Using Tide to clean out black tank

shawje · 07-22-2010, 11:06 PM

Was told by a fellow RVer to use some Tide and water in the black water tank after flushing, drive home with it sloshing around, and dump it. Should clean tank and sensors and get rid of odor. True or not? If so, how much and what kind of tide (powder or liquid) to use and how much water? Don't want trailer to fill up with suds on the way home

powerboatr · 07-23-2010, 01:04 AM

i would imagine it would work
maybe a 1/4 cup and 10 gallons of water to slosh around...?????
sure wouldn't hurt, i doubt the suds would be that great,

Palomino_G210 · 07-23-2010, 05:56 AM

Use low sudsing laundry detergent or dishwasher detergent. The dishwasher stuff is really aggressive.

sailingsuppo46 · 07-23-2010, 06:52 AM

Has anyone used ice? The reason I ask was a guy at the CG last weekend mentioned it to me as I was dumping my tank before leaving. He said he pours his leftover ice into the tank with enough water to allow it to slosh around on the ride home then dumps at a station close to his house. Hopefully, he is using a dump station.......
It sounded reasonable, but I was wondering if this could cause damage to the tank and sensor. Depending on the amount of ice in the tank that could be a lot of debris sloshing around in there until it melts.
I am hoping with my TT being new and with a sewer flush valve installed, I can keep her pretty clean by flushing every chance I get. Well, once the dealer fixes the leaky connector.

Cheers,

**Herk7769** · 07-23-2010, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingsuppo46

Has anyone used ice? The reason I ask was a guy at the CG last weekend mentioned it to me as I was dumping my tank before leaving. He said he pours his leftover ice into the tank with enough water to allow it to slosh around on the ride home then dumps at a station close to his house. Hopefully, he is using a dump station.......
It sounded reasonable, but I was wondering if this could cause damage to the tank and sensor. Depending on the amount of ice in the tank that could be a lot of debris sloshing around in there until it melts.
I am hoping with my TT being new and with a sewer flush valve installed, I can keep her pretty clean by flushing every chance I get. Well, once the dealer fixes the leaky connector.

Cheers,

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...mpty-6715.html

for a complete discussion on this topic and how the level lights work.

The CALGON brand liquid or powder WATER SOFTENER conditioner is what coats the sides of the plastic and makes it "slippery" so stuff don't stick and slides right off. 3 gallons of water is perfect (10% of your tank capacity or more), but cold water and ice is the ticket.

The first time you use it I "highly recommend" two bags of ice cubes (or chips), a cup of laundry soap (liquid works here) and a 30 minute drive before you dump. The ice knocks the stuck on crud off the tank walls.

The water should run BLACK if you have a clear elbow on.
That is the "stuck on" composted stuff leaving your tank.

rvron · 07-23-2010, 12:55 PM

I have been looking for CALGON for the last few months. Can't find it. Are there other brands? and is it a laundry, dishwasher, and bath tub product???

**Herk7769** · 07-23-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvron

I have been looking for CALGON for the last few months. Can't find it. Are there other brands? and is it a laundry, dishwasher, and bath tub product???

Look in Laundry soap area, bottom shelf and it only comes in small bottles.

Wally World is where we get ours.

powerboatr · 07-23-2010, 05:35 PM

calgon water softening powder is inexpensive, we have used it many times over the years.
since its low cost, most stores place it almost on the ground, so you wont see it

shawje · 07-25-2010, 08:18 PM

Thanx to all for the great suggestions and general tank info. I have a better idea of what the tanks and sensor placement look like. Also, thanx to powerboatr and herk7769 for their service to our country, and anyone else who has served. I did 26+ years in the AF.

revrnd · 07-25-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herk7769

Look in Laundry soap area, bottom shelf and it only comes in small bottles.

Wally World is where we get ours.

It's WallyMart. Wally World was the amusement park where John Candy was the hapless security guard in National Lampoon's Vacation.

revrnd · 07-25-2010, 09:41 PM

Here's the whole article about using softener & detergent:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nance-785.html

**Herk7769** · 07-25-2010, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revrnd

It's WallyMart. Wally World was the amusement park where John Candy was the hapless security guard in National Lampoon's Vacation.

Right... Good movie too.

**Herk7769** · 07-25-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawje

Thanx to all for the great suggestions and general tank info. I have a better idea of what the tanks and sensor placement look like. Also, thanx to powerboatr and herk7769 for their service to our country, and anyone else who has served. I did 26+ years in the AF.

And thank you as well.

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