Rid-X for Black Water Tank ??

[GoPackGo]

For whatever reason, it suddenly dawned on me that maybe I should just use Rid-X in my black water tank instead of the overpriced additives that are sold for camping use. I realize I might not get the odor control that some might provide, but on the other hand, if the Rid-X does it's job, maybe that won't be so much of a problem.

I should add that I am just starting out as a full-timer so this would be for long-term use, as opposed to just weekend or vacation use.

Do any of you use Rid-X or a like product ?

Thanks,

Tim

[12thgenusa]

Nutinelse2do wrote:
We use the Geo method and tank water is crystal clear with zero odor. And no chemicals.

You must be on a "water only" diet. If you're putting the "real stuff" in there it won't ever be crystal clear.

[2gypsies1]

As full-timers for 16 years we have never used anything in our tanks...and no smells. Lots of water is all you need.

[hershey]

Many people use chemicals of different flavors in their holding tank. Makes them feel good about the care they are taking. Many people don't use anything...
Suggest you at least try not using anything. I haven't used any chemicals for the last 8 years of fulltiming and just haven't found the need. If it doesn't work for you, choose one of the name brands to supplement your waste disposal.

[JEBar]

interestingly enough, according to NC State University :

"Are Septic-Tank Cleaners Necessary?

No. These products include biologically based materials (bacteria, enzymes, and yeast), inorganic chemicals (acids and bases), or organic chemicals (including solvents). They do not reduce the need for regular pumping of the septic tank. Some of these products contain organic chemicals and may even damage the drainfield or contaminate the groundwater and nearby wells."

taken from this link


for a RV holding tank, installing a tank flusher is a far better way to handle the issue

Jim

[Nutinelse2do]

We use the Geo method and tank water is crystal clear with zero odor. And no chemicals.

[Sandia_Man]

If I had a rig where maybe there was an accumulation of hardened stool I would try Rid-x and leave it in for at least a few weeks before flushing out. We use it for the septic tank at home, for black tank just use water and rinse/flush tank every time we dump. We've had our rig since new and have diligently rinsed our black tank and always added water directly thereafter to minimized hardening of residual waste, and sensors still work in our rig after 6 years of heavy use.

[Queens_Carriage]

I have never used anything. Never had a problem. My opinion Using chemicals is a waste of money. If you dump at home and have a septic system using chemicals other than rid-x would not be a good thing. I vote for nothing.

[Vulcaneer]

If it makes you feel better, go ahead and add it to your black tank. Not going to hurt a thing. And if you leave it in there for a few weeks, it'll probably do some good.

[ksg5000]

I have read various threads where people have used septic cleaners in their black water tanks with no problem - the trick is to allow them time to digest - best to use in summer and when your rigs going to sit for a couple of weeks.

[Big_Katuna]

Total waste of money for RV or your house. Google septic tank care and read some of the studies by Universities.
If you don't have a rinser, add one.

[brirene]

I noticed this year that one of the rv black tank drop in manufacturers (Thetford?) has an enzyme "formula", I believe as a drop in. Whatever, I did see it at Wally's.

[Trackrig]

Rid-X forum discussion clicky

Bill

[Old-Biscuit]

Funny thing about RV waste tanks.....they are just holding tanks.
Uness you plan on leaving the 'stuff' in the holding tank for extended periods Rid-X will not ave enough time to eat the stuff.

Chemicals are also not really needed as they just make the stuff smell like perfumed poop.

Except for an occasional sniff when flushing (just like a regular toilet) you should have NO odors from your holding tanks inside the RV.

Waste tanks have vent lines, have seals on lines to/from tank and other means of 'vapor barriers' to keep odors out of rig (toilet bowl holding water---vapor barrier; 'P' traps holding water---vapor barrier; toilet floor flange---mechanical barrier; Air Admittance Valves---mechanical barrier).

Use chemicals, enzymes, odor controls etc if you want..they aren't going to hurt anything but they are not necessary.
Use of water is all that is really needed.

[old_guy]

if you buy and install a quickie flush you will do a better cleaning job and have no need for rid-x