What Chemicals Do I Put In My Rv Septic Tank? (Solved)

Rid-X is a common chemical used by RVers for their septic system. Its more known for its use in home septic tanks, but can also be used in an RV. Two capfuls in a 56-gallon tank with four to five toilet flushes starts the process.

What can I put in my RV septic tank?

You can put three things into your RV septic tank (black water from the toilet): Poo, pee, and septic-safe toilet paper. Putting anything else into your toilet is ill-advised, such as tampons, baby wipes, diapers, etc. The gray RV waste water tanks will hold what you put down the shower or sinks.

Do I need to add chemicals to my RV toilet?

You should add new tank chemicals after each time you empty your RV’s waste tanks. Adding a small amount of water and a fresh dose of tank chemicals after each dump is the best way to keep your tanks clean and free from nasty odors.

Is Ridex good for RV tanks?

RID-X RV Toilet Treatment Liquid can help guarantee a pleasant trip the next time you hit the road. RID-X RV Toilet Treatment is safe for RVs, portable toilets, and portable marine toilets. Use our toilet chemicals once a week to combat odors and break down waste.

How do you get rid of the poop pyramid in RV black?

To eliminate a poop pyramid, you need to get water into your black tank. The first thing you should do is close the black tank valve and get as much water into the black tank as possible. If the poop pyramid prohibits you from putting water into the tank, get some tank cleaner to pour down into the sewer drain.

What is the best black water tank treatment?

5 Best RV Black Tank Treatments Reviewed (1 Clear Winner)

Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment.
Walex BOI-11530 Bio-Pak Natural Holding Tank Deodorizer.

Walex TOI-91799 Porta-Pak Holding Tank Deodorizer Drop-Ins.
CAMCO TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus Scent.
TankTechsRx – RV Holding Tank Treatment & Cleaner.

Are RV toilet chemicals safe for septic tanks?

Camco TST Clean Scent RV Toilet Treatment, Formaldehyde Free, Breaks Down Waste And Tissue, Septic Tank Safe, Treats up to 8 – 40 Gallon Holding Tanks (32 Ounce Bottle) – 41502, TST Blue.

What can I put in my RV toilet?

Use the black tank flush RV feature if available on your rig. After emptying the black tank, always add fresh water and your choice of black tank chemical. Put a gallon of water along with a chemical pod into the black tank immediately after emptying it.

What chemicals are used in RV toilets?

Typical brands of RV toilet chemicals you can look for are Camco TST RV Toilet Treatment, Travel Jon, Porta-Pak and Aqua-Kem RV toilet chemicals.

Can you put too much Ridex in your septic system?

One dose of Rid-X® per month treats septic tanks up to 1500 gallons. Recommended amounts are based on laboratory tests and results. Over-use of the product will not create any problems for the septic system or plumbing, however it is not necessary.

Does Ridex dissolve toilet paper?

RID-X^® Septic Tank System Treatment contains billions of 100% natural active bacteria and enzymes to break down household waste. Each box and bottle of RID-X^® contains the following ingredients scientifically proven to break down household waste: Cellulase breaks down toilet paper, vegetable matter and some foods.

Can I use Drano in my RV black tank?

for clearing a clogged black tank are usually the most efficient and cheapest, I see no problem with using chemicals if one wants to do so. I’ve never agreed with those who caution against using Drano, Liquid Plumber, etc. in RV plumbing because it will harm something in the system.

Can I put bleach in my RV fresh water tank?

You’ll need 1/4 cup of bleach for every 16 gallons of water in your freshwater tank. Take that amount of bleach you’ve calculated for your specific RV and add it to at least a gallon of water. Then pour this water-bleach mixture into the freshwater tank with the help of a funnel.

How do you deodorize an RV black tank?

How To Get Rid Of Awful Black Tank Smells

Start with fabric softener. Begin your troubleshooting by simply adding two capfuls of liquid fabric softener to the tank.

