[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"LiveBlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/can-you-flush-tampons-down-in-an-rv-or-camper-toilet\/#LiveBlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/can-you-flush-tampons-down-in-an-rv-or-camper-toilet\/","headline":"Can You Flush Tampons Down in an RV or Camper Toilet?","name":"Can You Flush Tampons Down in an RV or Camper Toilet?","description":"When going on a road trip or living in your RV full-time, it\u2019s important not to block up your black water tanks. They must be allowed to collect the waste, break it down over time, and then be emptied at an RV waste dump. Black tanks aren\u2019t that expansive. They aren\u2019t complicated either, so they […]","datePublished":"2021-05-18","dateModified":"2024-01-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/#Person","name":"Pete","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/author\/pete\/","identifier":2,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779254525","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/litespeed\/avatar\/30c83c48d82c080140bb064c7762d28a.jpg?ver=1779254525","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Living Pioneer","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/living-pioneer-icon-logo-50x50-1.png","width":50,"height":50}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/camper-1845590_1920-600x400r.jpg","url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/camper-1845590_1920-600x400r.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/can-you-flush-tampons-down-in-an-rv-or-camper-toilet\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c","name":"Tips for Unblocking a Toilet Clogged By a Tampon","description":"If your toilet is clogged by a tampon, plunging it might only make the problem more serious as it will push the tampon deeper down the wastepipe.\n\n\nAlso, trying to use a drain snake to dislodge it is never advisable since breaking it up will create tampon pieces that can also clog the waste pipe. The best method of removing a tampon from the toilet drainpipe is by pulling it out.\n\n\nRead the article to know more: https:\/\/fastplumbers.net.au\/tips-for-unblocking-a-toilet-clogged-by-a-tampon\/\n\nConnect With Us on Social Media:\n\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Fast-Plumbers-287331695237334\n\nTwitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/fast_plumbers\n\nPinterest: https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/fastplumbers10\n\nYouTube Channel: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCzi_S_13V9X1NVAriagkHwg\n\nYouTube Video: https:\/\/youtu.be\/lHMxp59bK6c\n\n\nThis presentation contains images that were used under a Creative Commons License. Click here to see the full list of images and attributions:\n\nhttps:\/\/link.attribute.to\/cc\/870806","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lHMxp59bK6c\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lHMxp59bK6c\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lHMxp59bK6c\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lHMxp59bK6c\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lHMxp59bK6c\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-04-08T04:20:41+00:00","duration":"PT2M52S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lHMxp59bK6c","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCzi_S_13V9X1NVAriagkHwg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCzi_S_13V9X1NVAriagkHwg","name":"Fast Plumbers","description":"Fast Plumbers provides a suite of plumbing services to residential and commercial properties in Sydney. 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We provide emergency plumbing services as well.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_n1WnA0ZeJyZ9CZRCi0q2dUk171LMsK3f7ofjma9mhIhw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":19872}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":30}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc","name":"Our Point of View on Tampax Pearl Tampons From Amazon","description":"SHOP: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Fqr452\n\nCheck Our New Website For Amazing Deals!\nhttps:\/\/www.wti.shopping\/main\n(Commissionable Links)\n\nabout this PRODUCT:\nYour flow is different everyday. Your tampon should be, too\nAnti-Slip Grip on applicator makes the tampons easy to insert. Gently expands to your individual shape thanks to Tampax FormFit protection\nFree of perfume and chlorine bleaching with a core free of dyes* (*Braid has skin-friendly pigments). LeakGuard Braid helps stop leaks before they happen\nTampax Pearl Light Absorbency tampons are clinically tested** to be gentle on skin, and designed with your body in mind (**Clinical data on file)\nTampax Feminine Products are now HSA-\/FSA-Eligible in the US\n\nAre you looking for a product review channel? Do you want to have an idea of the best must-haves of the year? If that is the case, then this is the perfect channel for you. Please subscribe to our channel: \u27a1\ufe0f \u27a1\ufe0f SUBSCRIBE: https:\/\/cutt.ly\/WhatToolsInside\n \nWhat Tool\u2019s Inside presents real people with honest opinions on products you love and new ones you want to try! We also have tons of must-haves for all types of budgets, introduce new concepts and products, and let you WIN free tools & accessories. Get ready to see our point of view on everything from beauty to home accessories to gadgets - it's about time someone told you what they really think! \n\nBe sure to visit and subscribe to our channel to enjoy our full selection of product demo videos. \u27a1\ufe0f \u27a1\ufe0f SUBSCRIBE: https:\/\/cutt.ly\/WhatToolsInside\n\nThank you for joining our Community!