RV toilets come in both round and elongated shapes. Which shape you should choose depends on the space you have available in your RV, as well as your personal preference. Round toilets are typically smaller, making them the more space-efficient choice for RV owners who have limited space.
However, elongated toilets are usually more comfortable to sit on and tend to be more stylish. Ultimately, which shape you choose is a personal decision, so be sure to measure your space before making your purchase.
What type of toilet is in an RV?
The type of toilet you will commonly find in an RV is a cassette toilet. This is a type of RV-specific toilet that functions like a portable toilet but has an in-built tank and separate waste cassette.
The waste cassette is designed to be removed and emptied while the in-built tank holds the water and chemicals needed to break down the waste. These toilets are relatively inexpensive, simple to set up and maintain, and available in a variety of sizes.
Generally, they are space-saving and easy to use, and can easily be integrated into the overall design of an RV. While cassette toilets do require more maintenance and often smell more, when properly cared for and ventilated, they can provide excellent sanitation.
How do you tell if your toilet is elongated or round?
To determine if your toilet is elongated or round, look at the toilet seat; an elongated toilet seat measures approximately 18. 5″ from the wall to the center of the toilet bowl, whereas a round seat measures approximately 16.
5″ from the wall to the center of the toilet bowl. Additionally, if you look at the shape of the toilet bowl itself, an elongated bowl is oval-shaped, while a round toilet bowl is more circular. Additionally, if the tank is located behind the bowl, rather than on top, your toilet is most likely elongated.
Lastly, if you have the toilet’s model number or serial, you may be able to look that up online to determine the shape of the toilet.
Will a regular toilet fit in a RV?
Yes, a regular toilet will fit in a recreational vehicle (RV). However, the actual installation process may differ from an installation in a residential or commercial building. RVs typically have a smaller bathroom, thus requiring an RV toilet to be installed in order to fit comfortably.
Additionally, changing the waste piping and tank setup can often be more complex in an RV due the limited space and unique layout of the RV plumbing components. Additionally, it may be difficult to adapt a residential toilet to fit an RV as the shape of the bowl may be too large.
Therefore, it is best to check with a professional before attempting to install a toilet in an RV. Additionally, because of the compact size of most RVs, lower-flow toilets are often more ideal to reduce strain on the plumbing system and conserve water during travel.
Ultimately, while a regular toilet may fit in an RV, it is important to consider the size of the restroom, accessibility of the plumbing components, and reduce water usage when possible to ensure a successful installation.
Are all RV toilets the same?
No, not all RV toilets are the same. They can vary greatly in terms of size, material, flush system, and even cost. Generally, there are two types of toilets available for recreational vehicles: gravity-fed and macerating toilets.
Gravity-fed toilets utilize a traditional design in which waste is moved via gravity through a plumbing system, while macerating toilets use a special pump to flush away the waste.
In terms of material, RV toilets are available in either plastic or porcelain. While plastic toilets are typically cheaper, they are not as durable as porcelain models. Additionally, plastic models often require a special sealant to prevent any leaking.
Finally, in terms of cost, RV toilets can range greatly depending on the size, type, and model. Low-end RV toilets may cost as little as $40-$50, while more expensive models can run up to several hundred dollars.
Ultimately, the type of RV toilet you choose will depend on your budget and specific needs.
Do RV toilets have pee traps?
Yes, RV toilets typically have pee traps. A pee trap, also known as a P-trap, is the U-shaped section of a toilet that holds water and prevents unpleasant odors from coming up through the drain. This water stays within the toilet and acts as a barrier to prevent odors from entering the RV.
The water is constantly refilling, so it is important to make sure it is not leaking. This can be accomplished by checking the valve mechanism underneath the toilet on a regular basis. If there is a leak, it can be fixed by simply replacing the seal inside the valve system.
The P-trap is the primary mechanism for keeping your RV smelling clean.
Why are RV toilets different?
RV toilets are different from the toilets found in typical homes because they are designed to be compact and fit into small spaces while still providing all the essential features that any toilet should have.
They often have smaller tanks, which helps conserve water while also making them easier to install in small spaces. RVs also typically have wastewater tanks that need to be emptied and replaced at least every few days.
Additionally, RV toilets may also be designed to be more efficient in terms of water usage in order to save resources while being on the go. Lastly, since RVs often travel to different regions, their toilets may also be designed to meet various compliance requirements for various local jurisdictions.
In summary, RV toilets are different from home toilets because they are designed to be more compact and efficient, have smaller tanks, require the use of a wastewater tank, and need to meet local compliance requirements.
Can you run a snake down an RV toilet?
No, it would not be advisable to run a snake down an RV toilet. Doing so could cause damage to the structure of the toilet and make it more difficult to repair. Additionally, the water in the tank may not have enough pressure or volume for a snake to effectively clean or unclog the drainage system.
