I’m a full-time RV traveler and I get asked this question all the time. The answer is, it depends on what kind of toilet you have in your RV.
If you have a standard residential type toilet then yes, Drano will work just fine to clean out your toilet lines. However, if you have an RV specific septic tank system that has been installed by a professional then no Drano should be used as it could damage the septic system and lead to costly repairs.
In these cases use an environmentally friendly product such as …”
About Drano
Drano is a household name and has been around for many years. It is a commercial product that is used to clean drains and septic tanks. While it does a good job of clearing clogs, it can also be harmful to the environment if not used properly.
When using Drano in an RV, always read the label carefully to make sure it is safe for septic tanks. If you are not sure, ask the professionals who installed your septic system.
NEVER use Drano in a standard household toilet – it could damage the plumbing and require expensive repairs.
Pros & Cons of Using Drano in RV Toilet
Benefits of Using Drano in RV toilet
- Drano is available as a powder or gel and is easy to use.
- It can be poured directly into the toilet holding tank to break down waste and remove clogs.
- The best time to use it is just before dumping the holding tank at an RV dump station.
Risks of Using Drano in RV Toiler
- Using Drano directly on the toilet and septic system could cause damage to both and require expensive repairs.
- Instead, use a product designed specifically for RV toilets such as Blue Boy or Thetford Aqua Klean.
- These products will work just as well at unclogging your lines but they will not harm metal parts or the environment. They cost more than Drano but are worth it if you want to keep your RV plumbing running smoothly.
Using products like these is an environmentally friendly way to avoid causing problems with your septic system and local waterways.
Benefits of using Household Bleach in Toilet
“Household bleach can be used safely in an RV toilet because it has been approved for this purpose, unlike Drano which becomes caustic when it mixes with water.”
- Household bleach is an environmentally safe product that will quickly unclog your toilet at a much cheaper price than commercial products.
- You can purchase it at any grocery or hardware store and use it as needed for quick and easy clog removal. The main thing to remember when using household bleach in an RV toilet is NOT to mix the bleach with anything other than water.
- This includes not mixing it with any type of cleaner or chemicals that could potentially react and cause problems inside the septic system such as Drano, which becomes highly caustic when mixed with water.
Risks of Using Household Bleach in Toilet
- Household bleach can damage certain metals components such as rubber gaskets or metal-to-metal contact surfaces. Bleach can cause the rubber parts to crack or break down over time, which could lead to costly repairs on your septic system.
- Also, bleach will destroy any bacteria (including the good kind) living in your holding tank. This could result in an RV toilet that doesn’t work at all because no helpful bacteria are living inside the tank to keep things moving along smoothly.
Relevant Content: How Much Cost To Dump RV Waste?
FAQs about Using Drano in RV Toilets
Can you use Drano in an RV GREY tank?
Drano is not safe to use in an RV GREY tank.
The reason being is that when mixed with water it becomes highly caustic and can damage metal parts as well as the environment.
It’s best to avoid using Drano in any part of your septic system, including your RV toilet.
Is Drano safe for RV black tank?
If you closed the black water tank valve before pouring Drano into your toilet, then it should be safe to use in an RV black tank.
However, it’s easy to forget that you had closed the valve and just open it not thinking twice about what might happen when the liquid starts mixing with waste in the tank.
This is why some people prefer using household bleach instead of Drano because bleach will only affect the contents of the holding tank without reacting dangerously with wastewater or surrounding areas.
Is Drano dangerous for septic tanks?
Drano can be used safely on a simple septic system but caution must be taken when dumping out the holding tank.
The use of any strong chemical cleaners must be followed by plenty of water to dilute and flush the area.
Be sure to check with your septic system provider for their specific instructions on what is safe and not safe to use in your particular situation.
What are some alternatives to Drano?
There are a few different types of products that can be used as an alternative to Drano in an RV toilet:
- Household bleach
- Commercial RV toilet cleaners
- Household ammonia
Each one of these products has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh the options before deciding which one is best for you.
Bleach is an environmentally friendly product that is effective at unclogging toilets, but it can damage certain metal components and the rubber gaskets in your septic system.
Commercial RV toilet cleaners are specifically designed to clean RV toilets, but they can be expensive if you have to use them often.
Household ammonia is a cheap and readily available alternative that can be used to break down waste and loosen blockages, but it can damage any rubber or plastic surfaces inside the toilet if not used properly.
Each of these products has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that will work best for your situation.
When it comes to unclogging an RV toilet, Drano is a popular choice because it is easy to use and relatively inexpensive. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers that using this product can pose to your septic system and the environment.
There are a few different types of products that can be used as an alternative to Drano, so it’s important to weigh the options before deciding which one is best for you.