A Dirty Topic.... Toilet Paper! What to do with it?

[sailprincess]

Okay, I currently have a compostable toilet on my sailboat which I LOVE! However, we are in the process of selling our boat soon (40' 1981 Marcos Yachts, MC39 Blue Water boat... any takers!?) and buying a new one that will have 2 heads and we'll be living aboard. I have heard around that you should not flush toilet paper (even the 'marine' kind) as it can cause clogs, etc. I've heard people store their dirty TP in baggies that they take to the garbage every day. Please tell me there is another way!? Any tips or tricks in this regard? Our compostable takes the marine TP quite nicely.... But with 2 wet heads, I don't think we'll be able to replace them with compostables...which would have been a nice option.

[a64pilot]

I flush mine with no issues of any kind

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by sailprincess

Okay, I currently have a compostable toilet on my sailboat which I LOVE! However, we are in the process of selling our boat soon (40' 1981 Marcos Yachts, MC39 Blue Water boat... any takers!?) and buying a new one that will have 2 heads and we'll be living aboard. I have heard around that you should not flush toilet paper (even the 'marine' kind) as it can cause clogs, etc. I've heard people store their dirty TP in baggies that they take to the garbage every day. Please tell me there is another way!? Any tips or tricks in this regard? Our compostable takes the marine TP quite nicely.... But with 2 wet heads, I don't think we'll be able to replace them with compostables...which would have been a nice option.

An alternative is to stop using toilet paper and use a spray system (like a bidet), but there are problems there as well - again, it depends in part on your families' intestinal conditions.

To prevent clogging, be sure to use enough water and chemicals. More TP = more water. Also, motion helps to break down the paper and keep the tank fluid. Just before going to pump out, I flush down extra water (if I have the room for it) and try to plan a little cruise with lots of twists and turns.

[sparrowhawk1]

Toilet paper varies greatly just make sure you get the kind that can break down easily. After owning a composter I can't believe that you're not going to replace at least one of the heads with a composting toilet. Edit a big problem with clogging toilets is not flushing the toilet paper as you use it

[Prairie Chicken]

We've been using regular TP for over 20 years with no problem. Just only use a very few sheets at a time.

The same discussion was just held over at WWS if you're part of that group.

[colemj]

4 heads in 3 boats and have always flushed the paper with no problem ever. Like someone above said, just make sure you get paper that dissolves easily. Some of the TP sold now are like sheets of bath towels - you don't want that kind. We find Scott brand and similar work very well.

Mark

[Cheechako]

Flush it with plenty of water.. don't overuse it.

[sailprincess]

sparrowhawk1 - yes, we do love the composter. Would love to replace one, but was concerned that it decommissions the 'wet head' ability. I don't think you'd want water with your composter....? Also need a nice flat surface to bolt to...

[Sailmonkey]

We flush, and have never had a clog. But we make sure to buy the cheap thin single ply stuff, and use it sparingly

[MarkJ]

Marine toilets are DESIGNED to flush toilet paper!

Ordinary household toilet paper not just the marine stuff.

From the Jabsco users manual

▼ Use good quality hard or soft household toilet paper, but do not use more than necessary.

So if you use good quality hard or soft household toilet paper and it clogs up sue the bastards!




Mark

[J Clark H356]

We have a SeaEra electric and use Charmin just like home. Occasional clog, I close intake thru hull and let it sit a minute in water and it then flushes out. Sea Era has it's own macerator.

0n year 12, nearly 900 days on board so we've extensively used the head.

[marlinmike]

When on other peoples boat I use the hand towels, on mine just flush the marine TP down.



OK just kidding on the first part.

[robert sailor]

Never flush toilet paper, it goes out with the garbage. When you travel in Greece or Turkey you always use a small garbage can for toilet paper as their systems are not set up for toilet paper and yes it will clog things up. The only thing that goes in our heads are whats been eaten.

[Annie in WA]

we use single-ply supermarket-bought TP and have not had any problems EXCEPT when we have guests aboard. Even with detailed instructions they clog up the head almost every time. Once it was a half a paper towel. This past time I'm not sure what it was. In the future, I'm going to give the a plastic bucket for their used TP and tell them it is boat policy.

[Stu Jackson]

Just thought I'd save folks a lot of retyping:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ll-106092.html