Holding Tank Chemicals

I have a difficulty with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Any thing perfumed is out.

Bleach is out.

Bacteria in the tank is normal, bacteria activity breaks down the effluent , given enough of the right bacteria , there is no smell.

I achieve this by using an Oxygenator, purchased from the supermarket , in the laundry detergent isle.
I use ECO STORE brand as it has no perfume (deodorizer), it is in granular form , like sugar , and a spoon or 2 occasionally does the trick.

Regards,

We use the Geo method but also have a wand which connects to a water hose and after draining the black tank and then the grey tanks use the wand about once a month. It is inserted into the toilet after supply water in shut off and spray it around in the black tank until you get about 1/3 full then drain again. Then we do Geo and are good for another while, you don't have to do it this way but we find it keeps every thing working and clean. Also have sewer solution for draining and cleaning holding tanks. Works great but slower (more efficient though).
good luck and fun camping

Boy I sure wish I were so rich that I had money to throw down the toilet. But sadly all I can afford and have used in campers since the seventies is some water. In all that time I have never had a problem with my holding tanks. But if it makes you feel good you can continue to throw money away. On second thought why not send that extra money to me and I promise I will make better use of it than you have. :B

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Sometimes stuff gets stuck down there. Reach your arm down the hole as far as you can. When down to the max feel around for anything chunky. Grab it and squeeze it between your fingers until it gets smaller then dump some water in it (After you pull your arm out of coarse}. Do this once a month for regular maintenance. Wash your hands before cooking. I do have a self help video available. Hope this helps

Try the Geo Method.

the bear II wrote:
When setup at a campground there's no need to use chemicals. Remember to keep the valve closed not open. If you leave the valve open you will end up with solids that will eventually clog the tank.

I always add a packet of Thetford blue powder once I have dumped and ready to hit the road. I add several gallons of water. I figure this will slosh around in the tank as I travel to help keep it cleaner and the enzymes in the Thetfords will help break down any solids to liquid.

I do the same when I'm getting the trailer ready for a few months storage.

Great advice, with one addition: use A LOT of water! The GEO method is ideal, but it's more work, and a little more research is suggested before going GEO. Stuff lmade by Tetford, or Camco is easy to use; something like this will be perfect for a first trip.
Use a lot of water!

We use the "GEO" method (there are many links on this site) that uses ~1 cup of Calgon liquid water softener in each of the holding tanks and ~1/2 cup of liquid dish washing detergent in the black tank. But on saying that, I only do it about 1/2 of the time, the rest of the time I use nothing. I don't like the smell of many of the commercial holding tank chemicals. There are a few RV Parks with septic systems that will not let you use chemicals.

Do what "the bear II and DarthMuffin" suggest with the valves.

Some people place ice cubes in the holding tanks to rattle around while driving to help clean the tanks, which may or may not help.

For the gray water tank, leave it open to drain, nothing needed.

But I assume you're asking about the black (toilet) tank. Don't leave it open to drain or the liquids will drain off leaving a pile of solids concreting on the bottom of the tank. So, fill it and then open and drain all at once when it's at least 2/3rds full (or you're ready to leave). Chemicals are optional, but most use them. I use the drop-in campa-chem packets from walmart. Prime with your chemicals and a couple gallons of water before using.

When setup at a campground there's no need to use chemicals. Remember to keep the valve closed not open. If you leave the valve open you will end up with solids that will eventually clog the tank.

I always add a packet of Thetford blue powder once I have dumped and ready to hit the road. I add several gallons of water. I figure this will slosh around in the tank as I travel to help keep it cleaner and the enzymes in the Thetfords will help break down any solids to liquid.

I do the same when I'm getting the trailer ready for a few months storage.