Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Best chemicals for black tank ?

Best chemicals for black tank ?

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Topic: Best chemicals for black tank ?

Posted By: jstoy
Subject: Best chemicals for black tank ?
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2015 at 8:49am

There are so many different chemicals out there for putting in the black and grey tank after dumping. I was wondering if there is any particular brand/type that is better than most?

Replies:

Posted By: hammockmadness
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2015 at 9:56am

We don't really use anything in either of our tanks, we just make sure they are flushed clean whenever dumping. Make sure you keep plenty of water in the black tank at all times, and try not to dump it until it's full. This gives it a better flush and keeps everything wet. When travelling I always keep at least 6-8 gallons (6-8 full toilet flushes) in the black tank to keep thing loose. I've never had a need to flush the grey tank. I also keep several gallons of water in it to keep any bits of stuff from sticking to the sides. Many campers add Dawn dish detergent or liquid laundry softener (about a cup after each dump) to the water in the tank after dumping and flushing. This helps keeps paper and "stuff" from sticking to the sides of the tank. Again, it's important to keep water in the tank at all times.

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Dana & Regina
Fleetwood & Jasper
2014 181-G
2014 Silverado 4X4

Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2015 at 3:29pm

Originally posted by jstoy

is any particular brand/type that is better than most?

Better? Well, anything with formaldehyde will definitely keep the odour down. But, not only is it ecologically a disaster, but you'll find some campgrounds and many jurisdictions completely ban it. It essentially kills off all bacteria and it doesn't take much to kill off an entire sewage bed at the camground.

Personally, since my days with the tent trailer and the porta-potti I lugged around with it, the http://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-TST-Orange-Power-Toilet-Treatment-64-oz/16783116 - Camco TST Orange toilet treatment is my favourite. Never a smell (well, its smells of orange), its biologically friendly and encourages quick breakdown of the contents of the black tank. And, its available most everywhere (including Walmart). I generally put two toilet bowls of water and 4oz of the orange stuff in the black tank before a trip.

I've never had much trouble with the grey tank and never add anything. But, I only use biodegradable soap and shampoos, as well as dish detergent; and nothing foody or greasy goes down the sink (dishes are wiped down with paper towels before dishwashing).

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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150