Black Tank Odor Control

jjarrard · 09-18-2011, 06:21 PM

We have had problems with black tank odor. We use the drop in bags from Wal Mart. Should I use two products? I have seen separate deodorizers. Has anyone else had this problem? How did you correct it?

**Herk7769** · 09-18-2011, 07:10 PM

There are many sources of black tank odor. Could you be more specific?

Does it smell bad when you open the camper with empty tanks?

This might actually be from your gray tank venting through a dry trap in the shower or sink.

Does it smell bad all the time or just when your tank is full (or partially full)?

A treatment with RV-Digest-it; followed by the geo method should solve caked solids issues.

www.rv-digest-it.com

essness · 09-18-2011, 07:18 PM

We tried the drop in packets from Walmart and had no success. We switched back to the liquid.
Scrap the packets, that fixed it for us.

**Herk7769** · 09-18-2011, 07:59 PM

Deodorants mask a problem with your tank. They do not FIX the problem.
In my opinion you should fix the problem (RV-Digest-It; then prevent it from recurring with a good black tank maintenance. (Geo method seems to work well for folks here.)

jjarrard · 09-18-2011, 08:48 PM

We notice the odor only when we flush the toilet. I will read the information in the link you provided.

caper · 09-18-2011, 08:56 PM

Last summer we had a problem with black tank odor. We started using the geo method and this year we have not had a problem with odor. Would highly recommend the geo method.

jjarrard · 09-18-2011, 08:58 PM

Is there a link to the "Geo method" someone can share? Are the Digest it products available at retailers or just online? We have been flushing our black tank with water when we dump and adding a few gallons and one of those drop in packets when we get home. The odor started when we started using the packets instead of the liquid.

**Herk7769** · 09-18-2011, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjarrard

We notice the odor only when we flush the toilet. I will read the information in the link you provided.

This leads me to believe you have a buildup of fermenting solids in your tank. When you flush (especially in a wind) air is going down the vent and up through the toilet into the camper.

In addition to using a full quart of RV-Digest-It and following the schedule on the bottle to clean your tank; I would replace the standard vent cap on your black tank with one that turns into the wind so there is always a slight vacuum at the vent head. Then when you flush, the "prevailing breeze" will be into the toilet like it is supposed to be.

Rotating Plumbing Vent Cap - Cyclone by Camco - PPL Motor Homes

**Herk7769** · 09-18-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjarrard

Is there a link to the "Geo method" someone can share? Are the Digest it products available at retailers or just online? We have been flushing our black tank with water when we dump and adding a few gallons and one of those drop in packets when we get home. The odor started when we started using the packets instead of the liquid.

I included the Geo Method in Post #2

I buy my Digest-It online; but some RV dealers carry it.

jjarrard · 09-19-2011, 04:37 AM

Is the Geo method descibed in the rv digest it website? I did not see a description of the procedure. Thanks for the assistance! Now I am off to work. The c 130 fleets needs a lot of propellers and controls!

kbrown1075 · 09-19-2011, 05:30 AM

We don't use anything else!
The Geo Method

lindy · 09-19-2011, 07:35 AM

jjarrad; just a thought, do you have the ceiling vent fan going in the bathroom when flushing the toilet? If so this is could be the problem. I've noticed the odor with our camper if the ceiling fan is on when flushing. The fan pulls the odor up for the toilet. Without the fan no odor.

murph164 · 09-19-2011, 08:06 AM

I use a variation of the Geo method. I buy a liquid name brand black tank deodorizer and liquefier. Thedford or what ever. When traveling I use one in the black tank and a half in each of the Grey tanks. I put laundry detergent in the black tank and all get water softener. This is sometimes hard to find so when I find Calgone water softener I buy a few boxes. I let my tanks fill about half full when traveling so they slosh around good. When I set up I dump them with the Grey tanks last. If I am set up for extended stays, I leave the Grey tanks open to drain and once a month or so I close and treat them and let them fill for a few days so any buildup on the bottom and drain is cleaned out. I use a tank flusher for the black tank when I dump it. The black tank is treated with one container of chemical, soap and water softener every time. I buy any 2 ply toilet paper that says septic safe except the real thick Charmin type. I have never had a blockage and odors are very infrequent. If they occur odors are usually related to a black tank that is almost full and very hot temperatures. As a word of caution never use bleach and toilet chemicals together as they can cause explosive gases.

**Herk7769** · 09-19-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lindy

jjarrad; just a thought, do you have the ceiling vent fan going in the bathroom when flushing the toilet? If so this is could be the problem. I've noticed the odor with our camper if the ceiling fan is on when flushing. The fan pulls the odor up for the toilet. Without the fan no odor.

Excellent tip.

**Herk7769** · 09-19-2011, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjarrard

Is there a link to the "Geo method" someone can share? Are the Digest it products available at retailers or just online? We have been flushing our black tank with water when we dump and adding a few gallons and one of those drop in packets when we get home. The odor started when we started using the packets instead of the liquid.

It was the text file attached in Post #2. I know it is a long read. Lots of great Black tank maintenance and care tips in ther also.

BigDTx · 09-19-2011, 08:28 AM

RV DIGEST-IT the only way to go!

trudinator · 09-19-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caper

Last summer we had a problem with black tank odor. We started using the geo method and this year we have not had a problem with odor. Would highly recommend the geo method.

x2!! haven't had an odor problem since we started using the Geo method.

jjarrard · 09-19-2011, 11:10 AM

I was reading the forum with my Ipod touch. I could not see the attachments. Thanks for the great information. I did upgrade the bathroom fan to a much larger, more capable unit. I don`t think the fan is the root cause. I will read and heed the Geo method! The water softner sounds like a great idea also! Everyone on the forum helps to make the total RV ownership experience a pleasure! Now for that next improptu trip! With this cooler weather, this truly is prime time!

BigDTx · 09-19-2011, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjarrard

Is there a link to the "Geo method" someone can share? Are the Digest it products available at retailers or just online? We have been flushing our black tank with water when we dump and adding a few gallons and one of those drop in packets when we get home. The odor started when we started using the packets instead of the liquid.

I buy RV Digest-it at my local Ace Hardware store $13.95 a bottle.

davegood · 10-02-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

Deodorants mask a problem with your tank. They do not FIX the problem.
In my opinion you should fix the problem (RV-Digest-It; then prevent it from recurring with a good black tank maintenance. (Geo method seems to work well for folks here.)

Other forum users claim bleach (part of Geo method) is harmful both to needed bacteria and to holding tank seals. Do you disagree?

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