!!

[@maxhicksarmor21]

Josh old buddy you are freaking hilarious. I watch everyone of your videos! Although I watched them to try to figure out which RV I really want and which one would be the best for me and my family. But you are hilarious dude. You keep right on going and I’ll keep right on watching.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ty!

[@eringraves8027]

I love my external tank cleaner clear elbow. I use it for both tanks every time we go camping. It gets rid of all the smelly yuck in both tanks. Thanks, Josh! You're the best! Oh! I also made the no TP or Poo rule...we don't usually camp for long, though, and of course off grid the no poo rule doesn't work...

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

“If you gotta poop.. go to the neighbors campers” 😆

[@msheron]

After each camp trip and draining black tank prior to leaving a camp site, we utilize our black tank spray flush to clean the walls and sensor. We usually get a "E" indication every time! But yes, at time you hook up and prior to use of toilet, fill the black tank with about 6-8 full bowls of water and use a good additive to break down toilet paper and solid waste. Great tips Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY!

[@roberthennel]

A funny clogged toilet story from my dad: He went to university in eastern Europe in the early 60s. At that time, a big part of our country was still very rural with no flushing toilets or plumbing, just outhouses, yet many kids got to study and live in what at that time was state of the art dormitories, plumbing and tap water being generally a new-ish concept to them. There once was a badly clogged waste pipe at the dorm, turned out one of the country boys tried to flush A WHOLE DANG CHICKEN that had gone bad before he got to cook it down the toilet. Certain notices were hanged at the facilities afterwards...

[@msshessoroyal_]

We are in a really old RV 2005 Nuwa Hitchhiker and the RV repair left us hanging in a very crappy and funky situation after dispatching out to repair the clog. I am a single mom of 2 and sleeping through the smell is messing with my mental. In addition sending my kids to the clubhouse to use the restroom in the middle of the night is not ideal I am going to take matters into my own hands and try this method. Wish me good luck!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hope you're able to get that resolved It messes with my brain to see someone refer to a 2005 as "really old" but I suppose that is 20 years old in the world of RVing now

[@ClintFredenberg]

I use the Valterra back flush. Really helps to get the poop sludge out. Handy tip use a water meter to make sure you don't over fill.

[@brianbristo5702]

I guess I've been following for two years now. Yup, the conversation's turned to... Thanks for this. Short, simple and extremely helpful.

[@dme2453]

Spot on Josh! Two things helped me with black tank care. #1 is a water flow meter to use while doing a tank flush. It will count the gallons going in for you. Find your capacity and don’t get too close to it (about 75% is what I do) After the initial dump, fill that sucker up 3/4 full and let her rip. #2 is a cheap snake camera off Amazon to stick down there on occasion to see how I’m doing with my tank flush outs. I am also part of the crowd that doesn’t use tank chemicals. In my own experience my tank cleans up better without it. Happy Camping!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Flow meter is a great idea! TY for the tip

[@JandAReview1]

Thanks for the number 2 video!

[@trevithicktools2815]

A good way to keep the build up down. Is put a little water in the tank with a bag of ice. Drive home or to the dump station. The ice will break up the solids. When you dump it, it should all be water.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah like cleaning a coffee pot

[@trevithicktools2815]

@@JoshtheRVNerd yes if you do that every time you are done camping the solids should be out. Definitely introduce the ice slowly that way you do not jam the toilet.

[@marcparkinson4118]

another idea (probably already mentioned). I just got an rv with a black tank flush. Went on my first trip in May, and used. (the black take was 2/3 full when I started). I was amazed at the amount of brown stuff, and TP that came out. I will do this every time. Keep it clean us a lot of water. For other commenters what is your opinion of the pine sol, calgon vs chemicals in the tank(

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah those really do help

[@214steveg]

The Nerd Herd cleaning out an RV Turd

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

🫡

[@supersami7748]