Fill the bowl.
Close the valve.
Check the vent.

Pull out the water hose.
Try ice and soap.
Dump in some water softener.

Resort to bleach.

What Could RV Chemicals Be Adding to a Septic System?

Our clients have the following to say about our offerings: To summarize, they are a local corporation with a strong foundation that begins at the top. From the top down, they communicate with each other. They understand how to do the task in the shortest period of time and at the lowest possible cost while navigating the permitting procedure. Business owner Emile Haddad of McDonald’s I just wanted to express my gratitude to Nick for all of his assistance this morning. But he went above and above by not only identifying the problem and draining the tank, but he also demonstrated the fault in my system and how to correct it.

We appreciate all you’ve done for us!

Your guys were really kind in taking the time to speak with us and educate us on the procedure.

Another fantastic performance by you two!

Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far.

We are delighted to have Felix as a septic firm on whom we can rely for all of our septic-related demands.
Your service technician “Paul” did an excellent job today, and I wanted to express my appreciation to him.
They were also quick, clean, and kind.

Steve T., a residential home owner and a satisfied client

Toilet Chemicals for RVs

Our lectures and vendor booth are full of strange stories about “recipes” for DIY toilet chemicals that may be used in your recreational vehicle (RV). For some reason, it simply seems insane to me that someone would attempt to build or generate toilet chemicals for any reason at all. The majority of them tell us they do it to save money. In order to do so, let’s look at two things: conserving money and using less toilet chemicals. This knowledge will make your life simpler and help you save money at the same time.

Using Less Toilet Chemicals to Save Money I once examined the prices of four different kinds of RV toilet chemicals on the internet and discovered that the average cost was very close to $1.00 every time you added toilet chemicals after dumping your tanks at the time.

For the purposes of this debate, let us suppose that you can go one week without dumping.
What steps will you take to recoup or make up for that expense?
Just two nights of boondocking per year are required.

Problem fixed, and you won’t have to worry about making your own.
Both are capable of capturing and storing raw sewage.
Toilet chemicals, sometimes known as “toilet chemicals,” will improve the efficiency of both your black tank and your home’s septic tank.

The home septic system industry provided a lot of the information that the RV toilet chemical company used to start off (we had home septic systems long before we had RVs).

Toilet chemicals are classified into three “groups”: commercial RV products, commercial home septic-system goods, and DIY concoctions. Commercial RV products are the most common type of toilet chemical. What follows is some background information on each of the three.

A variety of commercial RV products.are available for purchase across the country in liquid, crystal, and tab (drop-in packet) form. They are available under a variety of brand names. All of them appear to function rather well, with the main real difference being convenience: it is much simpler to drop the tab in than it is to pour in the liquid, and there is no splashing involved. The ordinary RVer, on the other hand, is more likely to utilize what their friends recommend. Even after using all of the items, you will notice an occasional odor. These supplies are commonly accessible at RV dealerships
Products for home septic systems are also readily available. are available in both liquid and crystal forms (like instant coffee). This product is extremely concentrated—you only need 10 ounces to treat a 1,500-gallon home-septic tank! Rid-X® is the most popular brand. Rid-X is effective and will continue to be effective in RVs. Rid-X has not been available for purchase at RV dealerships, but rather in the household chemicals area of your local store. Although they are now selling Rid-X at RV retailers, homemade concoctions.are just that: someone, somewhere, came up with their own personal “recipe” and most likely tested it out on their family and friends. The fact that it appeared to function didn’t matter

