Is Spending Extra Money on RV Toilet Paper Necessary?
The question often arises among RV enthusiasts: is it worth the extra cost to purchase specialized RV toilet paper? This article aims to explore the importance of using the right type of toilet paper in your recreational vehicle and why it's not just a matter of saving a few pennies.
Understanding the Need for Quality RV Toilet Paper
When it comes to choosing toilet paper for your RV, the decision is essential. The type of toilet paper used can significantly impact the performance of your RV's marine toilet and holding tank. While cheap toilet paper may seem like a budget-friendly option, it can lead to costly and inconvenient problems during your trip.
Why Specialized RV Toilet Paper Matters
RVs are designed with their own unique toilet system that differs from home toilets and septic systems. Let's break down why using specialized RV toilet paper is necessary:
Marine Toilet Systems and Plumbing
RVs are equipped with marine toilets and plumbing systems that are specifically designed for their unique needs. Unlike home toilets, RV marine toilets use a significantly smaller amount of water for flushing. This is typically around a couple of pints of water per flush, rather than the gallons used in home toilets. The limited water supply means that the toilet paper must dissolve efficiently into this small volume of water.
The small black sewage water holding tank in RVs further limits the liquid available for the toilet paper to dissolve in. Additionally, this holding tank must be emptied every 3-4 days, giving the paper little time to break down naturally. This is in stark contrast to home septic systems, which have ample space and time for waste to decompose.
Please note, the small size of the holding tank means that even if the toilet paper does not fully dissolve, it is crucial to ensure that it can at least break down to a significant extent. Failure to do so can result in blockages and clogging of the toilet's gate valves, potentially ruining your vacation experience.
Gate Valves and Macerator Pumps
Gate valves, which are manually controlled in less expensive RVs and electrically operated in more expensive models, are a critical component of the RV's plumbing system. These valves can easily become clogged by undissolved toilet paper, leading to further blockages and potential damage to the macerator pumps, which are responsible for emptying the holding tank. Repairing these components can be both time-consuming and expensive.
What About Septic-Safe Toilet Paper?
There are brands of toilet paper marketed as safe for septic systems. It's important to distinguish between septic-safe toilet paper and quick-dissolving RV toilet paper. Here's why the two are not interchangeable:
Understanding Septic-Safe vs. Quick Dissolving
Typically, all American toilet paper is formulated to be safe for septic systems. Manufacturers often use the term "safe for septic systems" to market their products, but this does not guarantee quick-dissolving capabilities. True quick-dissolving toilet paper is specifically engineered to dissolve quickly in the limited water supply of an RV.
Choosing cheaper, generic toilet paper in an RV can lead to clogging of the gate valves and macerator pumps. It's not about saving a few pennies but preventing expensive and inconvenient issues. The long-term cost of repairing or replacing these components can far exceed the initial savings. Failure to properly manage your toilet paper can ruin your vacation and create a very unpleasant job.
Conclusion
Given the unique requirements of RV marine toilets and holding tanks, it's essential to invest in quality quick-dissolving toilet paper. This not only ensures the smooth functioning of your RV bathroom but also prevents costly repairs and disruptions to your travel plans. So, do spend that extra money on the right toilet paper; it's a wise investment in a hassle-free and enjoyable RV experience.