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Article 5 of 8 in Series: RV Toilet Clogs

Read series from the beginning

Key Points:

• Know for sure if you are dealing with a blocked line before you start clearing it; a pyramid plug shares the same symptoms but could have a different fix.
• You might be able to clear the clog with a toilet plunger.
• You may need a PEX pipe and additional bottles of tank cleaning products for stubborn pyramid plugs.

Many RV owners, especially those who are new to the lifestyle, will run into some sort of a holding tank issue, whether it be a pyramid plug, a compacted tank, or a blocked line. Of all of these types of clogs, however, a blocked line can be the most deceptive. A blocked RV toilet line is relatively uncommon, but it can be difficult to diagnose as it is often mistaken for a pyramid plug. Luckily, a blocked toilet line is normally much easier to fix than a pyramid plug, and it’s much less serious!

Clearing a Blocked RV Toilet Line

 

1. Turn your fresh water off and hold down the flush pedal.
2. Use a toilet plunger to try and force the blockage out of the line, just like you would in a home toilet.
   • If the plunger clears the blockage, turn the fresh water back on and hold down the flush pedal for a while to cleanse the pipe of any residual debris still hanging on; dump and flush the black water tank if necessary. You’re done!
   • If the plunger doesn’t clear the blockage, hold down the flush pedal and pour in one entire bottle of Unique Clear-It.
3. Let it sit in the toilet overnight.
4. Try to plunge the toilet again the next morning.
   • If the blockage is cleared, turn the fresh water back on and hold down the flush pedal for a while to cleanse the pipe of any residual debris still hanging on; dump and flush the black water tank if necessary. You’re done!
   • If it does not come loose, try using a PEX pipe or toilet snake to push the blockage down the line and into the tank. Once it clears, turn the fresh water back on and hold down the flush pedal for a while to cleanse the pipe of any residual debris still hanging on; dump and flush the black water tank if necessary. You’re done!

Review

Clearing a blocked RV toilet line is not a pleasant task, but now you have the steps you need to fix one if it ever develops again. Here’s a brief review of what we covered in this guide:

• Make sure you know what kind of clog you have before you begin trying to clear it: blocked RV toilet lines and pyramid plugs share the same symptoms.
• Fixing a blockage in the line could be as easy as using a plunger; more serious blockages could require the use of Unique Clear-It and/or a PEX pipe or RV toilet snake to push it through to the holding tank.

You might have fixed the line blockage, but what do you do if you have a pyramid plug or a compacted tank? The previous article covers how to fix a pyramid plug and the next article shows you how to fix a compacted tank, but if you are concerned with preventing a blocked toilet line in the future, refer to our guide on Preventing Clogs in Your RV Holding Tank.

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