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Can I Use Regular Toilet Paper in an RV?

    Updated December 10, 2022

    RV owners are familiar with the horror stories about what may occur when they use normal toilet paper. Many campers have heard the horror stories of not using RV-rated toilet paper, which range from the dreaded pyramiding problems to clogged toilets and everything in between. However, can you use the items you already have at home or do you really need to upgrade to an unique kind?

    Regular toilet paper cannot be used in a camper because it does not decompose quickly enough, causing a buildup that clogs the black water tank. When you visit the next dump station, the toilet paper from your RV will dissolve and flush through the sewage hose with the water because it is made to disintegrate in the tank. In general, it’s safe to use toilet paper in a camper’s toilet if it can be used in a septic system.

    Is it OK to Use Regular Toilet Paper in an RV?

    RV owners are familiar with the horror stories about what may occur when they use normal toilet paper. Many campers have heard the horror stories of not using RV-rated toilet paper, which range from the dreaded pyramiding problems to clogged toilets and everything in between. However, can you use the items you already have at home or do you really need to upgrade to an unique kind?

    Regular toilet paper cannot be used in a camper because it does not decompose quickly enough, causing a buildup that clogs the black water tank. When you visit the next dump station, the toilet paper from your RV will dissolve and flush through the sewage hose with the water because it is made to disintegrate in the tank. In general, it’s safe to use toilet paper in a camper’s toilet if it can be used in a septic system.

    Do You Really Need RV-Safe Toilet Paper?

    Absolutely not necessary to use RV-safe toilet paper! As long as you take a few safety precautions, you can use any TP you want. Regular toilet paper is a problem, but not so much because it isn’t “fast-dissolving.” It’s because people flush too little water per flush and use too much water at once. This is especially true for those who are trying to conserve their water supply when out dry camping.

    Yes is the quick response; further explanation will come later. But let’s be clear: toilet paper is just one product before we go on. Flushable wipes are not what they seem to be. Don’t mix up or compare the two, then. They are not equivalent. Other than toilet paper, we are not discussing anything else that can be flushed. The flushing of ANY form of “wipes” down your RV toilet is not something we advise. And if you did that, we don’t think you’d like the outcome. You don’t want wipes in your RV’s toilet, septic tank, or sewer since they don’t decompose.

    What Makes RV Toilet Paper Special?

    Really not much, except from its subpar quality and “discount” pricing. The adage “You get what you paid for” couldn’t be further from the truth with “RV Toilet Paper.” On the contrary, you can be sure that you will spend more for “RV Toilet Paper” than just much any other brand on the market if you visit the camping area of any store that offers one and find it there. Additionally, the quality is so bad that it will break in your hands while using it, all in the name of being safe to put into your black tank. Do we need to be more explicit? We believe you understand.

    When purchasing toilet paper for your RV, the only thing you really need to think about is whether it will decompose in your black tank. If not, an excessive amount could clog the system. You don’t want to find out how that turns out!