It’s summertime and living is easy. RVers can keep it that way by making sure that bathroom and kitchen plumbing functions properly while on the road. To help ensure a worry-free getaway, try these simple tips so plumbing problems won’t spoil your ride.

A working bathroom really adds comfort to the RV experience. But you don’t want a clogged toilet to put a damper on your travels. Here are some ways to keep your RV rolling merrily along:

Do’s

• Use a small mirror to check the series of holes that sit under the rim of the bowl for mineral deposits or grime. Poke each hole clean with the length of a wire clothing hanger, and then flush to remove loosened deposits.
• Use a rapid-dissolving bath tissue to pass through your pipes more quickly. RVs are at a higher risk of clogging than home systems. Check the label to make sure you buy bath tissue that is safe for RVs.
• If you’re not sure if your favorite brand of toilet paper is dissolvable, conduct the “jar test” to see just how quickly it dissolves. Put a square of the paper into a mason jar two-thirds full of water and shake it aggressively up and down for approximately 10 seconds. If it dissolves quickly, it is OK for you to use it.  
• Keep a wastebasket in the bathroom for the disposal of cotton swabs, dental floss and other items as flushing these can increase the risk of clogging.

Don’ts

• Don’t flush excessive amounts of toilet tissue at one time.
• Never flush facial tissues, paper towels or sanitary products down the toilet. The same goes for detergents, bleach, automotive antifreeze, ammonia, alcohols or acetones, cooking grease or table scraps.

A kitchen is another convenience that helps make an RV a home. So keeping the drain clear is essential when you’re on the road. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the scenery and avoid maintenance headaches.

Do’s

• Put grease and oil in the trash instead of down the drain. 
• Use an enzyme-based product in your kitchen drain about once a month. The enzymes will keep the drain clear and will also cut down on unpleasant odors from food sticking to the insides of the pipes. 
• If your drain becomes clogged, pour a mixture of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar (at least 1/2 cup of each) down the drain. Let it settle for a few minutes and then rinse it down with boiling water.

Don’ts

• Don’t put food scraps down the drain.
• Avoid cleaning products with phosphorus. Phosphorus is the nutrient most likely to cause damage to lakes and other water systems when the water from your gray water tank is disposed of at a dump station or sewer connection.
• Do not pour strong cleaning agents, chemicals or old medicines down the drain.

These easy solutions will help you avoid bathroom and kitchen plumbing problems on your next RV trip. And don’t forgot to stock up on key supplies for both areas before you leave, including anything you’d need to troubleshoot clogs and backups. Lastly, if you are bringing along your barbecue grill, be sure to take some heavy-duty disposable towels along to clean up the grease so it winds up in the trash, not down your kitchen sink.

For more information, visit www.scottclogclinic.com.