This is two-part thread....I have been RV camping for most of my life. I can always remember my dad using the old blue liquid in the toilet after dumping the tanks. This what I did once I started camping with my family. How many of y'all use chemicals in the black tank? WHEN do you use the chemicals?I have seen few videos that talk about the treatments becoming inactive after a long period of time sitting in the tank and even causing issues with build-up. My common sense light comes on when I think about adding the treatment before the trip. Also, this is my first camper with a built-in flush for the black tank. Once I am done, do I need to add any water or anything?Thanks in advance!

Grit dog wrote:RoflmaoMaybe you remember this..Back several years the City of Seattle declared a water shortage and people with odd number address watered on odd days and even on even. People abided by these rules. Next thing ya know they had a budget shortfall, raised the water rates and then all of a sudden the shortage was over and they were rolling in the $$$.Smoke and mirror in so many cases. Water shortage in NW WA, yea right!!! It's all about control.

No RV chemicals for me. Every few dumps I'll add some Calgon liquid and some blue Dawn detergent, but that's it for us.As far as flushing, I flush every time I dump unless I'm in a hurry and I'm staying someplace with full hookups the next night. Once the water flows clear, I'll close the black valve and keep the flush running for a moment to add a few gallons to the tank so there's something to swish around.Try not to overthink it.

Also no chemicals. I run my sprayer while the tank is dumping. Then I close the dump valve and let the sprayer run for a minute or two then dump again. After that I close the dump valve and give the sprayer about 30 seconds maybe a minute then turn off the hose and store everything away. Been doing it that way for 15 years and no real issues.

we tried the 'no chemical' way and did not like the results. we used Happy Campers waste treatment and were pleased with the results.

dedmiston wrote:No RV chemicals for me. Every few dumps I'll add some Calgon liquid and some blue Dawn detergent, but that's it for us.As far as flushing, I flush every time I dump unless I'm in a hurry and I'm staying someplace with full hookups the next night. Once the water flows clear, I'll close the black valve and keep the flush running for a moment to add a few gallons to the tank so there's something to swish around.Try not to overthink it.That is exactly the same thing I do, tank treatment is a waste of money.

Black Tank Treatments - Yay or Nay? | Good Sam Community

HappyKayakers
Explorer
Jun 09, 2023
Fulltiming since 2006. Started out NOT using chemicals. Very conscientious about dumping and flushing when needed. Then I had an issue with the black tank valve not opening completely so I started using Tank Techs RX (Now Just Science). It worked great to liquify the solids and eliminate all the wasted water from refilling and flushing the tank. I'll do a full flush maybe once or twice a year now.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 10, 2023
I travel in the summer when it's usually very hot. The bugs in the tanks get very active when the tanks get hot. And then things get very smelly because those tanks are vented to the atmosphere and they gas off.

That being the case use the blue bottle to kill off the bugs to make things less smelly.

Works for me so I keep using it. If I camp in the fall when it's cool I usually don't need it.

So do I use a tank treatment? Yes, most of the time.
stickdog
Explorer
Jun 10, 2023
Thirteen years fulltime, water, water, water. It's worked for us.
corvettekent
Explorer
Jun 10, 2023
Calgon liquid and Dawn detergent for us. If the tank smells just add more water.

After dumping the tank, I add a few gallons of water and we are good for another 18 days until we dump again.
hondapro
Explorer
Jun 10, 2023
Happy Camper works great for us
IB853347201
Nomad
Jun 10, 2023
rk911 wrote:
we tried the 'no chemical' way and did not like the results. we used Happy Campers waste treatment and were pleased with the results.

Us too! Happy Camper is the best! Been doing it this way for over 25 years now.
StirCrazy
Moderator
Jun 10, 2023
I use little packets of an orange based chemical. I do find stuff is better broken down using it than when I don't and there is no smell
chops1sc
Explorer II
Jun 10, 2023
Thanks to everyone for your input! It’s amazing how we all have different ways of doing!
LouLawrence
Explorer
Jun 10, 2023
By far, if you want to use chemicals, Happy Camper is the best! The size of your tanks and how often you dump will determine what's right for you. The larger the tank the LESS likely chemicals will be necessary. You will just need to use plenty of water when flushing. Dump when the tank is approaching full. I have been traveling full time since 2000 and use no chemicals. If I sit for more than a month or 2 I throw in some Happy Camper in both black and grey as I think it helps keeps the sensors cleaner.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 10, 2023
Have not used anything but lots of water for at least 5 years. I dump once a week on Sundays. I call it my "Sunday Service".