Cleaning black tank.

[Tom_Barb]

Has any one use a dish washing detergent and styrofoam peanuts to clean your black tank.???

[dcbrewer]

I just rinse mine with water till it comes out clear.

[jlud]

I have warning labels that tell me not to have blank tank valve closed while running black tank flush due to unsanitary conditions....might be something that concerns you.

Buy a clear adapter though to see when clean is a big help. I don't leave water in them for long periods, but then again I empty my water heaters each time I go as well.

[booty51]

Calgon take me away!

[mtrumpet]

Gonzo42 wrote:
I don't seem to find the Calgon Water Softener for sale in-store anywhere in my area.

However, Wally World has it on its website. I ordered it and I can pick it up at the store. They don't keep it on the shelf.

When DW started using it, it was difficult to find in our area as well. So, when we travelled to an area where it could be found on the shelf, she would stock up. Now, our local WalMart as well as one of our regional super market chains carries it on the shelf here.

[Gonzo42]

I don't seem to find the Calgon Water Softener for sale in-store anywhere in my area.

However, Wally World has it on its website. I ordered it and I can pick it up at the store. They don't keep it on the shelf.

[donkeydew]

sound like supercharged is back

[Tachdriver]

American Roadtrip wrote:

2gypsies wrote:
We also used the plain water method for 16 years and never experienced problems. 🙂

I'm with you guys. When we started we used doublepy paper and had a couple clogs. Fixed it with two pots of boiling water and let it sit in the tank overnight. Now I just keep water in the tank and don't have problems.

I can second hand this motion.

I bought my TT back in 2012 and still have it. My habits were long weekend camping and drained the tanks after flushing. They would sit for a month or so with no water. I am beginning to realize that inspire of the back flushing there are still solids left when the water evaporates. Even after 3 full tank flushes.

My new approach is to keep 5 out of 25 capacity of water in it while in storage.

My experience coupled with all the advice on these forums are enhancing my experience. :C

[American_Roadtr]

2gypsies wrote:
We also used the plain water method for 16 years and never experienced problems. 🙂

I'm with you guys. When we started we used doublepy paper and had a couple clogs. Fixed it with two pots of boiling water and let it sit in the tank overnight. Now I just keep water in the tank and don't have problems.

[2gypsies1]

We also used the plain water method for 16 years and never experienced problems. 🙂

[mtrumpet]

I can only contribute what works for us...

After dumping the black tank, I then leave the black valve open and proceed to dump the gray tank.

Afterward, I hook a hose up to the Black Tank Flush inlet (built in on my rig) and flush the black tank well until the water runs clear. (I have a clear, Sani-Flush adapter on the head end of the waste hose).

I then close the black tank valve and hook the hose up to the Sani-Flush and back flush the gray tank.

Then, I'll close the gray tank valve and set the Sani-Flush to rinse the hose out for a little while.

In the meantime, DW mixes 5 gallons of water and Calgon Liquid Water Softener to go into each of the holding tanks. She then dumps 5 gallons into each into each of the holding tanks. That clean "soft" water will stay there while we travel and through the next trip. The movement will cause the water to slosh around and keep the inside of the tank coated with "soft" water which will resist anything from sticking to the inside of the tank(s).

We also use a "green" additive to the black tank and a liquid deodorizer to the gray tank.

We've been using this method for the past 12 years and two rigs and we have yet to experience any problems with our holding tanks.

[lanerd]

Tom/Barb wrote:

lanerd wrote:

Tom/Barb wrote:
Has any one use a dish washing detergent and styrofoam peanuts to clean your black tank.???

Styrofoam peanuts!!!! :E

No offense Tom, but I think a little common sense would go a long way on asking this question.

Check out these two sites for a wealth of good info:

Tech Tips
Geo Method

Ron

I was asked a question, and now you say ?

Huh? :h

[infogeek]

Occasionally (once a year??) I might put a bit of laundry soap in there with 5 gallons of water after dumping and let it slosh around, but that's about it. I don't flush with clear water after dumping, either. When using the commode I go by the rule LOTS of water, little paper. I instruct any guests to do the same.

[time2roll]

I use a Quick-Flush with custom spray pattern. I believe it works quite well.
Tried other methods(never Styrofoam) and nothing was consistently good for me.

[prstlk]

The ice method is helpful but only on a reasonably clean tank. The other part the video does not include is the big jug o dawn. Again a reasonably clean tank, 50 to 100 lbs of ice and a large bottle of dawn will clean the tank, and in some cases may revive those non functioning sensors. Once you let solids build up and dry it's hot water and patience.

I will use a dollar store dish soap several times a month after a dump and rinse, minty fresh ...no but better none the less