\nWhat Tools Inside\n #tampax\n#tampons\n#ourpointofview","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a_u55VFqPIc\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a_u55VFqPIc\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a_u55VFqPIc\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a_u55VFqPIc\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/a_u55VFqPIc\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2022-05-06T18:08:23+00:00","duration":"PT1M22S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/a_u55VFqPIc","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCdWysCA6JTj52bLj4bin57Q#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCdWysCA6JTj52bLj4bin57Q","name":"WTI","description":"WTI publishes independent, hands-on product reviews and real-world POV experiences to help viewers decide what\u2019s worth buying \u2014 and what\u2019s not. 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This does not influence our reviews.\n\nWe Tried It \u2014 so you know if it's worth it.\n\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/tpkRK1jKToY_EdFzqXAO4Drnh6mbLEvG9NLzdm0IlpxfMioJ2jJlmBBLXOVssR_7hnBC0NzMeQ=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":1304}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":9}]}],"about":["Off Grid","RVs","Van Life"],"wordCount":1526,"articleBody":"When going on a road trip or living in your RV full-time, it\u2019s important not to block up your black water tanks.They must be allowed to collect the waste, break it down over time, and then be emptied at an RV waste dump.Black tanks aren\u2019t that expansive. They aren\u2019t complicated either, so they don\u2019t support anything and everything being flushed down there.Avoiding getting the black tank blocked up is crucial when you\u2019re on a trip because it\u2019ll be inconvenient and if it happens, it\u2019ll fill the coach area with an unpleasant odor.Can you flush tampons down in an RV or camper toilet? You could, but it\u2019s not advisable. Any feminine-related health products including tampons in RV toilet or absorbent pads shouldn\u2019t be flushed down. Unlike RV toilet paper, they do not deteriorate quickly. Instead, they\u2019re designed to absorb moisture and expand, which makes them likelier to block the tank with just one or 2 of them. Unpleasant bathroom odors and dealing with the tank blockage is the likely result. \u00a0            Table of Contents                                    show                                                Reasons to Not Flush Tampons Down in an RV or Camper Toilet                            How to Remove a Tampon from an RV or camper toilet                            What to Do with Tampons in RV?                            Can You Flush Plastic Tampon Applicators?                            Can You Flush the Cotton Part of a Tampon?                            RV Holding Tanks                            How to Keep Your RV Toilet Running Well                            RV Black Tank Clogged with Tampon                            Related Articles        Reasons to Not Flush Tampons Down in an RV or Camper ToiletThe design of a tampon is excellent for absorbing bodily fluids. To do so, they grow in size as they absorb more and that\u2019s why they\u2019re so useful to women.Anyone woman who has ever dropped an unused tampon into a filled sink will see first-hand how quickly it sucks up the surrounding water.Unfortunately, the RV or camper\u2019s septic tank (black tank) needs to receive human waste and break it down from solid matter to something smaller.This way, when it comes time to find an RV dump station near you, the black water can be sucked out of the tank successfully.The camper or RV toilet is designed to receive feces, urine, water, and RV toilet paper (that dissolves faster than regular toilet paper), and nothing else.The RV septic tank isn\u2019t much different from a regular one, except it\u2019s more sensitive and harder to resolve should it get blocked up.Any sewage system comes with the general advice to not flush tampons into the toilet because it\u2019s never a good idea!Read Also: How to Increase Space in a Pop Up Camper?How to Remove a Tampon from an RV or camper toiletThere are different methods for removing a flushed tampon from an RV toilet.Removing existing water in the toilet bowl and then grasping the tampon to pull it back out is the best idea. The video below explains how to do it:https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6cVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Tips for Unblocking a Toilet Clogged By a Tampon (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lHMxp59bK6c)What to Do with Tampons in RV?How do you dispose of tampons in a camper or RV?A tampon is made from rayon and cotton to be highly absorbent.Once they\u2019ve been used and removed, don\u2019t flush the tampon down the RV toilet.Instead, use a plastic bag or a woman\u2019s hygienic bag to store it and dispose of it safely as soon as possible. This includes