Almost all RV’s built in the last 5-7 years have a black tank flush to hook a hose up to. Another thought, many RV’s don’t have a straight tube dumping into the black tank (like my present rig and a trailer I had several years ago) instead it’s an S shape tube. If you don’t have the blank tank flush fitting you’ll need the black tank rinser that uses a flexible shaft. Josh give us your thoughts on the grey tank. I’ve had RV’s since 1972 and on the suggestion of an old customer/friend who owns a 40 year old RV parts and service center I’ve started leaving the grey tank closed on the occasion I’ve got full hookups. I dump the grey tank every few days and it does cut way down on the grey tank odor even without chemicals. I’ve done this for about 10 years and it really does help.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I don’t like leaving greys open for a variety of reasons

[@stevengilbert6613]

After we dump. I put in about 5 gallons of water and a 1/2 cup of Dawn detergent. I let that swish back and forth until our next camp and dump. Never had any issues and helps the sensors to work too.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ty for the tip!

[@richardkoch8752]

Also at Rally's there are professionals providing black & grey tank cleaning service. One of the things professionals really do recommend are the back flush that Josh showed. Usually four or five back flushes will really help.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

oh that's a solid tip! TY

[@richardkoch8752]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Just had to use "solid" huh? LOL!!!!

[@thazen783]

Glad I watched this while eating lunch lol.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Lesson 2: Fiber Intake

[@martaleary5598]

Thanks for the tips! Love that clear elbow !!! I may get one of those to keep just in case!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You'll be happy if you need it! Nice to see when the line is clear instead of guessing

[@kevincassidy8131]

The “MAGICAL TURD WAND WIZARDRY” !!

[@popeyeandy959]

The back flush part works by blasting a stream of water into the blockage where the discharge pipe is connected. All fine, well and good if it's a straight shot. I have a couple bends from the stinky-slinky connection and the tank so unless I can stop the water from draining to the dump station, the water isn't going to even hit the blockage. Maybe if there was another gate valve after the flush hose connection. But then you would need to charge the flush hose for only a second or two once the clear elbow looked full of water and then drained it all and repeated that several times. WITH an observer inside.

[@jackofalltrades64]

The Hydro Flush also works wonders if your waste line freezes.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ah good intel Ty

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

Thank Josh!

[@sitchad]

How fun, now this is why we have a Newmar and macerator Dometic toilet, no issues but this is a great info video.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Had a customer call that the “power dumper” once 😆

[@Patricksmancave]

Thank you for all your helpful tips Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

My pleasure!

[@allenthompson3605]

Thanks nuuurd! Keep the videos coming!! Always great topics and exactly what I tell my customers when I do orientation’s. 1 ply TP only!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@AT2021Rocker]

I added a secondary valve to the drain system, then I put on a clear valved assembly with flush port before draining. This way I’ve always got a seal/valve and can see how it’s draining.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

that's such a good idea

[@joelfournier6430]

We recently had an issue with a used rv. I had dumped the black tank and forgot that i had left the valve open. We had the mother of all clogs. I contacted an rv tech who graciously gave me an inside tip. I purchased a 6ft piece of pex, attached a shut off valve to connect a hose. Working from inside i worked the pex down into the black tank and eventually cleared the clog. I then purchased a flush king backflush and a water meter and now i regularly flush all my tanks.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ah smart

[@justindavis1546]

Good information. People don't know what they don't know. Side note; I've never known you to sale anything through any of your videos.

[@robertroth287]

Thanks, Josh. It was helpful.

[@philipgerry5228]

This seems to be more of an issue with boondockers who conserve as much water as possible. I use the black tank flush hose every time I dump the black tank. With full hookups use lots of water. We had an issue when we took the travel trailer in for service and had not cleaned black tank. I used the black tank flush to add pressure to the black tank, just don’t use the toilet when doing this.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah lot of water is the key - tricky when resources are limited

[@diverm2371]

Good job...

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY!

[@DebbySmith-w6n]

Thanks, good to know!

[@ymbmom]

Thank you for the information 😊 it makes me want to watch you more

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Glad to assist!

[@thomaswinslow1542]

That sounds like a nightmare. One more reason to love our pop up camper. No black tank to deal with.

