One of the most common questions RV owners ask is: “Do I really have to buy that expensive RV-specific toilet paper?” The short answer? No, you don’t.
My name is Sue Rasmussen, instructor at the National RV Training Academy and owner of Royal Flush RV, where I specialize in cleaning black and gray tanks every single day. After working with thousands of RV tanks, I can confidently tell you that the brand of toilet paper is not what’s making or breaking your tank health.
There are three key reasons why RV-specific toilet paper isn’t as essential as many people believe.
1. Septic-Safe Toilet Paper Works Just Fine
RV stores love to market special toilet paper as “must-have,” but what really matters is that it’s septic-safe. Most RV parks use septic systems, so using septic-safe toilet paper is already the standard practice.
Septic-safe household toilet paper dissolves just fine in your holding tank and moves out effectively when flushed with proper water flow. It’s widely available, much more affordable, and performs just as well as “RV-branded” rolls.
Bottom line: Focus on septic-safe, not RV-specific.
2. Water Usage Matters Far More Than the Paper
From what I see in the field, tank problems rarely start with the toilet paper itself. They start with not using enough water.
Many RVers make the mistake of trickling just a little water when flushing, especially when trying to conserve. But that’s not how your system was designed to work, especially when dealing with solids.
Here’s a proper flushing method I teach RV owners:
For solid waste:
- Before you go: Add water to the bowl—about one-third to halfway full.
- Afterward: Fill the bowl again. Aim for roughly a gallon to a gallon and a half total water use.
- Then flush all at once.
That sudden rush of water helps carry everything—waste and paper—through any bends (like 90-degree elbows common in fifth wheels) and disperses it properly into the tank. If needed, follow with another bowl of water to ensure full movement.
When people don’t use enough water, material builds up in one spot, forming what’s commonly known as a pyramid plug. That’s when I see big wads of toilet paper clogging the system—but it’s not the paper’s fault. It’s a water issue.
3. Those “Shake Tests” Aren’t Telling the Whole Story
Many RVers rely on toilet paper shake tests—putting different brands in water-filled jars to see which dissolves best. While interesting to watch, these tests don’t even come close to replicating what’s happening inside your tank.
A holding tank is influenced by many variables:
- What you ate
- How frequently you flush
- How much water is used each time
- Whether chemicals are added (some can even clump toilet paper into a brick)
- Tank temperature (110°F Texas day vs. freezing nights)
- Long-term buildup inside the tank
A jar of water doesn’t simulate tank conditions, contents, heat, time, or flow. The shake test is fun, but it doesn’t reflect real-world tank performance.
What Actually Keeps Your Tank Healthy
To maintain your tank and avoid clogs or buildup, focus on these habits:
- Use septic-safe toilet paper
- Use plenty of water, especially for solids
- Avoid harsh chemicals that cause clumping
- Rinse your tank after each dump
- Schedule tank cleanings periodically—buildup happens over time no matter what you use
Even the best flushing habits won’t prevent long-term buildup entirely. Professional cleaning can help restore proper function and extend the life of your tank.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy RV-labeled toilet paper. What you do need is septic-safe toilet paper, proper flushing techniques, and regular tank care.
Handle those three things correctly, and your tank will stay in good working condition—with or without a logo on your toilet paper wrapper.
There’s your Tech Tip Tuesday.