Do you love spending time outdoors? Are you planning to bring your loved ones to some RV parks or campgrounds soon? If yes, an RV toilet is a huge blessing for you. In most cases, RVs feature well-designed bathrooms in addition to plenty of storage, a bed, and cooking facilities. Now, the question is – how much water does an RV toilet use per flush?
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Getting comfortable spots exactly at your trailer, including a clean toilet, help achieve the best RV camping experience. RV toilets are available in varying types, including vacuum, compostable, portable, etc. Each type differs in substrate, shape, size according to the luxury and space inside the rig.
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How Much Water Does a RV Toilet Use Per Flush
Unlike toilets in residential homes, most RV toilets use a small amount of water to operate. Generally, RV toilets use approximately three quarts of water to work effectively per flush. Besides, these toilets are configured with water-saving flushing systems so that you don’t have to worry about unnecessary waste of water.
However, the amount of water per flush when using an RV toilet still depends on the toilet type and size. You can encounter RV toilets that use only a quart per flush. For instance, a vacuum toilet uses a small amount of water since vacuum power pulls the waste through the flexible tube and sends it to a holding tank.
How to Flush Your RV Toilet
If it is your first time using an RV toilet, it may take a moment before figuring out how to flush. First, you have to press the foot pedal lightly. By doing so, it releases water into the toilet bowl. If you further press it down, more water will fill the bowl. Next, you need to completely push the pedal down to open the toilet bowl’s base and release its content into the black tank.
Common Types of RV Toilets
Don’t worry if it is your first time purchasing an RV toilet; we give you the following common types of RV toilets.
Traditional Toilet
A traditional RV toilet is very similar to a conventional home’s plastic or porcelain one. It is installed above the holding tank rather than over the sewer or septic connection. It requires water to function by connecting to the RV’s water tank or an external water supply.
Cassette Toilet
This RV toilet type is basically a portable toilet fixed with a cassette (black water tank). Through the access panel within the RV, you can remove the toilet. The small tank can hold around 4.5 to 5 gallons. In other words, you have to empty it more frequently.
Portable Toilet
Do you have limited space and want to avoid plumbing? Then, a portable toilet is an excellent choice for you. It is easy to install because you do not need to fix it in any spot. Since it comes with a detachable holding tank, you can empty it in a dump station or a standard toilet.
Composting Toilet
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly toilet option, you can go for a composting RV toilet. It does not use water, which is handy for boondocking and cold weather. It does not have a holding tank, so you must sprinkle some composting materials like peat moss or coconut fiber to avoid wafting odors.
How to Use RV Toilets at Their Best
A built-in toilet in an RV gives you convenience and comfort throughout your camping experience. However, it helps if you consider cleaning and keeping it odorless.
While you can install a toilet according to your requirements, like space limitations, budget, or comfort level, you still have to maintain it well. We give you several tips on how to use an RV toilet effectively.
Tip 1: Use Gray Water
Do you plan to use fresh water for flushing all the time? If so, it does not work well, mainly if you are in the middle of a remote area and refilling your tank is impossible.
The best thing you can do is use water from your kitchen, such as excess runoff from the shower, leftover from washing fruits or veggies, etc. Meanwhile, you may want to consider installing a gray water system in the RV to ensure filtration before flushing the toilet.
Tip 2: Always Empty the Black Tank on Time
A full and leaky black tank causes drippy water and a wafting odor. You have to dump the contents of your tank hygienically. Do not forget to use protective masks and gloves while emptying your black tank.
Tip 3: Use Waste Odor Neutralizer
The last thing you want to experience while camping is a smelly RV. That is why cleaning and sanitizing it often is necessary. You can try a waste odor neutralizer to digest waste materials. It can also get rid of foul odor in a few minutes.
Tip 4: Utilize a Slow-Close Toilet Lid
Do you find this tip insignificant? However, it is a pro-tip to eliminate stray banging lids in the RV. Using a slow-close lid toilet helps get rid of the annoying sound produced by the lid’s rapid banging against the bowl.
Tip 5: Never Flush Toilet Paper
Suppose you want to avoid exhausting tasks like solving a clogged RV toilet while camping, do not flush used toilet paper in it. It will only form a solid mass alongside waste if you do so. Later on, it causes a problem that can compromise your camping. Instead of flushing it, you can toss it in the trash can.
Final Thoughts
Your RV toilet can make or break your camping adventure. That is why you need to maintain it properly. It is also necessary to know how much water it uses per flush to determine the amount of water you should bring every time you are on a trip. Do not forget to use the proper cleaning materials and methods to ensure a clean and healthy RV toilet at all times.
Hi I’m Tom! I have been a camper enthusiast ever since I went camping with my family as a kid, love everything that brings me closer to nature. Photographer, RV owner, husband and father, trying to help others interested in camping on this blog.