cleaning black tank on tt

[RHerrmann]

I need to give the black tank a good cleaning. was wondering if I should use real soapy water with bleach in it, or stick to the chemicals? I want to fill it with either one, let it sit about a day, drive around, go dump and rinse it good.

Just about died on the last camping trip, I wanted to find a skunk to toss in the crapper so it would smell better.

Thanks for any input.

 

[AMink]

I think I have read not to use bleach in your black and grey water tanks because it kills the enzymes that break down the toilet paper. Fill it up good and slosh it around for a day, drain it, then get one of the tank cleaning rods at Wallymart or Camping World. They work pretty good getting the stuck on stuff unstuck. There are special treatments for the tank but they are kind of pricey. Good luck, been there, done that!

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Stick to the chemicals. Like said, fill the tank about half full with water and mix the chemicals in. Drive around and let splash all over in the tank. This makes a hugh difference. Also, I've never used the recommended amount of chemicals. I've always added twice to three times the recommended amount and my trailer has never had a hint of odor. I've been living in my 5th wheel for almost six years and clean the tanks every other week.

 

[RHerrmann]

thanks guys, chemicals it is then. thanks for your advise.

 

[bmoeller]

Could toss in a lit match. :-laf

 

[Desperado]

You could also put in one of these.

 

[SHobbs]

Something else that may work is to fill the tank about half way, add tank and sensor cleaner and add 10lbs of ice then drive it around. The ice works as a scrubber and will clean the tank walls so i have heard. I saw the idea on RVtoday in their helpful hints segment. I have not tried it yet to see if it works. I have the black tank flush which works pretty well but over time the sludge does build up.

 

[RJOL]

You could also put in one of these.

I've had one of those on my last two 5th wheels and, while they help, they will never get all the gunk out. As other have said, the best way is to dump it and then fill with a few gallons of water and chemicals and drive it. I do this when we leave any campground for home. When I get home I just drain it into a 5 gal bucket and dump it into the home drain. Never had a bad odor problem. Also... If you are getting a lot of odor coming out the toilet make sure your vent pipe is not plugged up...

 

[jjordan1]

I would drop in a couple gallons of ice cubes,the drive it for about twenty five miles. I forgot bto mention add about five gallons of water,then do the drive. The ice will help knock off things that sre stuck on the sides. You will be surprised what will come out. Good Luck

 

[CPittman]

Mega-dittos on the ice scrubbing technique... just drop in two bags of ice and drive to the dump station. I'm also a big believer in the Flush King - just close the valve and back fill the black tank at the dump station and re-open the valve. I'm always amazed at how much more gunk get flushed even on the third fill...

 

[Opie366]

I just tried the ice thing on my black tank. Two 10 pound bags of ice, and 120 miles of agitation later, I drained, and flushed what should have been a relatively clean tank. I was amazed at all the... ... . um, stuff... ..... that came out. On the chemical front I use the orange stuff they sell at Wal-Mart. In the heat of the summer I add 2 or 3 times what they recommend to keep things from getting smelly.

 

[RHerrmann]

thanks for all the replys. The tank is soaking right now with chemicals and water. Going to hitch the tt up, get some ice and the a spin and go dump.

If I get time I will let you know how it turned out. I'm trying to get packed up for a long trip. You know how it is, clean the camper, get propane, check all tire psi, oil change, pack up all my gear, and the list goes on and on. and the weather is not helping

 

[MCrossley]

I also live in my 5th wheel 2 people for the last 6 years I do not even use chemicals any more just use the tank flush kit that I intalled in the beginning and keep the tank half full then every other week will to the top and then dump, re-fill 2 or 3 times and after 5 years I do not have any odor problems more than when I used the chemicals I do not worry about break down since I dump every other week now my neighbors on the other hand who do not do this regular routine who leave their tanks open all of the time well lets say that have had some complants lol

 

[The patriot]

Ice works for me, that and the blue powder stuff keeps it under control.

Eric

 

[EricBu12]

The chemicals have never really worked for us...



First do the cleaning, any way you need to, fill, rince, use the wands, etc. Then.....



What we do, and have done for several years is to use BORAX 20 MULE TEAM Powder in the laundry section of wal mart or equiv... .



Mix a couple scoops with a little more than a couple quarts of water and flush... .



If it still smells the first time, drain and do again. I would also advise on getting a in-tank rinser Where a jet gets mountd to the side of the tank and you hook a hose to the line which is routed to the sidewall of the trailer. This helps rince the tank...



Use the 20 Mule team Borax powder and you won't smell anything throughout the trailer.

 

[TowPro]

You should not smell anything when the towlet valve is closed. Its a seal that holds water. Maybe the seal on the bottom of the towlet is bad allowing stink out? The tank has a vent on the roof and that might stick.



I use what ever that Green Stuff is Walmart sells. 4oz per tank. When using the camper I let the black water tank fill, then empty when Its full, or before I leave. Plus I have a tank flusher built in by Titanium, works great.

 

[RHerrmann]

The ice did a great job of cleaning the tank. I dumped in about 12# and drove around 15-20 miles. Dumped the load of chemicals and ice, used the wand, filled up with water and dumped it again, after that the water was nice and clear.

Thanks for all the great replys!!

 

[cwsoules]

I have tried chemicals and enzymes with OK success. I now use laundry soap and water softener. When dumping is complete for the black tank, I leave the valve open and dump the grey tank this back flushes water into the black tank and helps flush it out. I then back flush using our sewer solution until the clear plastic part of our drain system indicates that the drainage is clear of "stuff". We still use "oust" spray to cover odors after the toilet has been used.

 

[SHobbs]

Something else you can do is to checkout Camping Worlds website for a 360 degree sanitation vent. These fit on top of the vent pipes on the roof and help to evacuate odors out of the tank.

 

[Bug Out]

Try this method ..It really works great.

http://cbruni.googlepages.com/







I tried just the water softner and it made all the guages work like new and the smell went away.





Ed