[@acdii]

OK, once you get the poopile out, prevent it by adding this to your tank after every dump. 1 cup Dawn dish soap, one capful of Calgon water softener, and a bleach tablet. Follow up with a gallon of water. This works especially well if you are taking off to other places. A few gallons of added water will help it slosh around while driving to clean up the rest of the tank and sensors, especially if TP gets stuck to them. I think its called Geo dump.

[@Rick-qf5de]

Guy at works wife had the same problem..... They had to operate on her colon, manually removed 32 lb, then flushed out another 6 lb grease mixture , out of her intestines...

[@jaybird4095]

Three things I tell everyone. There is no such thing as to much water when you flush. After dumping put back in at least 10% tabk capacity of water back into the tank. Lastly dump with 3/4 or fuller tank. I have found when my sensors start acting up I put about a 1/2 cup of water softener (I use liquid fabric softener) into the tank after dumping. It changes the properties of the water and helps clean the tank and sensors.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

🙌🏻 great stuff!

[@ToddChapman-m8t]

Thanks!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Welcome!

[@robertlittle8672]

Thanks for the terd education for all us in the nerd herd😂 💩 HAPPENS

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

lol you bet

[@humpherysledge]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Glad I could help!

[@grantmanes1127]

I full time in one spot so every two weeks I empty black tank.. fill tank with water hose..dawn dish soap..empty..do it again. Never had an issue. and also never had an odor issue.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That’s a great practice

[@bobabooie6389]

Ross is great 👍🏻🇺🇲

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

real talk: His videos are truly so much better than mine lol

[@timf6916]

Good information

[@texillini1]

Great tips!!! 👍

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks for watching!

[@amymaley]

We bought a used camper that had never had its tanks dumped. The poor dealer found it during our walk thru. We didnt take the camper UNTIL that was corrected. It was so bad they dropped the black tank and installed a new one. I am always a weirdo about my tank now though.

[@richardbillin5190]

Great tips a simpler method to keep you black tank cleaned is an occasional trip to Taco Bell…Problem Solved 👍

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Ok, here goes. Synonyms for Poop: pooh (not Winnie), crap, sh_t, chowder, log, cable, doodoo, cahcah, scat, dung, feces, excrement, turd, and the ever popular guano. Feel free to add to the list but try not to look it up on the net. 😁

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

😂

[@EdnaTomlinson]

Very helpful..❤

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Good!

[@GaryBrownrigg]

Tanks, noid! 😂

[@acdii]

Josh, sounds like you need more fiber in your diet! LOL

[@Deb16-]

We fix hours with a krakatos stick! 😂

[@thetraveltrailerguy]

Great video :)

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks!

[@Goatroppin]

FYI the wand you had to stick into the black tank should be on a hose that is connected to at least a vacuum breaker on the hydrant. If hose in in the black tank and water is is turned off on building it will siphon black tank water and contents into your potable water on building. This is very bad and could contaminate an entire neighborhood and make people sick if not kill someone. Backflow containment devices are definitely required for this application. A yard hydrant will definitely siphon when just shouting off. DO NOT EVER LEAVE THIS WAND IN TANK WHEN YOU SHUT OFF WATER. My 2 cents

[@waynec3121]

Now that was a mouth full lol

[@novinnovations4026]

Meanwhile, my permanent camping spot has no sewage or water hookup 😅

[@stevez340]

Wait until your black water tank is 2/3 full if possible and the tank will have a better chance of fully flushing and use RV toilet paper that will break down in the tank👍unlike Kleenex and Charmin that will “NOT” break down properly and may clog the tank😬

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

👍🏻 Ty Steve

[@J_J_S_S]

Thanks NUUURD! 😂

[@JoshuaCrunk]

What a croc of... This video is full of.... This is the kind of video I expect from you. 8-) Seriously tho, good video.

[@marcparkinson4118]

LOL

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

lol well played

[@antonk1893]

You got my ear ,, go ahead I'm listening cause 😅 💣🚽💥💥💥💥💥💥💥😂

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

😂

[@antonk1893]

@@JoshtheRVNerd every day 💣🚽💥💥💥💥💥🍻

[@tlewisAK]

Thanks Nerd (with 3 uuu’s). #NerdHerd

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

😆

[@ronhanish]

Smaller pipes, not a good idea.😂😂😂

[@carltuckerson7718]

I’ve been eating a lot of cheese lately - Uncle Buck

[@oldbamadirt2148]

O'h Yes Tank Clener Is Cheper . You Dont Want To Pay Me To Do It. Want To Know What Your Going To Do When You See The Bill.