It became something of a miraculous product overnight, akin to the moment when you say “Look, Ma, I’ve made a new toilet chemical!” We’ve had seminar attendees tell us (and the rest of the audience) that they use PineSol, yeast (the kind used for cooking), various oils (olive, vegetable), a specific brand of dishwashing detergent, even “Tang” (the orange-flavored drink), and other items in their black tanks to keep their tanks clean. Apparently, one person was convinced that his combination of powdered water softener and laundry detergent was the holy grail of toilet chemicals, and that the softener would make the tank walls slicker so that sewage would simply “slide” off easily and the detergent would simply “wash” it away (I’m not making this up.) An more individual stated that he used 1/2 cup of bleach in his tank. Note that your RV system is essentially an extension of your home system that is housed in a vehicle and hence smaller than the system at your home. Bleach will kill the bacteria and enzymes present, reducing their capacity to degrade solids and reduce odor.) In terms of homemade concoctions, the three things we’ve noticed are (A) a lack of consistency—your recipe is different from mine, (B) the possibility that the concoction will be detrimental to the physical system (seals, valves, etc.) because no group has ever tested it long-term, and (C) the fact that nobody else but you uses it.

The black tank is in desperate need of water, and the more the merrier. No matter what sort of bacteria is utilized in toilet chemicals, a non-caustic soap will not interfere with their growth. Bacteria will be destroyed by a caustic soap (such as those used in dishwashers). While it isn’t harmful, there is no evidence to suggest that it is beneficial—only anecdotal evidence to support it (RVers telling other RVers). RVers that use Pine-Sol and other homemade concoctions will typically stand by their recipes and spread the word to their friends and family.

Rid-X for the black and grey tanks in your RV Each of our black and grey tanks in our RV holds 56 gallons of waste.

These have been meticulously measured.
After eight or more years of using Rid-X continuously, we have practically removed any smells from our home and office.
Whatever technique you use, make sure to use lots of water.

As a way of verifying what I was stating in my lectures, I phoned Rid-X customer service (at the number provided on their website) and was informed as follows:

Rid-X is especially developed to break down solids, which is one of the principal functions of the product
Nevertheless, Rid-X is not suited for “portable toilets,” such as those seen on construction sites. While I agree that we should be allowed to carry our toilet with us when we travel in our motorhome, I disagree that it should be labeled a “portable toilet.” In my experience, Rid-X is perfectly safe for RVs and will not harm them, nor their seals or valves

But, I informed the customer care representative that one individual had stated that Rid-X might splash up on your exposed rear end and could be harmful to you (Yes, the guy stood up and said this.). The customer support representative was unable to provide any information on any injury or harm to your exposed rear end. I can personally speak to the fact that I have accidentally poured a little amount of Rid-X over my fingers with no negative consequences. My fingers are still linked to my body, and fortunately, so is my posterior. My strong recommendation is to avoid adding the Rid-X (or any other toilet chemical) while sitting on the toilet with your legs exposed. The customer support representative agreed with me when I stated that we utilized Rid-X in our grey tank to control the odd stench
It is much simpler to use it when standing up.

If there is a drawback to our discussion, it is that Rid-X does not remain in the black tank for long enough to finish the process of solids breakdown, but this is true of any other chemical as well. It may take months for sediments to be entirely dissolved in a “home” septic tank, and that is perfectly OK. However, Rid-X begins working within 3-4 hours and continues till you dump, indicating that it has some impact—the amount to which it has an effect is dependent on how long you wait before you dump.

If you have smaller tanks, you should utilize a lesser fraction of the total.
The Rid-X business advises using 10.5 ounces of Rid-X in a 1,500 gallon septic system for a residential septic system.
Aside from being a perfect one-teaspoon measure, the Rid-X cap is also extremely durable (luckily).

My grandson was forced to attend a technical school far away from home.
He’d never spent a night in an RV before, for any reason.
My explanation of Rid-X included specific instructions on how to use it and how to measure it, as well as the fact that one key advantage for him was the cost reduction when compared to the regular RV toilet chemicals.

I felt this was strange, so I began grilling him about why he was using it.

In the end, the lesson of the story is.

Final Thoughts What is the motivation behind the drive for Rid-X?

What do you think?

I really don’t know.

Yes, for over a century, in septic tanks at residences.

