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Old 07-20-2014, 02:23 PM   #1
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Do I do what Flowdown suggests?

First year camper. Learning each time.

Had a site with sewer last time, getting another site in 2 weeks. Had an issue with droopy hose, so got the "Flowdown" sewer trough. Seems to be a good product, haven't used it yet.

The instructions say that I should NEVER open the sewer/blackwater valve when connected to site sewer.....that I should always leave both gray and black valves closed, then periodically go out and dump both one at a time, same as I would at a dump station. It says that opening the black water valve while using it will damage it somehow.

Maybe this is obvious (roll eyes here, if it is.....), but is that correct? The few times we've had sewer connection, we just left valve open and flushed.

Which is correct??
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Old 07-20-2014, 02:27 PM   #2
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Flowdown is correct. As others will tell you, if you leave the black valve open you'll end up with a small mountain of dry "stuff" in the black tank right under where the toilet "deposits" it. You need to allow a "soup" to form.

Dump the black tank first, then the grey and/or galley tanks.
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Old 07-20-2014, 02:32 PM   #3
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If you leave the valves open, the liquids will flow from the tanks and the solids will remain in the tanks with no liquids to break them down. Solids gathering in the black tank are often referred to as "the pyramid of death". Follow the directions and leave the valves closed.
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Old 07-20-2014, 02:39 PM   #4
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You need flow, no water, no flow.
I let the black tank get about 3/4 full and then dump and then flush close the valve dump the gray, close the valve run the black tank flush with the valve open for about 5 min.

Close the black, add tank treatment and some water, done.
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Old 07-20-2014, 02:53 PM   #5
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If you leave the dump valve open, your black tank is not only collecting solids, but it is sharing sewer gas with the public sewer system. Each flush, some of that sewer gas will be pulled into your rig, especially if your toilet exhaust fan is on during the flush. Keeping it closed with your favorite black tank treatment/deodorizer in it will be much more pleasant.


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Old 07-20-2014, 02:55 PM   #6
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Clearly, this was a dumb novice question! Thanks guys! Duh! I just figured if I was connected to sewer, I'd leave it open and flush and be 'done' with it.

Not so.

I do appreciate the info. Roll eyes at will (I'm Will)!!!!
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Old 07-20-2014, 02:59 PM   #7
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We all started somewhere Will. this is the first time I felt confident enough to be the first to answer such a question.

I often say: I knew RVing would involve a learning curve, just didn't know there would be more than one S curve.
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Old 07-20-2014, 03:01 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BandJCarm View Post
Clearly, this was a dumb novice question! Thanks guys! Duh! I just figured if I was connected to sewer, I'd leave it open and flush and be 'done' with it.

Not so.

I do appreciate the info. Roll eyes at will (I'm Will)!!!!



You might find it at Walmart but I am not sure.

Amazon.com: RID-X RV Toilet Treatment Liquid, 16 Treatments, 48 Ounce: Health & Personal Care

Follow the directions to get rid of any "build up" you may have in the black tank.
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Old 07-20-2014, 03:06 PM   #9
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I've learned more about RV TV than most.............but it seems that's the ONLY thing I know about these money pits!!

Thanks again.
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Old 07-20-2014, 03:07 PM   #10
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Also do a search on the forum for the use of ice plus water then drive on the highway method of scrubbing the black tank and/or cleaning off the tank sensors.
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Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around:
Flagstaff 5er 2014 8528 IKWS, Platinum Package, Regency Interior "Buffy"
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Old 07-20-2014, 03:10 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by BandJCarm View Post
I've learned more about RV TV than most.............but it seems that's the ONLY thing I know about these money pits!!

Thanks again.
Sneak (DH) and I have found this to be the BEST resource for RV help/knowledge on the interwebs.

Saved our bacon a time or two, these fine folks have.
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If age is a state of mind, and I've lost my mind, I'm AGELESS, right?
Give me 40 acres and I'll turn this rig around:
Flagstaff 5er 2014 8528 IKWS, Platinum Package, Regency Interior "Buffy"
F250 Super Duty 2013 Tuxedo Black "Biff"
Days camped 2014: 30
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Old 07-26-2014, 09:14 PM   #12
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We tend to use the CG bathrooms as much as possible, so we can usually do 3-4 days before the black tank fills. I leave the gray tank open for the first 2 days, then close it to build up some water to flush out the sewer hose after dumping the black.

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Old 07-26-2014, 09:59 PM   #13
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Welcome we use the GEO method. You can do a search on here,print it out for reference till you get the hang of it. As others said the only silly question is the one never asked. We all were new at this at some point. Happy camping
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