In some cases, the snake may even push material further down the drain, making the issue worse. The best option for an RV toilet is to use an approved RV toilet cleaner such as “Instant Power” to dissolve any buildup in the bowl that could be causing clogs or blockages.
If problems persist, a professional should be contacted to ensure safe and effective repairs are made.
Can I pour boiling water down RV toilet?
No, it is not recommended to pour boiling water down an RV toilet. Boiling water can damage the parts of your RV’s plumbing system, particularly the seals and joints, which could lead to costly repairs.
Additionally, pouring boiling water directly into the porcelain bowl can cause it to crack. If you need to with a clog, try using a homemade solution of dish soap, baking soda, and hot water instead.
If this does not work, you may need to use a professional RV plumbing service.
Can you dump RV waste into sewer clean out?
No, you should never dump RV waste into a sewer clean out. RV waste is treated differently from household sewage, and the pipes and receptacles needed to collect and process this type of waste are very different from a typical residential sewer system.
RV waste includes black water, grey water and waste antifreeze, all of which contain bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to humans and the environment.
The waste from sink, shower and toilet drains inside an RV must be disposed of in an appropriate manner and not in a sewer clean out. It should be drained directly into RV-specific waste disposal units, either at a stationary RV park or at an approved temporary dump station.
Drain times and water flow recommendations vary from park to park and are based on the type and size of the RV and waste tank.
Additionally, disposing of RV waste in a sewer clean out is illegal in many states and carries stiff penalties, including fines, imprisonment and potential civil litigation that could result from negative environmental impacts.
How long does it take for RV toilet paper to dissolve?
The amount of time it takes for RV toilet paper to dissolve will depend on several factors, such as the type of RV toilet paper you use, the amount of water in your RV’s tank, and the temperature of the water in the tank.
Generally speaking, the breakdown process for RV toilet paper is much slower than standard toilet paper, as RV toilet paper is designed for septic systems and is designed with much more strength and durability to make sure it breaks down completely and doesn’t clog the pipes.
Generally, it takes between 30 minutes and up to three hours for RV toilet paper to dissolve, depending on the aforementioned factors. However, some RV owners have reported that it can take up to 24 hours for some brands of RV toilet paper to dissolve completely.
Are Thetford and Dometic toilets interchangeable?
No, Thetford and Dometic toilets are not interchangeable. Each brand of toilet is designed for specific use. Thetford toilets are designed for recreational vehicles, campervans, and marine vessels, while Dometic toilets are designed specifically for residential and portable sanitation systems.
Therefore, even though they are both RV toilets, they have different components and require different installation methods. Additionally, the waste holding tanks, flush systems, and direct-flush mechanisms used in each brand is unique.
Therefore, the two different brands are not interchangeable.
Are RV toilet flanges universal?
No, RV toilet flanges are not universal. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and differ depending upon the type of RV toilet you have installed. Some of the different types of RV toilet flanges you may encounter include plastic, copper, PVC, brass, and stainless steel.
Generally, the flange is used to attach the RV toilet to the pipe and plumbing infrastructure of the trailer. It is important to buy the correct size flange for your RV toilet and it is also important to use the proper materials for your particular type of toilet.
When replacing a flange, make sure to double-check the measurements and materials needed to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Can you put a regular house toilet in an RV?
Yes, it is possible to put a regular house toilet in an RV, although it is a relatively involved process. To install a regular house toilet in an RV, one will first have to create a bit of extra space.
This can be done by removing existing fixtures, such as the black water tank, and creating a space that is large enough to fit the toilet. Additionally, the RV will also need a special backing piece with a flange, as well as an elbow inlet connection, to ensure that the toilet is properly mounted to the ground.
It is also necessary to ensure that the plumbing hook-ups are compatible with the existing RV plumbing system. Once the installation is complete, the toilet will need to be securely bolted to the floor, and the water and waste connections attached.
Finally, the toilet should be tested to ensure that there are no leaks and that the flushing system works properly.
Can I put any RV toilet in my RV?
No, you cannot put any RV toilet in your RV. The toilet needs to be compatible with your RV’s installation space and waste management system. Different sizes and shapes of RV toilets are available for specific RV types and model layouts.
Depending on your RV model, you may require a different installation space, such as a drop-in, unibody, corner, or wall-hung model toilet.
You will also need to consider the size of your RV’s waste tank and whether the toilet you select is compatible with that type of tank. Various RV toilets are designed for specific waste capacities. Additionally, the RV toilet should be compatible with the type of flushing mechanism in your RV’s waste management system, such as a standard gravity flush, or a more advanced pressurized flushing system.
Finally, you may also want to consider the RV toilet’s features, such as adjustable height, hands-free flushing, bathroom vents, and other amenities. Doing your research and speaking with an RV expert or service professional may be helpful in choosing the right toilet for your RV.