Dumping & Flushing Black tank

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Not a fun subject, but I’m new to RVs. What is the best way to handle Black tank maintenance?

[Kimber45]

lots and lots of water and as little paper as possible. tank flush as often as possible after use.

[007matman]

^ what he said and:

- don't dump until you're at least 2/3-3/4 full.

- use a good black tank chemical

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Kimber45

Thank you for the quick response. I have been flushing with each dump and we are using the RV friendly Scott’s paper. I have been adding water after each dump but not sure how much plus a Oxy-chem tablet. Again not sure if this product is best.

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Thank you. In recommendation?

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Any recommendations

[Kimber45]

everyone has their own thoughts and processes. I like to dump when there is no line and I can take my time. running water through flush and opening and closing gate valve. (never turn on water and forget with valve closed) maybe TMI but my wife uses a trash can for paper after peeing and the only paper that goes down is "dirty" paper. Start with water in the tank with a treatment pack of your choice. The amount of water I use is directly related to how long im staying and weather im on full hook up or not.

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Thank you Kimber45. We just started full time and this really helps.

[madatme]

ok this is what i do, geo method, google it, anyway i use a big squirt of dawn followed by calgon water softener(makes things slick and slide)and a drop in of your choice, when its time dump, if at full hook up use black tank flush if you have it, DO NOT LEAVE THIS UNINTENDED , if not flush the toilet and a few times more to flush out the remainder of you know what, close valve, empty the gray tank it will clean out the poop hose, now continue camping until its time again to repeat, when we pack up and leave repeat process again, close the valves and flush toilet 7-8 times(leave the water in the tank) and a big squirt of dawn, this will wash and clean the remainder of whats in the tank while your driving, when i get home i drain it(not much will come out) and hook up the house hose and the magic wand and rinse out the tank, all done.It seems like allot of work and it doesnt take long but its worth it, no stink for me, keep it clean and use lots of water

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Madatme
Thank you .

[Reverse_snowbird]

And wear nitrile gloves......


Also, keep black tank closed until dumping.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by AlphaWolf26RL

Not a fun subject, but I’m new to RVs. What is the best way to handle Black tank maintenance?

not a maintenance idea, more a dump station tip, ... while most dump stations do have a water hose, its not always possible to screw it onto the flush unit, if you have one, because of bad threads, or not courteous to take the time to do that if there's a line of others waiting for their turn, ... I started using this idea/gadget about four or five trips ago and like it more every time I get the opportunity to use it, ... after dumping the black tank, I can leave it open, close the portable slide valve, open the gray tank and then use the gray water to flush the BT again, ... can actually do that twice and still have enough gray water to rinse the hose to finish up, ... it's quick, easy, and with the clear piece, I can see it gives good results, ...

[AlphaWolf26RL]

Brilliant idea. I can see how that would help even if you are still hooked up to the sewer if you did not want to or could not hook up a flush hose

Thank you

[pilotpip]

Biggest piece of advice I've been given on the subject is to get a few gallons of water in the tank before you use it. Doing that helps avoid a poo mound. The gray tank will likely fill long before the black tank. Be generous with your flush. When you think you've held the valve open long enough, hold it for a few more seconds.

[ependydad]

Here’s an article on the topic:
https://learntorv.com/how-to-dump-rv...s-not-so-icky/

[KSH]

I've timed how long it takes to fill my blank tank with the black tank flush. I set a timer on my phone, fill and dump the black tank 2 or 3 times until nothing else comes out.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by ksh2

I've timed how long it takes to fill my blank tank with the black tank flush. I set a timer on my phone, fill and dump the black tank 2 or 3 times until nothing else comes out.

So you assume each campground water spigot has the same pressure/flow rate as all the others?

[Chuck_S]

I've timed how long it takes to fill my blank tank with the black tank flush. I set a timer on my phone, fill and dump the black tank 2 or 3 times until nothing else comes out.

This explains why the lines are so long at the dump station.

-- Chuck

[5picker]

How in the world did we ever manage all those years BEFORE black tank flushes were being installed?

Nothing wrong with flushing now and then but to flush for 30-45 minutes or filling the tank multiple times and dumping each time you empty your tank is simply not necessary.

It's just a holding tank.
Use enough water initially and during each flush and you won't have problems... ever!

[KSH]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

So you assume each campground water spigot has the same pressure/flow rate as all the others?

I have the pressure regulator on it. I give myself a 1 minute margin of error and check the first fill.