R-pod Owners Forum : Black Tank what now? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Black Tank what now? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 20:49:07 +0000 Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:39:21 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=12079 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Black Tank what now? : Remember that the contents of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=114018#114018 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12079
Posted: 21 Aug 2018 at 12:39pm

Remember that the contents of the black tank have to go somewhere, whether into a septic tank or public sewer system. Products containing formaldehyde or other products that kill the bacteria and cover the smell with perfumes eventually wind up in these systems and disrupt them. Biological treatments reduce the smell by breaking down the wastes. A properly working black (and gray) tank will contain the odor and vent them through the roof.

Two things: If you notice an odor, check the sink and shower drain traps to make sure they are not dry. I find that I have to add a little water to the shower drain every few days if we are not using the shower. Second is to not run the vent fan when you flush the toilet as it will create a vacuum and draw stinky vapors up as the tank will be the path of least resistance to fill the vacuum created by the fan. If windows are open and if the fan is on low, this might not be an issue. However, if the fan is on high, the closed door creates enough of a block to air that the fan will pull from the tank through the flush valve when the toilet is flushed.
]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2018 12:39:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=114018#114018 Black Tank what now? : So just for the sake of being... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=114009#114009 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 12079
Posted: 21 Aug 2018 at 10:24am

So just for the sake of being clear. Is putting treatment into the black tank before going camping better to promote biologicals, to break stuff down, or is it to kill everything, keep it from smelling, and trying to get it clean. I see so many different ways people say they treat their B/T. From the usual store bought, to apple cider vinegar, to the geo method. I thought we want to promote good bacteria that breaks things down, solids and T.P., controls odor, and makes things easier to dump. I feel some of these methods would make things worse and kill the bacteria. Or am I confusing a septic system and a black tank.

]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2018 10:24:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=114009#114009 Black Tank what now? : harrypodder, I just go on the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113990#113990 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:50pm

harrypodder, I just go on the prior treatment and haven't had any issues. I think it works because you are leaving the treatment and a good bit of water in a while and it really breaks things down. Take a look at the Happy Camper reviews on Amazon, I think this is pretty much consensus. Thanks, PP ]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 20:50:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113990#113990 Black Tank what now? : John, when you go on your next... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113987#113987 Author: harrypodder
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:49pm

John, when you go on your next trip do you add additional chemicals or go with your previous Happy Camper after the dump station from your last outing? ]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 19:49:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113987#113987 Black Tank what now? : Originally posted by mjlrpodPerhaps... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113974#113974 Author: furpod
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 6:23pm

Originally posted by mjlrpod

Perhaps i've been wasting my time and money. If i'm throwing 6 bucks worth of ice in for nothing, I'd rather save the 6 bucks. The concept sounded believable. 


Look up "Fit RV" on youtube.. great channel, and he has a great video about cleaning tanks, complete with transparent tank and home made poo substitute...
]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 18:23:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113974#113974 Black Tank what now? : When I'm done at the dump... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113971#113971 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 5:40pm

When I'm done at the dump station, I pull away and stop and add 4-5 gallons and a scoop of Happy Camper and it has worked very well. No odors on the next trip and things seem to flow well at the next dump. 


]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:40:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113971#113971 Black Tank what now? : I think you got a plan. I'd... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113970#113970 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 5:14pm

I think you got a plan. I'd put ice in cooler.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:14:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113970#113970 Black Tank what now? : Perhaps i've been wasting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113969#113969 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 5:10pm

Perhaps i've been wasting my time and money. If i'm throwing 6 bucks worth of ice in for nothing, I'd rather save the 6 bucks. The concept sounded believable. ]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:10:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113969#113969 Black Tank what now? : Long time ago there was a You... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113967#113967 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 3:14pm

Long time ago there was a You Tube video of using ice in tank. Basically showed it did nothing and you have ice cubes banging against sensors. All for not leaving it dry and helps to have something in tank going to and coming back from camp, but no ice cubes.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 15:14:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113967#113967 Black Tank what now? : Originally posted by mjlrpodI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113959#113959 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 2:00pm

Originally posted by mjlrpod

I read, or heard somewhere along the line, that after dumping, add a new dose of chemical, or whatever you use, a gallon or two of water, and then put in a couple 5 pound bags of ice right down the toilet. As mentioned, the drive home provides the movement for the ice and water to scrub the tank, and automatically leaves liquid in the tank once it all melts. No matter which of these you choose to do, the worst one is leaving it dry.

Not sure what the ice adds to the cleaning.. With that earthquake of towing, and some water/cleaner (of choice), I'm sure that's plenty going on.. 

Besides, Ice when traveling is a commodity! 
Wifey would blow a gasket if she saw me pour Ice in the tank.. LOL
]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 14:00:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113959#113959 Black Tank what now? : Forget about the ice. There is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113953#113953 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 1:32pm

Forget about the ice. There is a YouTube video that shows that ice is about useless in "scrubbing" the tank. Agreed though that leaving it dry is not a good idea.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 13:32:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113953#113953 Black Tank what now? : I read, or heard somewhere along... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113940#113940 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 9:41am

I read, or heard somewhere along the line, that after dumping, add a new dose of chemical, or whatever you use, a gallon or two of water, and then put in a couple 5 pound bags of ice right down the toilet. As mentioned, the drive home provides the movement for the ice and water to scrub the tank, and automatically leaves liquid in the tank once it all melts. No matter which of these you choose to do, the worst one is leaving it dry.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 09:41:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113940#113940 Black Tank what now? : If you are using a biological... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113938#113938 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 9:28am

If you are using a biological treatment such as TankTech's Rx or RV Digest-It, then you do need to add so it can continue to work to liquefy any remaining solids.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 09:28:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113938#113938 Black Tank what now? : Always keep a gallon or two in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113929#113929 Author: furpod
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:56am

Always keep a gallon or two in there, just to prevent any residue from drying up and becoming a problem later.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:56:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113929#113929 Black Tank what now? : I do the same. A fellow camper... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113925#113925 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:23am

I do the same. A fellow camper told me about adding some water and dish soap after dumping. The trip home washes the tank for you. Thought that was a pretty cool idea!]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:23:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113925#113925 Black Tank what now? : +1 - I do not leave it empty.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113924#113924 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:22am

+1 - I do not leave it empty. Plus the 2 gals and chemical will slosh around on next travel and help keep contents loose.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:22:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113924#113924 Black Tank what now? : I think the conventional wisdom... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113922#113922 Author: Pete Brayton
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:16am

I think the conventional wisdom is to put in a couple of gallons of water and some of the toilet chemical. That's what I do.]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:16:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113922#113922 Black Tank what now? : So you are done camping and headed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113921#113921 Author: harrypodder
Subject: 12079
Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:04am

So you are done camping and headed home. I have dumped my black tank at the campground and flushed it also. There is no water in my tank now and I arrive at home. Do I add some water and chemicals before leaving on my next trip in a month or leave the tank dry and add the chemicals at the start of the next outing? ]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:04:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12079&PID=113921#113921