Hi guys, something I've completely avoided doing in my travel trailer since buying it in 2018 is using my tanks - neither the fresh water, grey water or black water tanks have been used once in any way. Part of the reason is because I want to avoid the hassle of dumping and cleaning the tanks, carrying the extra weight etc. But the biggest part of my concern are health issues that could be caused by carrying around a tank full of my waste underneath where I eat and sleep. It's no secret that human waste can create a lot of bad bacteria and parasites and sometimes mold. I am concerned that if I start using my tanks, the black water tank especially, that harmful bacteria/mold could form that would find its way into the air of my trailer and that it might lead to health problems.Are these concerns unfounded? Are waste and water tanks on newer travel trailers designed well enough where it truly keeps all of the bacteria and bad stuff sealed off from the rest of the trailer? Maybe I'm spoiled from having real plumbing most of my life, but the idea of having a tank full of bacteria, parasites and potentially harmful mold sitting right underneath my living area sounds like a surefire way to get health problems.Thanks for any feedback or sharing your experiences with this. As I get older it becomes harder for me to walk or drive to facilities to use the bathroom and I'm considering finally starting to use the tanks in my trailer but the health concerns are a sticking point for sure.

Your fears are completely unfounded. “Cleaning” a black or grey tank consists of dumping, filling to 3/4 full, driving with turns and slightly hard stops and dumping. Purists can repeat if desired. Been RVing 1978 with no mold from waste tanks. Part of the reason I have an RV is it’s my potty, sink and shower, not a public potty, sink and shower. PS - There is literally no difference in my “modern” RVs waste tanks than in my gone but beloved ‘78 Beaver truck camper.

Well I don’t have any data to back it up, other than if what you’re fearful of was actually a concern, I would think it may have surfaced over the decades and millions of RVers who do use their tanks…..I’ll go with unfounded fear. Good luck.

Are these concerns unfounded? Well, yes they are but I understand where you are coming from. Have you ever heard of anyone getting sick because they use their trailers as they were designed to be used? Anyone? And, there must be millions out there.Do you know anyone who has a septic system at their home? Do they get sick because of the bacteria somehow gets airborne and invades their home? The Gray tank is basically filled with sink water. You use your sinks daily and a lot of this stuff is held in the P traps. Have you heard of anyone getting sick because this bacteria laden water somehow gets airborne and infects everyone in the house?There are chemical additives for your black tank to take care of these issues. When used as per manufacturer recommendation they are perfectly safe. Same goes for your gray tank and with proper care and maintenance you will be totally safe.

It is so much safer to use public toilets and showers and sinks than using your own facilities where you have full control over the cleanliness. Personally, I will take the risks involved in using all the parts of my self contained unit.

OregonMan wrote:As I get older it becomes harder for me to walk or drive to facilities to use the bathroom... .Your concerns are unfounded. Most everyone here uses their tanks without any reports of what you're afraid of. However, if you find it hard to simply walk, you may find dumping your tanks a bigger chore than you expect. And, ironically, it's a lot more unsanitary dumping your tanks than living near them. Given your concerns, wear heavy long gloves and be careful with spillage.QCMan wrote:It is so much safer to use public toilets and showers and sinks than using your own facilities where you have full control over the cleanliness. I think you mean it's less safe using public toilets.

Black water tank health concerns and questions | Good Sam Community

NamMedevac_70
Explorer II
Sep 12, 2022
One must be cautious when dealing with such issues. Gloves and mask were helpful when dumping and handling the hose. Never used their hose to fill the freshwater tank in the campgrounds where available. Never used fresh water tank water for drinking, etc.

Will not be viewing further
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Sep 12, 2022
pbeverly wrote:
Cocky_Camper wrote:
I am more concerned about sitting on the toilet that someone else sat on in public...

Tis true, especially since guys in public restrooms have very bad aiming skills. Also have to worry about dropping your drawers on the ground while you sit due to the same bad aiming skills.

I have a friend who changes the toilet seat whenever he gets a new house.
bumpy
pbeverly
Nomad
Sep 07, 2022
Cocky_Camper wrote:
I am more concerned about sitting on the toilet that someone else sat on in public...

Tis true, especially since guys in public restrooms have very bad aiming skills. Also have to worry about dropping your drawers on the ground while you sit due to the same bad aiming skills.
Cocky_Camper
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2022
I am more concerned about sitting on the toilet that someone else sat on in public...
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Aug 29, 2022
I think you should use public facilities for several reasons.

#1. You show concern about your health by having tanks under your trailer. This being the case, I think you will really have a problem with health concerns when it comes time to dump your waste.

#2. If you have concerns and if your health is so tenuous that you have a problem walking to a bathroom I think you will really have a problem dumping your tanks.

In any event, I wish you the best of luck at whatever decision you make.
valhalla360
Navigator
Aug 28, 2022
Lantley wrote:
dieseltruckdriver wrote:
I wanted to add one more thing that hasn't been posted. Everything in your black tank is something you ate or drank. There's nothing else in there, unless you add a small amount of chemicals. The grey tank is water and soap. The same that you just washed your hands with.

The best part of owning an rv over tenting is having your own private facilities with you. Once you start using it, you will wonder why you waited so long.

Just because it went in your mouth does not mean its germ or bacteria free when it comes out the other end! I'm not sure what your point is!
The grey tank also contains grease , skin folicles and stagnant water.
Waste water water is not germ free. Otherwise we would not need traps to seal off sewer piping.

The point is...if your fecal matter has a nasty disease present, as the only users of that facility, you have already been exposed to it. This does assume you don't let a lot of random people into your RV to use the facilities.

Traps are not to prevent germs from getting into your living space...they won't (household or RV). They are to stop sewage odors and methane from entering the living space. There are roof vents to allow them to escape.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 28, 2022
That’s the best part of a RV if you’re not paranoid.
Lantley
Nomad
Aug 28, 2022
dieseltruckdriver wrote:
I wanted to add one more thing that hasn't been posted. Everything in your black tank is something you ate or drank. There's nothing else in there, unless you add a small amount of chemicals. The grey tank is water and soap. The same that you just washed your hands with.

The best part of owning an rv over tenting is having your own private facilities with you. Once you start using it, you will wonder why you waited so long.

Just because it went in your mouth does not mean its germ or bacteria free when it comes out the other end! I'm not sure what your point is!
The grey tank also contains grease , skin folicles and stagnant water.
Waste water water is not germ free. Otherwise we would not need traps to seal off sewer piping.
dieseltruckdriv
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2022
I wanted to add one more thing that hasn't been posted. Everything in your black tank is something you ate or drank. There's nothing else in there, unless you add a small amount of chemicals. The grey tank is water and soap. The same that you just washed your hands with.

The best part of owning an rv over tenting is having your own private facilities with you. Once you start using it, you will wonder why you waited so long.
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Aug 28, 2022
profdant139 wrote:
I think that we should take the OP's concerns seriously and not poke fun at him. There is no reason to be rude.

Some clowns think it's funny to be rude. :R