I have just finished reading several posts concerning various issues with black water tanks. I managed to find a lot of posts with questions, but not the answers, although I did read some. Some folks suggested using septic cleaner. We have used the Dawn/ice method, and this works fairly well, however from time to time we have had an issue opening the black valve. The most puzzling thing is, we are very careful about not putting paper in the tank, nor do we use the tank for solid waste disposal, preferring to use CG facilities. We have a DRV fifth wheel and would like to hear your thoughts on cleaning and maintaining both the sensors and the tank itself. Thanks in advance for your help.

First thing, don't get overly concerned about cleaning the black tank. It's a holding tank.Next, don't be too concerned about keeping the sensors clean. They're known for being inaccurate.You probably need to lubricate or replace the black tank valve seal.Did you try The Geo Method for the black tank?

I have been using the "geo method" for years with great success. The valve pull handles and seals stay easy to pull and seal great. I find no reason to not use the toilet as that's what it's designed for. We use septic tank approved toilet paper and use the tank flush system regularly. As said before the sensors are just a guide at best.

Suggest also that you install a black tank flush system or use a hose end wand.Suggest also that you not worry about a perfectly clean black tank. Reality is, its a temporary holding tank for bodily waste. You are not sleeping in it, you are not storing fresh food in it, your kids are not playing in it.So, don't worry about it. Use it as it was intended and enjoy your camping.

So, let me get this stright...you don't use the potty for anything, yet you worry about the valve sticking!!! Why??? If you don't use it for what it was intended, why worry. Remove the tank and use the added room for storage, and remove the potty and make a second shower or better yet, a bathtub.Problem solved.Grumpy

I have always wondered how many of us really don't use the potty for what it's for? We certainly do, and don't care what's in the tank or how full it is. Some people even have a separate disposal for the paper, ewww....

Black Water Tank | Good Sam Community

Grumpy374
Explorer
Sep 21, 2015
I can just imagine, waking up at 3 am, having to go, but it's pouring rain. Gotta hold it cause you can't use the potty.

grumpy
sch911
Explorer
Sep 21, 2015
I have always wondered how many of us really don't use the potty for what it's for? We certainly do, and don't care what's in the tank or how full it is. Some people even have a separate disposal for the paper, ewww....
Grumpy374
Explorer
Sep 21, 2015
So, let me get this stright...you don't use the potty for anything, yet you worry about the valve sticking!!! Why??? If you don't use it for what it was intended, why worry.
Remove the tank and use the added room for storage, and remove the potty and make a second shower or better yet, a bathtub.
Problem solved.
Grumpy
downtheroad
Explorer
Sep 21, 2015
Suggest also that you install a black tank flush system or use a hose end wand.

Suggest also that you not worry about a perfectly clean black tank. Reality is, its a temporary holding tank for bodily waste. You are not sleeping in it, you are not storing fresh food in it, your kids are not playing in it.

So, don't worry about it. Use it as it was intended and enjoy your camping.
craig7h
Nomad II
Sep 21, 2015
I have been using the "geo method" for years with great success. The valve pull handles and seals stay easy to pull and seal great. I find no reason to not use the toilet as that's what it's designed for. We use septic tank approved toilet paper and use the tank flush system regularly. As said before the sensors are just a guide at best.
gbopp
Explorer
Sep 21, 2015
First thing, don't get overly concerned about cleaning the black tank. It's a holding tank.
Next, don't be too concerned about keeping the sensors clean. They're known for being inaccurate.

You probably need to lubricate or replace the black tank valve seal.

Did you try The Geo Method for the black tank?

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