Can I flush toilet paper down the toilet?
Updated on: 26/05/2025No, never! The toilets on a boat have a very narrow drain pipe leading to the black water tank. This can therefore get clogged very easily. If that happens, you’re in for a double whammy. Not only will you have to endure foul odors for the rest of the cruise, but the rental company will also charge you for unclogging it (between 100 and 200 USD). Indeed, it’s an unpleasant, time-consuming, and difficult task, as accessing the pipes often requires contorting yourself into awkward positions.
Please note: if you have purchased a damage waiver, it will never cover you in the event of a clogged toilet. This is because it is absolutely not a maritime incident related to navigation.
To avoid any problems, here are the precautions to take:
- Brief your crew: nothing other than human waste should end up in the toilet. No paper, and certainly no wipes or sanitary napkins.
- Flush properly after each use if the toilet is manual.
