A “New/Old” Way to Clean the Black Water Tank

[bob caldwell]

Google slippery soap....wet bar soap is what I find!

[dave961]

Originally Posted by itat

...
I wouldn't use the OP's method because it would almost certainly get some of the unflushed black tank's contents transferred to the grey tank.

When I read the original post this is the first thing I thought of. I was told to never have the black and grey valves open at the same time for this very reason.

I am a big fan of the ice + soap method. After using our new camper for 6 months we developed a bad smell problem in the black tank. Using this method (and a clear 45 degree elbow) twice, we took care of the black tank issue. Liquid dishwasher soap works too because most include water softener.

[bob caldwell]

Dawn seems to be very popular on the forum....fixes most ills..

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Google slippery soap....wet bar soap is what I find!

Right On Bob !!!
Or some stupid game ???

[emm-dee]

Y'all please correct me if I'm wrong but I thought all soap was slippery when wet.

[Platokidd]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

Y'all please correct me if I'm wrong but I thought all soap was slippery when wet.

Some soaps or additives can soften the water like calgon.

Again, lets stay on topic.
Thanks

[bob caldwell]

I guess I'm lucky 'cause out west we've got 'soft water'......only hard when you screw up div'n.... mineral deposits, like iron, calseum,(spell'n) would probably benefit the most, I'd think

[WayneLee]

Wow, never did I think I would get this many comments on this subject. My main reason was to get this subject discussed and to inform all the "Newbies" out there that are just getting into this "RV hobby" of ours. Their only introduction to dumping black water would have been that scene from the Robin Williams movie "RV".

To answer one of the comments regarding cross contamination of a gray tank, that will not occur if one follows the steps completely. The black tank would be empty when the gray tank is opened. The gray tank is closed before the black tank is drained.

And, I also use the "geo" method occasionally. But I have never heard of the "Slippery Soap" method, a new one on me.

Another point is that I am from California. With our severe drought conditions in the Southwest, water usage is discouraged. Therefore, the use of gray water to flush the black tank is preferred over other "high water" usage methods.

I have been RV'ing since 1975, so I am not a beginner at this, but I don't call myself an "expert" either. Thinking back to my early years, the draining of tanks was not really discussed much, it seemed like a taboo subject. I learned how to do it the hard way, the "Robin Williams" way. Hopefully, this thread will help newbies with the various optional methods they can use to successfully dump their tanks.

[bob caldwell]

Wayne...you hit it right on the head....If comments aren't made, then for those that havn't been there/ done that will have a rude experience....more conversation I feel goes a long ways to help'n folks out....Not taboo any more!

[Pipeman]

I also use Calgon in the liquid and powdered form. I think that the reason it's hard to find in some areas is because the water in the area around whatever store sells it is soft therefore it wouldn't sell very fast so they don't stock it. JMHO

[asquared]

Originally Posted by WayneLee

Wow, never did I think I would get this many comments on this subject. My main reason was to get this subject discussed and to inform all the "Newbies" out there that are just getting into this "RV hobby" of ours. Their only introduction to dumping black water would have been that scene from the Robin Williams movie "RV".

...Snip...

Thinking back to my early years, the draining of tanks was not really discussed much, it seemed like a taboo subject. I learned how to do it the hard way, the "Robin Williams" way. Hopefully, this thread will help newbies with the various optional methods they can use to successfully dump their tanks.

When we were newbies 5 yrs ago, we were petrified that scene in RV was us. Fortunately, I had found a couple of camping forums first and was able to educate myself on many tips and tricks not otherwise easily found. Yes threads like these are a wonderful help to newbies so thanks for starting it.