Geo method in very hot weather

[VE3ESN]

We've successfully used the Geo method (Calgon, detergent, and occasionally Javex) and it's worked well, but this summer has had much longer periods of very high temperatures. Fortunately, there's been no odor inside the Roadtrek, but occasionally the outside smell coming from the vent pipe has been overwhelming :E (One minor problem regarding Calgon is that it's not available in Canada any longer, and I haven't been able to find a suitable replacement, but that's another issue!)

I recently flushed out the vent pipe to see if it was clear, which it was. We use our Roadtrek for day trips and longer trips, mainly boondocking, and can't always easily get to a dump station.

Do you think that the outside smell is due to limitations of the Geo method in very hot weather? I saw an ad for "Happy Camper" holding tank treatment which apparently works well in extreme heat conditions, but I want to make sure that the horrible outside smell will be eliminated or at least reduced. Or do you think that a vent cap such as the "360 Siphon" would help? Our Roadtrek has no cap at all on the vent pipe.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[korbe]

I kinda figure that some of the odor issues are normal and that some is to be accepted. Just like how it's difficult to stop every bit of movement of the rig, and how the construction standards are less than for the sticks and bricks. It's a recreational vehicle (RV), allowing is to take some of the comforts of home with us while traveling around.

[wildtoad]

Lanerd has it right. The GEO method is about making sure the stuff in the tanks come out when time to do so, and helps keep the tank sensors clean as well as the tank itself. It is not about the smells associated with the contents of the tank. If you are getting smells out the vents, then the system is working as designed. One would have to add some version of tank deodorant to reduce or mask the smells.

[gbopp]

The Geo Method

[lanerd]

This post has me confused.

I've never thought the Geo Method was to eliminate odors, only a method to insure the tank (and sensors) gets cleaned out during dumps. The soap and water softener doesn't have any odor masking properties.....does it?

Odors coming out of the vent is normal....that's one of the reasons it's there.

I don't think there is any way to keep your black tank from having odors when it is being used...even Happy Camper. Altho I do assume HC has some odor masking ingredients, but to eliminate the odors inside the tank...naw, I don't think so.

Ice is NOT part of the Geo Method....in fact, ice has no effect at all on the black tank except making it colder, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

Ron

[VE3ESN]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

The ice in the geo method does nothing. Use more water.

Charles Bruni, the originator of the Geo Method, does NOT use ice! As he says:

"No, I do NOT do the ice cube thing. The Geo Method works without ice cubes. (Why not try walnuts instead? At least they won't melt within five minutes. No, I'm not serious.)"

[VE3ESN]

NYCgrrl wrote:
Just wondering if Calgon is prohibited from your area because of TSP content?

I think it has more to do with the low Canadian dollar. We stock up when we're in the states. 🙂

[pianotuna]

,

[NYCgrrl]

Just wondering if Calgon is prohibited from your area because of TSP content?