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Black water tank cleaning

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Capt086 View Drop Down
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Joined: 01 May 2021
Location: Red Hook, NY
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Capt086 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Black water tank cleaning
    Posted: 23 Oct 2023 at 6:03am
We have had a 192 for 3 years now-I may have a buildup in the black water tank - we follow all the traditional rules of maintaining and flushing tanks and I have researched all cleaning methods  - I turned around the flush out valve which was installed improperly - does anyone have a sure fire method of cleaning out the tank prior to storage? We have tried various commercial cleaners and the 'ice cube' method - 
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seafans View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote seafans Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2023 at 10:06am
About the best way to clean out your black water tank is using a wand.  There are several types but this one is easy to store and use.  I add a cup of bleach to the tank and fill the tank up using the wand.  Then dump it of course.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Black-Tank-Cleaner/Valterra/A01-0184VP.html
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2023 at 3:22pm
There are biological agents that can help break down the residue. They do take time. Check out ones like Happy Camper, TankTechsRx, Unique Products RV DigestIT, etc. Don't use anything containing formaldehyde or ones that just mask the odor instead of helping break down the contents. Skip the bleach also. You want to encourage the bacteria that break down the wastes, not kill them. Some people put washing soda (Sodium Carbonate) in the tank. I have not done so. I have been using Happy Camper with our trailer. When I looked down through after draining and flushing with the black tank flush, the tank was almost clean with only a small amount of residue inside. Admittedly, we have only had this one since February and we just completed a month long trip. I had drained the tank while we were on the road, but did not use the black tank flush until we got home, so I think the Happy Camper is doing a good job for us.

The wand will definitely help with an existing plug. Ice is next to useless. You can find a YouTube video of a transparent tank and see that ice does almost nothing to help knock things loose.
StephenH
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Capt086 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Capt086 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Oct 2023 at 3:30pm
Thanks to all who responded!! I will continue to try these suggestions
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