black water tank -- I see toilet paper

[sgrizzle]

We just got back from a 10 day Yellowstone/Grand Teton camping trip that was great! Let me start by saying our toilet seems to operate. Except:

1. Gauge does not seem accurate
2. I noticed that when I flush, I can see toilet paper not too far down "the pipe".

I tried flushing more and using the external water flush while emptying at the dump station. I still see it. Since coming home, I have tried spraying down the toilet with my garden hose and the toilet paper stays put...

What should I do? Should I try pushing the toilet paper down with a rod, or will I damage something?

I have also put in a treatment solution during the camping trip, but I doubt it had much time to really work since we moved campsites every 2-3 days. Any tips would be appreciated!

[GilliedogKiwi]

Yes we found the geo method works great!

[dadmomh]

Those using the Geo method for the black tank swear by it and as soon as we're out of Odorlos, which is sometimes tough to find, I'm going to try it. According to those "experts" the Calgon Water Softener keeps "stuff" from sticking to the sides of the tank, therefore makes a much easier/better job of cleaning when they dump. Sounds reasonable to me.

Don't even bother checking your black tank gauge....we bought a brand spankin' new TT and before we ever towed it off the lot, it read FULL. Not likely. The grey is more likely to be close to accurate, but agree that the black tank is the "habitual liar". 1 tiny speck of anything will cause the sensor to read incorrectly.

[4x4_luvr]

I forgot to go to the 2nd page so am erasing my post. Glad you got it taken care of.

[David01]

Pray tell, I understand that Murphy's Oil soap is the best! it cleans it deodorizes and it lubricates all in one! Best of all it's environmentally friendly.

Sound like something my Proctologist would use!

Wanka Wanka!!!!!

[myredracer]

A little water along with a chemical additive may help to keep anything left behind in a softened state and ready for the next camping trip. We tried the bag of ice trick once with little discernible benefit. They say to try this along with some water and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Can't hurt to try it and it will leave some water in the tank.

Some good reading here:

cleaning black tanks






Black tank cleaning

[sgrizzle]

Great info guys! Thanks! I spent about 30 minutes at our local dump station filling and dumping 3 times. Everything is clean!

Now, in between camping trips, should I put a few gallons in the tank with a chemical additive while it is sitting? Is that ok?

Thanks!

[CavemanCharlie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDLXXRVe2pc&noredirect=1

[CavemanCharlie]

Also make sure in the future that you are using the right type of toilet paper. Some household types of toilet paper don't break down very easy and can cause problems.

[myredracer]

Best to try and add a few gallons of water each time after a dump and before using again, plus don't skimp on water at each flush of "solids". Solids need water to flush out through the tank and pipe and without enough water, the stuff isn't going to come out very well.

I find that the Valterra Hydroflush clear elbow that attaches to the outlet works very well. It has a valve and connection for a hose and I give it 5-10 backflushes for about 1/2 minute each time until the water coming out is pretty clear. I've tried the built-in backflush on our TT but it does not work anywhere near as well as the Hydroflush elbow. It's really nice to have the clear elbow and see how well things are flowing out - and almost fun in a weird way.:E

Chemical additives help to break down the solids as well as keeping odors down. The type in little packets are convenient and should be used before using again after each dump. It also helps to add a bunch of water just before you do a dump.

The "Geo method" reportedly works well. Geo method

False tank readings are normal and there isn't much you can do about it unless you modify the sensors. The black tank on our near new TT reads full to 2/3 full all of the time even after using the backflush elbow. There are the Horst Miracle probes you can upgrade to which work fairly well. We have used them on our last TT and they worked great. I have them for our new TT and just need to install them. Horst Miracle probes There are other fancier and more expensive alternatives to the sensors. Some don't even bother with the readout display and just use a guestimate of when to dump and/or look down the hole.

[69_Avion]

Trailer Trash 2 wrote:
It sounds like you might have a pyramid problem which could turn into one later down the road. when I flush my tank I fill the Black tank to full then flush, I will do this 3 to 4 times untill the tank flush water is flowing without any occaisional waist showing. another thing you can try is go to Home depot and purchase a box of Rid X septic tank cleaner put that in the tank fill it up let it sit for 24 hours it will clean the tank squeaky clean. flush it a couple of times then you should be good to go.

Good advice. I flush my tanks at least 3 times when cleaning them out. I hook up my stinky slinky to a 4" clean out at my house. It makes it very convenient.

[sgrizzle]

Ok, I have my tank full, put in a bottle of cleaner...will wait until tomorrow and take it to the dump for a thorough cleaning!

Thanks everyone!

[Opie431]

Just look on the gauge as a habitual liar. Ours worked for nine years so we were lucky. The next year it worked if we gave it an extra push. Now it works when it feels like it.

[Trailer_Trash_2]

It sounds like you might have a pyramid problem which could turn into one later down the road. when I flush my tank I fill the Black tank to full then flush, I will do this 3 to 4 times untill the tank flush water is flowing without any occaisional waist showing. another thing you can try is go to Home depot and purchase a box of Rid X septic tank cleaner put that in the tank fill it up let it sit for 24 hours it will clean the tank squeaky clean. flush it a couple of times then you should be good to go.

[camperforlife]

My black tank is long and shallow and is extremely difficult to get it completely dumped. I have a black tank flusher built in but unless I close the tank and let if fill about half way a couple times from the tank flusher it won't come clean. You might try letting it fill for a while. Just don't get distracted or you can flood your trailer! Also mine has to be pretty level to dump clean. Fortunately I have a dump at home and can take my time to do it right if someone is behind me at the campground.