any plastic applicators as well; this shouldn\u2019t be dropped into the RV\u2019s toilet either.Disposing of the waste in the trash is normal. It won\u2019t break down, so it\u2019ll go to the landfill eventually.While one or 2 tampons accidentally falling into the camper toilet and getting flushed down into the black waste tank is not a total disaster, it does risk a blockage every time. So, it should be avoided whenever possible.https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIcVideo can\u2019t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Our Point of View on Tampax Pearl Tampons From Amazon (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=a_u55VFqPIc)Tampax Pearl Plastic Tampons. Multipack as Light\/Regular\/Super Absorbency \u2013 Unscented (Pack of 4, 47 Count \u2013 188 Count Total) \u2013 Packaging May VaryCheck at Amazon\u24d8 If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.Also Read: RV Toilet Leaking at Foot PedalCan You Flush Plastic Tampon Applicators?It is never a good idea to drop the plastic tampon applicators into the RV toilet.It can break into small pieces and scratch the inside of the black water holding tank.It\u2019s also possible it might damage the black water hose used to empty the RV holding tanks too. Can You Flush the Cotton Part of a Tampon?The cotton is not designed to get into the black water holding tanks. So, it shouldn\u2019t be dropped into the RV toilet either. If it accidentally comes off, falls in, and cannot be retrieved, then it\u2019s usually not a total disaster.As a rule, all parts including the cotton part of a tampon should be disposed of using a female sanitary bag. RV Holding TanksThe RV holding tanks and the septic system works in a way that separates different uses for campers. Understanding the process is clarifying.The majority of RVs will have three tanks making up the RV plumbing system. They are as follows:Freshwater tank \u2013 The drinking water that is refilled at RV campgrounds and parks is stored here. It can be safely used for drinking but also for washing too.Greywater tank \u2013 Whenever water is used inside the RV or camp, it funnels down from the shower, sinks, or elsewhere to the grey water tank. Because it\u2019s been used to clean yourself, to wash vegetables, and for other purposes, it\u2019s unclean at that point. This is why it\u2019s referred to as greywater, even though visually it\u2019s probably still fairly clear. Not all RVs come with a grey water tank, but most of the newer models will do.Blackwater tank \u2013 This is the tank where your toilet waste product feeds. That includes RV toilet paper (but not regular toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and more). Solids are broken down, so nothing irregular must be put into the black water tank that can prevent that. Doing so will undoubtedly block it up making it harder to empty and leading to a bad smell inside the living area.RV toilet cleaners added to the black tank help to accelerate the breakdown of waste products.However, RV toilet paper is also designed to dissolve quicker than the regular type.Look at the sensors for tank fill levels to avoid their reaching their limit leaving you to hurriedly ask another RVer, \u201cWhere to empty RV tanks nearby?\u201dDon\u2019t leave it that long as you\u2019re unlikely to be near an RV dump station when you need one.How to Keep Your RV Toilet Running WellHere are some basic suggestions for people new to RVs or campers who need to keep their RV toilet performing reliably (the same goes for a regular toilet in the RV too):Use chemicals: The black water tank can be sanitized by using approved toilet chemicals designed to break down the waste product and RV toilet paper too.RV toilet paper: Use only special toilet paper designed for RV plumbing systems. They\u2019re thinner and made from materials that don\u2019t block up the black tank. Don\u2019t use regular toilet paper ever.Avoid blockages: Do not flush anything down into the RV toilet that shouldn\u2019t go there. So, no regular toilet paper, plastic tampon applicators, or used (or unused) tampons either.Don\u2019t forget to flush: The more water that reaches the black tank, the less likely that a mountain of waste will mesh together and become solid. Completely flush out the tank semi-regularly to remove long-term solids.When you find that your old toilet has seen better days, it\u2019s time for a replacement RV toilet.RV Black Tank Clogged with TamponWhen it\u2019s confirmed that the RV black tank is clogged with a tampon or three, then it\u2019s not easy to retrieve it at that point.You\u2019ll need to use a gallon or more of boiling water and pour it into the toilet.Give it 12-24 hours to mix in with the waste and help to reduce it.That may assist in dislodging any stuck items including tampons. Then go to an RV dump station to dump the tank the next day.While it\u2019s an imperfect solution, done repeatedly it can clear some of the most stubborn clogs in an RV black tank.Related ArticlesReal toilet in RVHow to Increase Space in a Pop Up Camper?RV Toilet Leaking at Foot PedalRV dump station"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Can You Flush Tampons Down in an RV or Camper Toilet?","item":"https:\/\/livingpioneer.com\/can-you-flush-tampons-down-in-an-rv-or-camper-toilet\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]