Black tanks.

[Stimey]

Ok. I know the manual says to manage your blackwater tank a certain way. But does anyone have any suggestions or recomendations on how to do it and what chemical to use?

[jtstromsburg]

Lots of threads about this. Do a search for geo method. That is what many of us use. Basically, rule #1 is use plenty of water and always let the tank get close to 2/3 full before dumping, and add 5 gal our so of water after dumping. The geo method I use is 1c laundry det and 1c calgon water softener added to the fresh 5g of water after dumping. No odors, no harsh or formaldehyde containing chemicals, and stuff that's easy to find.

[Stimey]

Ok thanks for the info. Theres so much info out there i needed to know what was most widely used. That helps alot.

[Triguy]

Can't go wrong with the Geo Method. I second that.

[08flagvlite]

I've been using the Calgon method with 2 or 3 gallons of water before you travel to your camping destination, that way it gets sloshed around in the tank, thereby coating the sides as well with the slippery water substance. I live in Florida, and after I dump my tank, I have seldom ever even needed any deodorizers. Been 5 years now, and this has worked for me. Randy

[Road-King]

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

Lots of threads about this. Do a search for geo method. That is what many of us use. Basically, rule #1 is use plenty of water and always let the tank get close to 2/3 full before dumping, and add 5 gal our so of water after dumping. The geo method I use is 1c laundry det and 1c calgon water softener added to the fresh 5g of water after dumping. No odors, no harsh or formaldehyde containing chemicals, and stuff that's easy to find.

What he said

[Rebel702]

See the Library in the forum menu bar at the top of the page. Look under Plumbing > Geo Method.

[John4th]

What laundry detergent do you recommend?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

The geo method I use is 1c laundry det and 1c calgon water softener added to the fresh 5g of water after dumping. No odors, no harsh or formaldehyde containing chemicals, and stuff that's easy to find.

The "c" should not be a "cup" - way too much and a waste of reagent (IMO). I use a capful of each after every dump/turboflush and 5 gallons of water.

I use a "standard wash load" amount of laundry detergent. In a pinch, even a long squirt of dish-wash soap works great. I am now using a "laundry pod" when the DW switched to those and it seems to be working as well as the liquid laundry soap. Time will tell and I will let you know.

[Dovetail]

Originally Posted by jtstromsburg

Lots of threads about this. Do a search for geo method. That is what many of us use. Basically, rule #1 is use plenty of water and always let the tank get close to 2/3 full before dumping, and add 5 gal our so of water after dumping. The geo method I use is 1c laundry det and 1c calgon water softener added to the fresh 5g of water after dumping. No odors, no harsh or formaldehyde containing chemicals, and stuff that's easy to find.

Not sure i understand the 2/3 rds full suggestion. If we are camping for a few days, i will dump before going home. If on the road, will do it every second or third day. Guess it is because i dont want to haul the weight.

If stationary, i let it go to the 2/3 level.

Why is it better to let it get pretty full before dumping?

[jtstromsburg]

The mass of water will give a "whoosh" effect on the way out and helps pull out any solids on the way. I too, empty when not 2/3 full, but usually fill the tank with the black tank flush as I'm dumping.

Originally Posted by Dovetail

Not sure i understand the 2/3 rds full suggestion. If we are camping for a few days, i will dump before going home. If on the road, will do it every second or third day. Guess it is because i dont want to haul the weight.

If stationary, i let it go to the 2/3 level.

Why is it better to let it get pretty full before dumping?

[Herk7769]

Not having enough water in the back tank is the number one reason for black tank problems.

Dry campers have the absolute worst time with the black tank because they have a tendency not to use enough water when they flush (trying to maximize time between dumps). This is false economy because the solids will pile up under the inlet for the tank and become "the mountain of doom" blocking the dump valve.

They also use a dump station that has a line (typically), and being the nice campers that they are, feel bad about using the Turboflush (if installed - and it should be!); so they don't. This makes filling the black tank to the "full light" even more critical when you head to the dump station.

[Dovetail]

Makes sense.

Power flush +
Clear outlet connection +
GEO method =

Happy campers!