RV Toilet Paper

RV toilet paper is toilet paper that dissolves quickly in the black water tank. It prevents the buildup of solid material that causes clogs.

Why regular TP doesn’t work

Regular household toilet paper (especially 2-ply and “ultra-soft” varieties) is designed to not dissolve quickly for household plumbing reliability. In an RV’s smaller, slower black tank, it accumulates and:

• Clogs the gate valve (the flap between toilet and tank)
• Builds up as a “pyramid” under the toilet
• Creates false “full” sensor readings
• Causes persistent odors even after dumping

What works

Two types:

1. RV-specific toilet paper — sold at any RV store, marked “septic-safe” or “RV-safe”

   • Brand names: Camco RV, Thetford Aqua-Soft
   • Costs slightly more than household TP
   • Dissolves in seconds

2. Cheap 1-ply household toilet paper — works almost as well

   • Scott 1000, Marcal 1-ply
   • Less expensive than dedicated RV TP
   • Septic-safe by default

Don’t use 2-ply, “ultra-soft,” or “extra-strong” household TP.

Quick test for dissolving

Drop a few squares into a glass of water. Swirl gently.

• Dissolves quickly (under 30 seconds): RV-safe
• Stays intact after 1 minute: Not RV-safe

What if you used regular TP and have a clog

Recovery procedure:

1. Add a tank treatment with enzymes (holding tank treatment with bio-enzymes)
2. Add 5-10 gallons of water to the black tank
3. Drive somewhere bumpy for 15-20 minutes (sloshes the tank)
4. Wait a few hours for enzymes to work
5. Dump and use black tank flush

May require repeating. Severe clogs require professional service ($200-$500).

What rental companies provide

• Most include a starter roll of RV TP in the kitchen kit
• Some sell additional rolls at the rental counter ($3-$5/roll)
• Best practice: Buy 6-8 rolls of RV-safe TP for the trip at any RV store before leaving home

Don’t put these in the toilet

• Tampons or pads — never break down
• “Flushable” wipes — don’t actually flush in RV systems
• Paper towels — too thick
• Tissues — don’t dissolve correctly
• Cigarette butts
• Hair in significant quantity
• Food scraps

Anything beyond waste and RV-safe TP eventually clogs the system.

Damage charges

Most rental contracts include cleaning fees for:

• Clogged black tank caused by non-approved TP or items
• Severe odor from improper maintenance
• Damage to gate valve from solid items

Common fee: $200-$500 for severe clogs. Premium damage waivers may cover this; basic waivers typically don’t.

In the walkthrough

The rental staff should explain TP requirements during pickup. If they don’t, ask specifically:

1. What TP can I use?
2. What do I do if I have a clog?
3. Is there an emergency contact?

Don’t assume household TP is fine. Most RV-specific damage issues stem from this single thing.