Fabric softner in Black water tanks
I was told by another RV'er that she use fabric softener in her black water tank. Does this work and how much softener would you put in a 45 gallon tank?
Forum Discussion
42 Replies
NO treatments are needed as they re just holding tanks not septic tanks.
Sure seems to be a lot of holding tank treatments on the market and homegrown methods as well. Whether or not they are any good is obviously debatable. Holding tanks are still subject to build up of waste material due to the lack of breakdown of material, and odor due to the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria. So even the short term holding of waste material can benefit from a product that breaks down and liquefies waste and eliminates odor by employing aerobic bacteria, and employs selected minerals that lubricate the tank interior and sensor to ease dumping and keep the sensor clear. Happy Camper is such a product.
Each individual system has its own peculiarities. I've read on these forums that many people have success with using nothing but generous amounts of water (like yourself). But there are a handful of posters who report that doesn't always work for them. As far as I'm concerned the GEO Method is over the top. It seems to work and likely makes people feel good because it just uses household cleaning agents. Using nothing but water likely makes people feel good because they don't have to use any additional treatment. However, one can get the same or better results using a small and inexpensive amount (two tablespoons and 70 cents) of Happy Camper treatment and much less water. So for those who don't want to throw up to a gallon of water softener, detergent and bleach costing several dollars and/or many more gallons of water at a simple problem they can choose to use much less water and very little of a cheap natural catalyst, conserving water and making what water is used work better.EsoxLucius wrote:
D & M wrote:
Why? I already lost the argument when I asked you if you love to pollute or if you are ignorant. Sorry you feel I called you a name. I guess I'm just not as subtle as you were in questioning my logic.
I will give you the last word.
Water softener, detergent, and bleach adding up to a quart, and/or copious amounts of added water instead of an ounce of Happy Camper and normal water use. Makes sense to me. Water may seem free, but it is still a resource that should not be unnecessarily wasted.
I don't use any more water than necessary and NO added treatments and my 'holding' tanks function as intended.
NO treatments are needed as they re just holding tanks not septic tanks.
If folks feel the need to treat their holding tanks with anything....that's their choice.
If some one asks I will give them info (Geo Method, Sanitizing etc.).
They can choose to use or not.
I don't need anything but just water.
To each their own..for whatever reason(s).D & M wrote:
Why? I already lost the argument when I asked you if you love to pollute or if you are ignorant. Sorry you feel I called you a name. I guess I'm just not as subtle as you were in questioning my logic.
I will give you the last word.
Water softener, detergent, and bleach adding up to a quart, and/or copious amounts of added water instead of an ounce of Happy Camper and normal water use. Makes sense to me. Water may seem free, but it is still a resource that should not be unnecessarily wasted.2gypsies wrote:
First, the OP said 'fabric softener'. Calgon is a water softener...very different.
Second, if all of us who have no tank problems use all different methods, including us, who use ONLY water, who's to say what is really working? If those of you who use additives switch to only water, I'll bet you'd have the same results.
Water is the cheapest and easiest. :) I think I'll stick with that.
It has always amazed me at the things people put in their HOLDING tanks. I know what definitely approved to go in there and it is human waste and water. No need for anything else so why throw money away? I would say your spot on.- First, the OP said 'fabric softener'. Calgon is a water softener...very different.
Second, if all of us who have no tank problems use all different methods, including us, who use ONLY water, who's to say what is really working? If those of you who use additives switch to only water, I'll bet you'd have the same results.
Water is the cheapest and easiest. :) I think I'll stick with that. Grillmeister wrote:
EsoxLucius wrote:
Why do it if you don't have to? Yes, detergent is a pollutant, and wonderful Calgon water softener is too. Bleach is a poison. They are intended for getting clothes clean, soft and bright in a washing machine, not maintenance of a RV black water system. Why do you think the Clean Water Act was enacted? Why do you think every municipal wastewater treatment plant in the country has systems to remove those constituent pollutants from the wastewater going down the pipe. Love to pollute do you, or are you just ignorant?
Another one tor my blocked list! :B
X 2- Wow, people sure do get testy over poo. Water, water and more water. Run the built in tank rinser after dumping and have never had an issue. I like the K.I.S.S. principle. Travel on.
EsoxLucius wrote:
Why do it if you don't have to? Yes, detergent is a pollutant, and wonderful Calgon water softener is too. Bleach is a poison. They are intended for getting clothes clean, soft and bright in a washing machine, not maintenance of a RV black water system. Why do you think the Clean Water Act was enacted? Why do you think every municipal wastewater treatment plant in the country has systems to remove those constituent pollutants from the wastewater going down the pipe. Love to pollute do you, or are you just ignorant?
Another one tor my blocked list! :B- GREAT POST !!
EsoxLucius wrote:
Why do it if you don't have to? Yes, detergent is a pollutant, and wonderful Calgon water softener is too. Bleach is a poison. They are intended for getting clothes clean, soft and bright in a washing machine, not maintenance of a RV black water system. Why do you think the Clean Water Act was enacted? Why do you think every municipal wastewater treatment plant in the country has systems to remove those constituent pollutants from the wastewater going down the pipe. Love to pollute do you, or are you just ignorant?
The minute you resort to name calling, you lose the argument. It just shows you are looking for an argument and not willing to engage in honest debate. You don't know me or what I do for a living.
These products are legally sold, regulated and have many more uses than for doing laundry. The Clean Water Act wasn't written because of water softener.
I will give you the last word.
