cleaning out waste tank

As mentioned, Bruni's Geo method is inexpensive and effective.

Jerry_L wrote:
I've been seeking advise as to the best method/substance to use to clean out the black holding tank. I've seen videos suggesting bleach and peroxide while other suggested to stay away from those to substances. I found a product on line called "TankTechs RX" probiotic tank treatment. Has anyone used this product and is it worth while to purchase? The rv dealership I use is expensive and expressed reluctance to clean the tank (I'm in the process of finding a more receptive dealership). We've had sensor problems and I believe it has to do with the tank even though I flush the tank a minimum of three times. Any suggestions?

All the OEM sensors are notoriously inaccurate. Use lots of water with the black tank and drop a treatment packet or dose into the tank. Do a search on the "GEO method" of black tank treatment. Basically, it's Calgon (or other water softener powder) and original Dawn dish soap. Mix it up, drop a cup or 2 into the tank, and it helps slick things up to keep the "stickage" down. A 20 lb bag of ice in 3-4 gallons of water, then driving, can help break up more solid piles. After you dump, always put 3-4 gallons of water back in, even for storage. You just don't want it to dry out. Many RVs use a black tank flush built in; you can also get a clear elbow that goes on the dump pipe to attach a garden hose to to back-fill the tank. As one poster said, you can buy or make a wand to go down from the top, but I consider that a last-ditch solution for a problem tank. In 10 years, I've had only 1 instance of the "poop pyramid" because I was in a water conservation mode and just flat didn't use enough water. Dump, fill, dump, fill, then dump the grey tank to rinse out the hose.

Lyle

buy a quickie flush and install it and you will have no problems with your sensors

Forget the sensors...you'll get a sense as to when it's time to dump. For example, I know we can go 2 weeks before we have to dump the black water. Same for the grey tank if we are conservative while boondocking. If we aren't conservative (showers everyday) then it's a week for the grey water tank.

I don't worry about 'cleaning' the waste tanks. All I concern myself with is not letting them dry out. Use plenty of water with every flush. I don't want to have clumps that might cause clogs. Don't care how clean it is because I will never be in there, and don't care about the sensors either.

Have never filled a black tank. It is always far lower than either of the others. Who needs sensors?

Waste of time....just going to get dirty again next time you use it.

The OEM 'sensors' are just a stud sticking thru the side wall of tank......tp and crud get on them and cause false readings.

The probe on right is OEM
The probe in middle is a Horst Probe for black tank
The probe on left is a Horst Probe for grey/fresh water tanks

we use the ice thing, works for us and it don't hurt a thing, now it all happy-camping

Never used the product. I use TST dry packets. They say you can just toss them in. I don't The packet material is slimey when wet. I open packet and dump in contents. I have had no problem with my sensors. In addition I have a home made wand. 1/2" copper pipe about 2 ft long. Ball valve and hose fitting on one end. Cap on other end. In the side of cap I drilled two 3/16" holes one above the other. Rotate it in your toilet and it will clean your sensors. Walmart sells a wand but doesn't work as well as my home made wand I have been using for 30 years. JMHO

I don't know anything about "Tank Techs RX" or any other such product.

I'm assuming you want to clean out the tank due to a problem with the sensor. If that's the problem, fill about half full with warm water and some dishwashing soap, and pull your rig around several turns as well as several stop and go cycles. That might clean the sensor.

The other potential problem has to do with leaving the drain valve open while connected to the sewer system at a campground. Doing that allows a build up of tissue and solid material called a "pyramid". Dissolving a pile of debris requires leaving the tank nearly full for several days and then dumping. Obviously, one doesn't want to open the drain valve until the tank is nearly full, or you are leaving the campground.