black water tank -- I see toilet paper

[sgrizzle]

We just got back from a 10 day Yellowstone/Grand Teton camping trip that was great! Let me start by saying our toilet seems to operate. Except:

1. Gauge does not seem accurate
2. I noticed that when I flush, I can see toilet paper not too far down "the pipe".

I tried flushing more and using the external water flush while emptying at the dump station. I still see it. Since coming home, I have tried spraying down the toilet with my garden hose and the toilet paper stays put...

What should I do? Should I try pushing the toilet paper down with a rod, or will I damage something?

I have also put in a treatment solution during the camping trip, but I doubt it had much time to really work since we moved campsites every 2-3 days. Any tips would be appreciated!

[sgrizzle]

Let me clarify...I took a little pipe and poked the toilet paper...I think it was toilet paper that was just in the tank...How "deep" is the black tank, typically? 5-6"? If that is the case, then I think I just am not getting everything out when I'm draining at the dump station. I have the built in spigot that I can connect the hose to.

1. When I am dumping, how long should I run the hose?
2. How long should I let this solution in my tank before I try dumping everything out again?

Thanks for your help guys!

[Dtaylor]

Put about 5 gallons of water in and dump a bunch of ice. Take it for a ride and let the ice "scrub" the inside of the tank.

[WyoTraveler]

If all else fails you can make a wand that will always work no matter how bad the black water is clogged. I have been using a home and for about 40 years. Yup, same one. Take a 30" length 1/2" copper pipe. Install a cap on one end. Install a ball valve & hose fitting on the other end. On the end with the cap drill two holes in the side of the cap 180 degrees apart 1/4" dia. You can buy a smilar product from Walmart but it is basically worthless. There will be enough pressure to clean your tank. You will see lots posts that monitors don't work. Mine do. If they give me a bad reading I take the extra effort & use my 40 year old tank wand. The other post about filling tak and draing also helps. JMHO.

[Gdetrailer]

Since you mentioned PIPE, one would have to assume you have a setup that the toilet is offset from the tank (IE you can not view directly into the tank from the toilet).

RV manufacturers who do this should be shot since the whole idea of RV toilets is not using much water.

In your case, one MUST USE LOTS of water or risk the "pyramid of death" stopping up the pipe.

You may find a handheld spray wand my be helpful to clear the pipe PLUS you may want to limit the toilet paper going into the toilet.

Bad, bad design...

[WoodGlue]

Don't use your garden hose. Get one of these:

Camco Dual Flush Pro

WoodGlue

[Itchey_Feet]

X2

[2oldman]

Were I you I would fill the tank completely with water, and dump. Those gauges almost never work.