Sewer Flush

sideout1961 · 06-06-2012, 05:16 PM

How long does everyone run their black tank flush system? Last weekend I ran mine for a good 3 to 4 minutes saw the water running clear so I figure all is good. When I got home I went to open the grey water tank and accidentally pulled the sewer handle and needless to say lots of brown water and TP came out. Did I not run the flush long enough? I have also been using the softener and detergent method.

TURBS · 06-06-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

How long does everyone run their black tank flush system? Last weekend I ran mine for a good 3 to 4 minutes saw the water running clear so I figure all is good. When I got home I went to open the grey water tank and accidentally pulled the sewer handle and needless to say lots of brown water and TP came out. Did I not run the flush long enough? I have also been using the softener and detergent method.

I always install Geo method before I leave cg and several gallons of water.
To slosh around for trip home.
Ok to leave sit for next trip.

OldCoot · 06-06-2012, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

How long does everyone run their black tank flush system? Last weekend I ran mine for a good 3 to 4 minutes saw the water running clear so I figure all is good. When I got home I went to open the grey water tank and accidentally pulled the sewer handle and needless to say lots of brown water and TP came out. Did I not run the flush long enough? I have also been using the softener and detergent method.

I have run it as long as 30 minutes if I have time and at a site hook up.

DAISY BOYKIN · 06-06-2012, 05:34 PM

Right on with the 30 Min flush!!!!!!

I drain the black tank, fill to about 3/4 full with the flush system, drain again, fill again, drain, fill again. Now add about 1/4 tank of water, add your chemicals and you are ready for the next trip. I use septic tank safe
paper, three pods of dish washer soap, a chemical deodorant to keep the smell down.

**Herk7769** · 06-06-2012, 05:36 PM

It takes a good 15 to 20 minutes for a complete flush.

TP and sludge will form a "dam" at the valve opening and turbo flush water will pile up behind it. You will think you are done; then suddenly a "whoosh" of crud will come out. This will happen several times when flushing.

A clear elbow is a mandatory "option" and everyone should have one.

sideout1961 · 06-06-2012, 06:52 PM

WOW! didn't realize it had to run that long. Great advice everyone. I do put the mixture in when I get home but I suppose it would be better at CG for the ride home.

Rugged Brown · 06-06-2012, 07:56 PM

I usually close the gate, run flush for a few minutes, open gate, look for colour of discharge and repeat several times until satisfied all sewer is discharged.

FreedomTracker · 06-07-2012, 11:52 AM

FYI,

Geo Method site...

https://sites.google.com/site/cbruni/

crushor · 06-07-2012, 05:31 PM

Thanks for posting the link to the Geo Method site. That's great information. Something to add to my documentation, and to use.

sherdep · 06-07-2012, 06:28 PM

when I flush my tank I am constantly opening and closing the black tank valve to fill and drain the tank - have had excellent results doing it that way

and I agree with what Herk said about the clear elbow - makes a world of diffrence when you are making sure your tank is clean

sideout1961 · 06-07-2012, 07:17 PM

So I keep reading that people close the tank valve while they are flushing the tank. So I take it we can ignore the warning label on the side of trailer that says open valve before flushing tank. My trailer is still under warranty and don't want to do any damage.

Mountainmanbob · 06-07-2012, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

How long does everyone run their black tank flush system?

I do about a ten min flush
closing the valve a few times during flush
that build up of water
helps to get clean
depending on angle of RV
may never be perfectly clean

Mountainman

sherdep · 06-07-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

So I keep reading that people close the tank valve while they are flushing the tank. So I take it we can ignore the warning label on the side of trailer that says open valve before flushing tank. My trailer is still under warranty and don't want to do any damage.

It wont damage anything unless you leave the flusher on and the valve closed where it over flows up the toilet and ruins the inside of your camper

the warning label is there so they cant be sued for someone leaving the valve closed when running the tank flush.

when I open and close the valve I actually watch how much water is being put into the tank - usually only let it go a 1/4 to 1/2 at the most which is below the flusher head

sideout1961 · 06-07-2012, 08:30 PM

Just curious, how do you know when it's 1/4 full? Was it just trial and error?

**Herk7769** · 06-07-2012, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sideout1961

So I keep reading that people close the tank valve while they are flushing the tank. So I take it we can ignore the warning label on the side of trailer that says open valve before flushing tank. My trailer is still under warranty and don't want to do any damage.

You ignore limits and warnings at your own risk.
No one will pony up the money if you follow bad advice given here and damage your camper or tow vehicle.

If you understand the reason for the warning or limit and are convinced it does not apply to you, then do what your conscience dictates.

As in all posts and advice on an open forum you will get posts from experts, folks just trying to help, and fools.

They will all sound very convincing.

It is your job to figure out which is which.

RickV · 06-19-2012, 08:08 PM

I was reading this thread before I left for vacation and I would like to start using the GEO Method. I have looked at several places and all I could find was the liquid Calgon Water Softener (at Wally World). Can someone tell me how much of the liquid Calgon I should use to make a batch of GEO?

**Herk7769** · 06-19-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickV

I was reading this thread before I left for vacation and I would like to start using the GEO Method. I have looked at several places and all I could find was the liquid Calgon Water Softener (at Wally World). Can someone tell me how much of the liquid Calgon I should use to make a batch of GEO?

Post 8 has the site.

RickV · 06-20-2012, 05:02 AM

Yes I know but he talks about is how much to use using the crystal type of softener and all I can find is the liquid. Looking for a ballpark conversion.

TURBS · 06-20-2012, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickV

Yes I know but he talks about is how much to use using the crystal type of softener and all I can find is the liquid. Looking for a ballpark conversion.

Walmart has the crystals

**Herk7769** · 06-20-2012, 06:44 AM

The liquid version is the best one to use, IMO.

I use the following method and am very happy with the results.

AFTER every dump:

1 CAP full of Calgon
1 CAP full of laundry soap

in the toilet - flush for 1 minute.
in the bath sink - run hot water for 1 minute

At end of Season prior to winterization:

1/2 bottle of RV-Digest-It and a full tank of water on both black and gray tanks and let stand a MINIMUM of 72 hours. Then turboflush and drain till clear. - Winterize as normal.

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