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It’s necessary to get rid of the dreaded poop pyramid as soon as possible for two reasons – one, the sooner you tackle it, the easier it is to eliminate, and two, for the proper function of your RV’s black tank.
Below we cover what causes a poop pyramid, how to identify if you have one, the two most effective techniques to get rid of it, and how to prevent the pyramid of poo from returning.
What is a Poop Pyramid?
A poop pyramid, as the name suggests, refers to a pyramid-like accumulation of waste in your RV’s black tank. This unpleasant scenario occurs when solid waste clumps together, creating a blockage that can be incredibly frustrating and disgusting to deal with.
This image roughly illustrates what a poop pyramid looks like (in the most pleasant way possible).

The formation of a poop pyramid is largely due to an imbalance between solids and liquids in the black tank. When the tank contains too many solids and not enough liquids, the solids can clump together, leading to a pyramid-like structure. This situation is often exacerbated when RVers, particularly those new to the lifestyle, leave their black tank valves open, allowing liquids to drain out while solids remain.
Causes of the Poop Pyramid in an RV
The primary cause of a poop pyramid is the lack of sufficient liquids in the black tank.
When RVers leave their black tank valves open, especially when connected to full hook-up campsites, the liquids can easily pass through the black tank into the sewer drain.
However, solids require the force of the liquids to move down the drain. Without enough liquid, the solids start to pile up, forming a poop pyramid.
Other contributing factors include:
- A leak in the blackwater tank. When a leak occurs, it allows the liquid content of the tank to slowly drain out, leaving behind the solid waste. Without sufficient liquid to break down and move the solid waste, it begins to pile up, forming the infamous poo pyramid. This is why it’s crucial to promptly address any leaks in the blackwater tank to prevent such issues.
- Neglecting to add water to the black tank after dumping. After you empty and clean out your RV black tank, it’s important to add water back into it to create a liquid base. This liquid base aids in breaking down the solid waste and helps it move toward the exit when it’s time to dump the tank again. If no water is added after dumping, the next batch of solid waste can start accumulating at the bottom of the tank, eventually forming a poop pyramid.
- A lack of sufficient water during each flush. When you flush the toilet in your RV, it’s important to use enough water to help break down the solids and move them out of the tank. If you’re not using enough water, the solids can start to pile up, increasing the risk of a poop pyramid.
Identifying a Poop Pyramid
If your RV plumbing setup includes a straight pipe from the toilet down to the black tank, you might be able to peer down through the toilet with a flashlight and see the waste pyramid. If the drain pipe has a bend, identifying a poop pyramid in your RV’s black tank can be a bit tricky.
One of the most obvious signs is difficulty in emptying your black tank. If you’re able to dump your gray tank without any issues but are having trouble with your black tank, you might be dealing with a poop pyramid.
Another sign is if you’ve left your black tank open and are now facing issues. As mentioned earlier, leaving the black tank open allows liquids to drain out while solids remain, increasing the risk of a poop pyramid. If you’ve been doing this and are now having difficulties emptying your black tank, you likely have a blockage.
How to Eliminate a Poop Pyramid
Eliminating a poop pyramid is not a pleasant task, but it’s necessary for the proper functioning of your RV’s black tank.
As for the actual process of removing the dried-up waste contents from your black tank, there are two effective techniques, depending on your RV’s plumbing setup.
Technique 1: Physical Breakdown
If your RV’s plumbing allows a straight line of sight from the toilet down to the black tank, you can use a stick or your RV’s awning rod to physically break up the poop pyramid. This method involves inserting the rod into the tank through the toilet and manually breaking up the solid waste. If your drain pipe has a bend, you may be able to use a flexible drain tool to reach the pyramid. Once the pyramid is broken up, add water to the tank and flush out the contents. Alternatively, you can back flush your tank to ensure all remnants of the pyramid are removed.
Tip: If the poop pyramid is soft enough, you may be able to use a tank rinser to break it up. Simply attach a garden hose to the rinser, then insert the wand down the toilet drain pipe and blast away the pyramid.

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Technique 2: Chemical Breakdown
The second technique involves using water, time, and a product like Clear-It. Here’s how to do it:
- Preparation: Ensure your black tank valve is closed and turn off your fresh water.
- Application: Pour an entire bottle of Clear-It into the toilet bowl, holding down the flush pedal to ensure the product reaches the tank.
- Let it Sit: Fill your tank with as much water as possible and let it sit for at least 72 hours.
- Dump and Rinse: After 72 hours, dump the tank and perform a black tank flush for 20 minutes using your RVs black tank flush system, a flexible rinser wand, or a reverse flush valve. Continue rinsing until the water is mostly clear to ensure all waste is removed.
- Repeat if Necessary: If you suspect there may still be waste build-up, repeat the process. Once the clog is cleared, remember to turn your freshwater valve back on.
Tip: If you have a pyramid plug, meaning the poop pyramid is so tall it clogged the pipe leading from the toilet into the black tank, then pour the Clear-it down the toilet and let it sit until it eats through the clog and drains into the tank. Check out our guide on how to unclog an RV toilet for more tips!

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Preventing a Poop Pyramid

Preventing a poop pyramid is much easier and less messy than dealing with one.
- Keep the Black Tank Closed: Always keep your black tank closed, even when connected to full hook-up sites. This allows a mixture of solids and liquids to build up, which is easier to empty.
- Use Enough Water with Each Flush: Holding down the toilet pedal for a few seconds after each use will ensure enough water enters the black tank to help break down the solids and move them out of the tank.
- Use a Holding Tank Digestive Enzyme: A digestive enzyme like Camco TST Max works by breaking down the solids in your black tank, making them easier to flush out. They also help control odors.
- Use RV-Safe Toilet Paper: This type of toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in your black tank, reducing the risk of blockages.
- Empty Your Black Tank at the Right Time: This doesn’t mean leaving your black tank valve open, but rather emptying your black tank when it’s between 2/3 and 3/4 full and then thoroughly flushing it out.
- Routinely Check Your Black Tank for Leaks: Leaks can lead to the drainage of liquids, leaving solid waste behind that can accumulate into a pyramid. Ensuring your black tank is leak-free and maintaining a proper balance of solids and liquids can significantly reduce the risk of poop pyramid formation.
- Fill Your Black Tank After Dumping: Filling your RV’s black tank about 10% with water after each dump is a good practice to prevent poop pyramid formation. This can be achieved by using a 5-gallon bucket to add water directly into the tank or by flushing the toilet four to five times. This process ensures there’s enough liquid at the bottom of the tank to assist in breaking down the solid waste and facilitating its smooth exit during the next dump.
this is great info but when i tried to save it in a document, it would not. can you provide a button in order to print or save?