Use toilet chemicals.

daddyntwins · 05-10-2018, 08:03 AM

For any first time RV/TT owners, I wanted to remind you to use some form of black water tank treatment chemicals before using. The commercially available treatment products work to breakdown the solids which intern allows your blackwater tank to drain better and stay cleaner. I mention this because I use a clear elbow on my drain, and there is a visual difference when you do and don't use toilet chemicals. I will end my description there... Also, if you have a site with a sewer, it will also help the campground sewer system flow better and help to prevent "Sunday back-up" issues as people drain/dump before they leave. Without chemicals, solids may make it out of the blackwater tank, but cause problems in the CG's sewer system where there is a lot less drain slope. Then the problem becomes everyone's problem. I have been to 2 CG's where they have had raw sewage coming out in campsites. Bad mojo! Just a friendly reminder, now, go have fun!

SeaDog · 05-10-2018, 08:35 AM

Myself I don't use any chemicals and have never had a problem with my black tank. With that said I don't let the black tank sit long enough for chemicals to work anyway. The problem with campground backups I believe is not the use or nonuse of chemicals, but rather the stuff folks are putting down their toilets

5picker · 05-10-2018, 08:46 AM

Chemicals can mask odors and help begin the breakdown process but remember... the waste tanks are 'holding' tanks, not septic tanks.

I'd bet 80% of of campers never let the stuff stay inside the tank(s) long enough for the chemicals to do proper digestion.

Seasonal sites... that's a different horse.

joeuncool · 05-10-2018, 10:59 AM

I have to agree. Here are the three things I do. Use chemicals. I use the amount on the instructions plus a bit more. The chemicals do help to break things down. Second, I dump 7-10 gallons on water in the black tank, after the chemicals and before it is used. Last, which I think makes a lot of difference, I don't dump at the campground I am leaving. I either dump at a place back at home, or I dump at the next camp ground as I am entering. This allows the black tank to slosh around on the road and and break stuff up. I have always been amazed that all those solids are completely liquified when I dump. Oh, and I don't use RV toilet paper.

Out of all of these, starting with quite a bit of water in your black tank is probably the most important.

Oaklevel · 05-10-2018, 11:25 AM

As has been mentioned chemicals can help mask odors but are not needed. We rarely use them.

arter368rlbhk · 05-10-2018, 11:44 AM

I drop 2 dissolvable bags in after every dump. I put a few gallons of water and let it slosh around while I drive and figure it’s ready to go for the next trip. Always done it this way and never had an odor problem.

rockfordroo · 05-10-2018, 11:52 AM

Geo method, and a splash of a chemical for odor control only.

As stated, these are holding tanks, not septic tanks. A few days is not long enough to break down much.

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

3xplor3r · 05-10-2018, 12:21 PM

I use Chemicals. Whether they have time to do their job in the tank or not, I can't say. We often go out for short 3-4 day weekend trips, not more than a couple hours from home. So, I frequently dump the tank at home in our own septic system at home. This allows the contents of the tank to "slosh" (as has been mentioned) and lets me drain and clean the tanks at leisure without a line of folks wishing I'd hurry up. The chemicals aren't exactly a "high dollar" item, and they do help control odor... And they might actually help my septic tank at home.

timfromma · 05-10-2018, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

As has been mentioned chemicals can help mask odors but are not needed. We rarely use them.

Let me use your toilet the morning after having dinner at Taco Bell and I bet you will change your mind

arter368rlbhk · 05-10-2018, 12:55 PM

We use bio-pak drop ins, they claim that it breaks waste down within 24hrs. How often are ppl dumping their tanks; that it doesn’t even have time to work?

Ps they are also septic system safe

debit · 05-10-2018, 12:59 PM

We use some chemicals, including a solution of Cal-gon water softeners, which helps clean the blank tank.
.....................
Ram 2500 diesel 4x4 / FR Surveyor 251rks

BandJCarm · 05-10-2018, 01:01 PM

I use everything I can think of, and most of what you can think of.

PuppyDogMom · 05-14-2018, 05:57 AM

Before using after de-winterizing, should you put water into the holding tank with chemicals? Really new so don't know much.

5picker · 05-14-2018, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuppyDogMom

Before using after de-winterizing, should you put water into the holding tank with chemicals? Really new so don't know much.

Yes. Put 5-6 gallons of water in the holding tank with your choice of chemicals. Do this everytime after you empty the black tank.

cavie · 05-14-2018, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5picker

Yes. Put 5-6 gallons of water in the holding tank with your choice of chemicals. Do this everytime after you empty the black tank.

+2

PuppyDogMom · 05-14-2018, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5picker

Yes. Put 5-6 gallons of water in the holding tank with your choice of chemicals. Do this everytime after you empty the black tank.

Very helpful. Thank you!

Dave Lyon · 05-14-2018, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Geo method, and a splash of a chemical for odor control only.

As stated, these are holding tanks, not septic tanks. A few days is not long enough to break down much.

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

X2 on the GEO Method and my black tanks very clean .....never an issue with residue. Rinsing is also key......... water...water and more water.

schaffer05 · 05-14-2018, 07:38 AM

I flush mine for about 20-30 mins after dumping. Usually dump the tanks and then do the flush while I’m breaking everything else down. Have a clear elbow and make sure my flush water is completely clear before I shut it off.

Not saying chemicals are a bad idea, but a good flush is more vital imo.

timfromma · 05-14-2018, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schaffer05

I flush mine for about 20-30 mins after dumping. Usually dump the tanks and then do the flush while I’m breaking everything else down. Have a clear elbow and make sure my flush water is completely clear before I shut it off.

Not saying chemicals are a bad idea, but a good flush is more vital imo.

My black flush is lousy. I just stick my rinse hose down the toilet and let the black tank fill with water them dump. I do that about 3 times.

Cypressloser · 05-14-2018, 10:27 AM

We live in our trailer full time and have not used any chemicals or additives (not even the small sample pacs), only plenty of water in at least 5 years, no smells and no problems.
We do use regular dish soap from a spray bottle to clean the inside of the toilet bowl every other day or so, no regular schedule.

Unless the tank is being actively disinfected, the remaining bacteria will immediately grow and start digesting what ever enters the tank - no enhancer needed. On the contrary, some black tank treatment chemicals can slow the process down.
What's most important is that the seal on the dump valve seals 100% and doesn't let any liquids escape.
Never leave the black tank sitting dry, always have 5 - 10 gal. of water in it.

Certain medications that have passed through the body and certain cleaning agents can totally screw up the system.

We usually go 2 weeks plus between dumps and if we have to leave early then we fill the tank with water then dump and rinse once or twice.

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