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

[Forester Fred]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Calgon normally comes in powder form, so you don't need to use liquid calgon, although I prefer it when I can find it.

Walmart sometimes has it.

The powdered Calgon that I've seen is a fabric softener. The liquid Calgon is a water softener.

[bob caldwell]

Bruce...sure it does.....see post 19...

[sfsgm]

Originally Posted by Gilpalmer

Here is a quick, simple and cheap way of cleaning your black water tank, much simpler than above. Your hardware store should carry a bottle of slippery soap used by plumbers to clean waste lines in houses. They tend to get coated on the inside walls and reduce the waste water flow over time. Simple put it's really slippery soap that you pour a cup into you toilet with your black water tank about half full. Now just before you leave on your next driving trip put in about 10lbs of ice cubes and let the fun begin on the road. It sloshes and cleans every thing. Just be sure to drain this solution when you get to your next stop. No need to rinse after draining because that slippery soap will remain in your tank for a couple of cycles which continues to keep it clean. I think it costs around $4.95 for a quart that lasts for a long time. Good luck and love simplicity solutions to problems.

I've seen a detailed demonstration of the ice cube method on television. It did not work.

[asquared]

Liquid Calgon is easy to find here but a quick amazon search found it easily.

I'm a big fan of the geo method.

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by Forester Fred

The powdered Calgon that I've seen is a fabric softener. The liquid Calgon is a water softener.

We buy the powdered form of Calgon water softener at Walmart. It's like this. http://www.amazon.com/Calgon-Water-S.../dp/B004VL3ZPQ
I can't find anywhere on-line where Calgon even makes a Fabric Softener.

[bob caldwell]

Originally Posted by Evereddie

We buy the powdered form of Calgon water softener at Walmart. It's like this. http://www.amazon.com/Calgon-Water-S.../dp/B004VL3ZPQ
I can find anywhere on-line where Calgon even makes a Fabric Softener.

Thought it came in both forms

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Ice cubes don't do all that much, per this guys experiments:

I have seen all of the tank demonstrations by this guy. I think his methodology is flawed. I have never seen a tank anywhere close to what he built. Size, dimensions, and surface in a demo DOES matter. I don't agree with his simulated po either. I would also like to see a proper test using water softener and the test of different flush methods. For me and many many folks the water softener makes a huge difference on how clean the tank gets after just a flush or two.

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Thought it came in both forms

Yes it does. I was just saying that at the Walmarts we hit, we find the powdered form. The post I was replying to said the water softener only came in liquid, and the powdered form of Calgon was a fabric softener not a water softener. Yes, it comes in both forms.

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Wobbles....be pass'n thru in May on way to Mayberry, N.C. rally

Let me know when and/or if you will overnight on either side of the big muddy river we have. I have been doing breakfast with local FRF members. Perhaps a meet and greet if not a boil. just think on it...

[Surveyor Mike]

I must say, I'm a huge fan of the Geo Method. my tank sensors were completely inoperable which I thought was a wiring issue. I used the Geo method once and it cleaned those sensors off. everything is working great now,so much so, as I keep Calgon powdered lavender scent in the camper at all times now just for those occasions that I need it from someones superpooh..lol

[itat]

I've used the Geo Method exclusively for a few years now and have never had any odor problems. Applied in an empty tank, the combination of Calgon water softener and laundry soap effectively makes the inside surfaces of the tank very slippery so that any sticky solids are less likely to resist your efforts at flushing.

The guy in the linked video does a fairly good job simulating the conditions in the black tank but I suppose the actual contents and tank dimensions are not the same for every RVer and that could make a difference, but with the Calgon and soap making the tank walls and bottom slippery, I expect it won't make that much difference.

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.

[indybp57]

I use a modified version of the new/old way. I don't have the slinky valve, but just lift the middle of the slinky high enough when draining the gray tank that it backs up into the black. When the water equalizes I close the gray valve and lay the slinky down and allow the black to drain. Repeat several times or until the gray tank is empty. Also use the calgon and laundry detergent so get the benefit of both methods.

[rockfordroo]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bob caldwell View Post
Thought it came in both forms

Originally Posted by Evereddie

Yes it does. I was just saying that at the Walmarts we hit, we find the powdered form. The post I was replying to said the water softener only came in liquid, and the powdered form of Calgon was a fabric softener not a water softener. Yes, it comes in both forms.

Here's both links.

Powdered:

http://www.amazon.com/Calgon-Water-S.../dp/B004VL3ZPQ

Liquid:

Calgon Water Softener, 32 oz. - Walmart.com

Liquid's easier, you don't have to mix it in hot water first.

[asquared]

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.

X2. As the water levels out you will likely get a back flush if level, if grey is higher, you are less likely.

[itat]

Calgon liquid is almost impossible to get in Canada. The powder version is available through Home Hardware stores (if it's not on the shelf, they'll order it). With the powder, you have to mix it with hot water to dissolve it first.

[indybp57]

Originally Posted by asquared

X2. As the water levels out you will likely get a back flush if level, if grey is higher, you are less likely.

Not likely if you close the gray once they equalize. And if it did by chance happen so what?

[bob caldwell]

Better hope your sink traps have water in 'em...

[asquared]

Ok guys and gals- I've deleted several off topic posts. Please keep on topic and keep it clean (no pun intended). Thanks.

[bob caldwell]

After all said and done, there's still no substitute for plenty of water and chemicals.....your choise of how much of each..

[Wolverine 1945]

Maybe the Slippery Soap,,, which I have never heard of,,, would work better than Water Softener ???