[@robertaviles8451]

2:46 My travel trailer has the "tank flush" gizmo on it (in it 🤔 ... you know what I mean) . Isn't that the same as that "Toilet Wand" ? 🧠🔍... 🤔 Just curious...

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Basically yes but it only has one point of distribution and sprays all over lightly The wands can be directed with more focused force to break up bad news

[@marcparkinson4118]

@@JoshtheRVNerd My sprayer sounds like it spays all over the place. I am hoping if I use it all the time, I will never have the issue. Black tank sprayer, may be a ounce of protection (hope to never need the cure) Thx for the video

[@RichardQuaid]

I thought it was called poop mountain, maybe a different part of the country.

[@davidgates1122]

Simple rule: if it is not on the provided roll or was in your stomach at one point, it does not go in the RV toilet.

[@billmonroe7328]

Putting in the "stool softener" chemical and a "healthy" amount of water...assuming you dont overflow it...let that sit for a few hours... then drive around for 30 min or more...and usually that will turn anything into a smoothie that will drain.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

👍🏻

[@mjs9710]

Fil 50% or more

[@Healthylivingwithwendi]

How does this work if you have a bend right at the bottom of your tank? You can’t use a wand because it won’t bend.

[@trzam400]

Another great video #2💩

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thank you for watching!

[@InfernosReaper]

To be real, "flushable wipes" aren't flusable to begin with. If they don't badly clog your system, they'll definitely do it further down if they aren't rarely used

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Yeah that’s true even for residential systems

[@trekster9269]

Best solution is dietary changes.

[@davidgutierrez6888]

Use a camping toilet instead that has its own storage tank

[@Cowboy47]

#RVNerdHerd 🎉 😊 🎉

[@laura7053]

🎉#NerdHerd

[@lyfandeth]

Incinolet, Josh. No more black tank. Just empty the ashtray once a week and pour the ash powder out. Even wipes & tp.

[@martinfartin85]

Missed opportunity "do-dos, and don't-don'ts".

[@S.JerseyJim]

Fill it up before you leave. Get that water in there slopping around on the road. Then open it in your back yard like I did thinking, “it can’t be too bad”. Oops😳

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

😆

[@YoungGun821]

0:20 A floor vent right next to a toilet???? Who thought that's a good idea?

[@MrAnubus27]

**LOAD**

[@TheCrash1987]

Well, that’s a shitty situation

[@BrodieBro323]

The vent on the floor next to the toilet is a terrible idea. Kids definitely gonna miss and pee in it.

[@tiffanystokes5509]

I don’t have anything to do with this product at all but I have heard that the product “LIQUIFIED” works great for RV toilet systems. It has enzymes that breaks down the solids so that your system doesn’t get clogged. I heard of this stuff because I watch Matt’s RV Reviews on youtube and he created this product. I don’t have an rv but I know people that do and they use this product. I heard it also smells pretty good 😂. So try it out!!😊

[@SmokeyBear2001]

We have a rule...no number 2 in camper unless emergency! Use the campground restrooms whenever duty calls.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I've seen a few other folks mention that and swear by it

[@christymckinley2928]

What a CRAPPY topic...lmao.. Hey Uncle Josh.. I would love to know what your thoughts on different Turd Toters would be... Ours has been named.. YESTERDAYS MEALS ON WHEELS

[@richardharmon4112]

the Fecal Blaster!!!!!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Really rolls off the tongue doesn’t it

[@richardharmon4112]

Can't imagine that on my tongue 😂

[@swamprat9018]

well this is one crappy video. I have not even used the toilet in the camper, dont want to deal with the mess....but one day I will, I expect.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I’ve spoken to a few folks who feel like this. Most eventually use the rvs toilet eventually and find it not to be a big deal like they thought