Formaldahyde in Holding Tanks

I believe Thetford Aqua Kem still has formaldehyde and is still sold. That's what came with my trailer in the little "care package" that my dealer gave me. I didn't know any better, so I used it, and later switched to GEO.

As already said, I doubt if any tank chemicals sold today still have formaldehyde, so you probably don't have to worry about that. But, no, you definitely do NOT want to use any chemicals that have such in it.

As to whether or not to use chemicals at all, that is a personal decision. It is very questionable if they help much with breaking down solids, but when the right chemicals are used and used properly, they DO help reduce odors. That is why many folks chose to use them. Yes, in a perfect world where nothing ever goes wrong, chemicals should not be necessary and odors should be contained. However, in the real world where things can and do go wrong at the most inopportune (spelling?) times...Tank chemicals provide good insurance against embarrassing nasty odors. :)

lanerd wrote:
Waiting for Willaid to come on and tell us differently.

..I did a search, have not found anyone on this forum with an alias of 'Willaid'. Who is that, Ron?

No you should not use it, In fact the sale of Tank Chemicals containing it should be banned in my not very humble opinion.

Reports are some parks (mostly Southern DC and perhaps a few border towns CA/NV will ask you to park elsewhere if you have it in your rig, No matter if in use (I still have a small shrink wrapped bottle.. looking for a proper disposal facility).

I don't even think Formaldehyde is legal in septic systems any more is it?

The only time that I had to use chemicals in my black tank was when I was boon docking for a month in 90 degree plus weather. After about 2 weeks, the odor was noticeable when the toilet was flushed.

IMO Bill.Satellite is 100% correct.

I started using chemicals but soon discovered they are totally unnecessary and NO my RV does not stink.

Your holding tank is not a septic system it is a holding tank to be dumped into a septic system.

Waiting for Willaid to come on and tell us differently.

Ron

Anyone who believes you must use chemicals to keep their RV from stinking either does not know what they are talking about or has run into RV's with faulty black water setups. Nothing is necessary to keep your black tanks odors from entering your RV other than good seals and some water.

Chemicals in your holding tank are fine. Doubt you could buy any chemical that contains formaldehyde. They don't sell it any more. If you don't mind the stink you don't have to use anything. Your friends will be polite. We never tell our friends their RV stinks. Guess you just get used to the stink over time. Vicks in the nose works for us with those friends.

EPA and Septic Systems

NO Formaldehyde.


Personally, No Chemicals are needed period.

Waste tanks are 'Holding Tanks' not 'treatment tanks'
That is what sewer plant/septic systems do 'Treatment'

Odors.....shouldn't be any if 'vapor barriers' are working correctly (water in toilet bowl, toilet floor flange seal, 'P' traps holding water, waste tank vents clear, air admittance valves working, etc---just like home)

So NO don't use chemicals, dump waste tanks when full, and fix any broken vapor barrier

BUT IF you choose to use chemicals.............NO formaldehyde OR Bleach

GEO Method (2 cups powered water softener -- Calgon -- 1/2 Cup Dish Soap and 1 gallon HOT water. Mix then dump down toilet after draining tank. Leave in tank and let it slosh around)