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Topic: Septic tank problem (Read 409 times) previous topic - next topic
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Septic tank problem
I have a 1998 LD rear bed model.  Since we have a rear bed model I understand the septic {black water) was designed with a 90 degree turn in the output pipe. this turn has been a  pain.  the toilet is always clogged.  We have had plumbers clear the line . Then next trip the same problem.  Every time we go out  it's a guessing game.  We can't enjoy our wonderful LD  HELP??? Phil
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #1 –
Quote from: lazy dazeers  - 
I have a 1998 LD rear bed model.  Since we have a rear bed model I understand the septic {black water) was designed with a 90 degree turn in the output pipe. this turn has been a  pain.  the toilet is always clogged.  We have had plumbers clear the line . Then next trip the same problem.  Every time we go out  it's a guessing game.  We can't enjoy our wonderful LD  HELP??? Phil
OK, Phil. We're getting closer to some help. Please tell us how long your LD is (23.5', 26.5', 30') and when you say you have a rear bed, is it a queen bed or two couches that make into a bed? Is it a Mid Bath or an Island Bed model? Once we know exactly what you have, then someone familiar with your model perhaps can help you.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #2 –
One thing to consider is  using adequate water to push everything through and into the tank....   this is one time when conserving water may not be a good idea especially especially with a 90 degree turn.     Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #3 –
Phil, this is a funny story that may be helpful.  A few years back, my cousin's daughter and her two girls came to visit for 18 days.  In the "orientation" I gave them, I talked about a quick flush for pee, and a longer flush with the hand spray to clean the bowl to clear out solids.

Three days later, my toilet was plugged.  I had a flexible wand to flush the tank, and I worked it down into the line.  What I found was a mass of toilet paper that had collected, blocking the line.  What I had not thought about was the difference between how men pee and how women pee.  They were using TP, wiping, then doing a flush just enough to clear the bowl.  The TP collected in the line.

I changed my instructions, explaining that there was a three foot run from the bowl to the tank, and they needed to flush long enough to push the TP to the tank.  I had no more problems.

SO - might that be a factor?

Ken F in WY
'08 MB
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #4 –
"Phil, this is a funny story that may be helpful.  A few years back, my cousin's daughter and her two girls came to visit for 18 days.  In the "orientation" I gave them, I talked about a quick flush for pee, and a longer flush with the hand spray to clean the bowl to clear out solids."

I've read over the years about folks who do not put toilet paper in their toilets, and wondered why.  We have never skimped in this regard, even when using a Porta-Potti for several weeks at a time.  Never had a clog . . . but . . . I'm beginning to think about the wisdom of maybe retaining "lightly used" TP in a covered container next to the toilet, so as to lighten the load on the system without a lot of undue stress on the user.

Seems like it might be a worthwhile experiment.   Could be discontinued at any time without any grief, if it proved to be too onerous a procedure.  If it lengthened the time between visits to the dump station, that would make a bit of effort worthwhile, yah?

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #5 –
What Ken said. And only use tp labeled as septic safe.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
 
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
What Ken said. And only use tp labeled as septic safe.

Charmin users for decades with zero problems .
It’ s all about how your particular floor plan’s particular plumbing is constructed. Our Front Lounge’s toilet dumps directly in the holding tank, the same as  Rear Bath and Front Dinette.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #8 –
+1 for plenty of water.

When we first got our 2002 MB, we had a few TP clogs.  Once we started using plenty of water to flush the toilet, we ceased having the clogging issue.

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #10 –
Guys,   thank you for all the great advice.  I tried the mucho water solution and It solved the problem.   thank you, thank you. I was afraid to let my guest use the toilet.  thanks again.   As a new LD owner with a 26 foot rear bed(queen)  I just didn't know what to do.  thanks again.  Can not wait till the california group gets together again.  Phil .
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #11 –
 ;D I have been reading about one of your members who took the toilet apart and put it back together again.  I and I guess so many of us 80+ year olds wish we could do that but I would not have a clue....  So... I will learn as much as I can....Phil
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #12 –
What I would like is some help.   My wife and I of 54 years would like to find a spot with a trout stream in front and a primitive campground .    We even could rent a cabin for a week or two.   You guys have been all over . so I hope there is some body out there in LD land that can suggest a kick back calm place to get away.    We live in central California and just need to get away and love each other.   Phil
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #13 –
Phil, you might want to start a new topic for your "where to camp" question so the query isn't lost in the holding tank thread!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Septic tank problem
Reply #14 –
A primitive campground on a trout stream.


Phil

You came to the right place and asked the right question. Seeing as how you and I are from the same generation I will reveal my long held 'secret' campground. Been going there since 1958.

You said but did not elaborate you were from central California. Then a trip to my CG should be no problem. Find your way to Sonora on Hwy 108 and follow your nose eastward until you reach Baker CG at the foot of Sonora Pass. There you will take the dirt road to the right toward Kennedy Meadows Resort (They have cabins). Deadman (first come, no reservations) is the last USFS camp prior to the resort.

It's very popular so good luck... site #11 is the one I like the best.

Stanislaus National Forest - Deadman Campground

Kennedy Meadows Resort & Packstation
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!