For RVs, I’m aware of three long-term tests that I’ve learned about from friends and full-timers, and I’ve used one of them for over 15 years with no unfavorable findings to yet. I strongly advise you to give it a go. Return to RV Topics: How to Make Use of Your RV

5 Steps to Using and Understanding RV Toilet Chemicals

Let’s face it: having a toilet (or loo, or lavatory, or biffie) on board your RV is the pinnacle of convenience. Being able to avoid using public restrooms at a campground, truck stop, or even simply in general is a really excellent choice. People are occasionally turned off by the small detail of needing to empty their own black tank, but that is a subject for another post. You may experience difficulties with your RV toilet if it is not properly maintained, just as you may experience problems with other aspects of your RV.

1. What are RV Toilet Chemicals?

RV toilet chemicals are bacteria or enzyme compositions that are introduced to a recreational vehicle’s black water tank to help in the breakdown of waste and organic matter. It is easier to empty the black water tank when the trash and tissue are broken down, and it also helps to prevent the clumping of materials in the tank, which can occasionally cause obstruction. Another advantage of using RV toilet chemicals in this process of decomposition of waste and tissue is that they also aid in the elimination of odors in the tank and, ultimately, in the RV as a whole.

2. Why do I need RV toilet chemicals?

To flush waste down a lengthy pipe and into your home or municipal septic system, your toilet requires a considerable volume of water. It accomplishes this by transporting the waste a long distance away from the toilet where it will be deposited. When you take out the garbage, you’re also taking out the scents from your bathroom. An RV toilet, on the other hand, utilizes a minimal quantity of water to flush waste down to a black-water tank, which saves money on water bills. Most of the time, the RV black water tank is only a few feet away from where the waste is disposed of, making it simple for foul odors to find their way back up into the bathroom area of the vehicle.

3. In what form are RV toilet chemicals available?

RV toilet chemicals are available in two basic forms: as a liquid, or as dissolving packets or pills that dissolve in the toilet bowl. It is possible to add liquid toilet chemicals straight to the black water tank by flushing them down the toilet. There are many different types of liquid chemicals, so check the label for particular directions before using. A couple of ounces of liquid RV toilet chemical will usually suffice for each application, so plan on using less than that. A powder is normally contained within the dissolving tablets or packets, which dissolves into the existing water in the black water tank after being introduced into the tank.

What ever type of toilet chemical you use, the finest RV toilet chemicals will not discolor your toilet and are biodegradable and ecologically safe, according to the manufacturer.

For example, Camco TST RV Toilet Treatment, Travel Jon, Porta-Pak and Aqua-Kem RV toilet chemicals are some of the brands you might want to check for when buying RV toilet chemicals.

4. How should I use RV toilet chemicals?

For the purposes of this article, let us suppose you have a totally empty and clean RV black water tank to begin with. The first thing you should do before adding any RV toilet chemicals to the black water tank is to fill the tank with a few gallons of water to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of water in the tank to begin with. This is critical: Never flush your RV toilet until there is a sufficient amount of water in the black water tank. This might result in the clumping of waste in your tank, which could result in misleading meter readings or, worse, obstructions in your system.

Your portable RV toilet is now fully operational.

5. Are there other kinds of RV Toilet Chemicals I should be aware of?

It’s a good thing you inquired. Additionally, there are two different sorts of RV toilet chemicals that may be useful. The first is a cleanser for the RV toilet bowl. RV toilets are often constructed of plastic. When the valve is closed, they also include a rubber ring that closes the bowl to keep water out. Because of the presence of these elements, it is critical that while cleaning an RV toilet, only chemicals that are specifically developed for RV toilets be employed. You won’t have to worry about staining the toilet, and you’ll know they’re safe for plastics and rubber seals as well.

The gauges that indicate you how full or empty your RV’s tank is at any one moment are notoriously inaccurate, as anybody who has owned an RV for even a short period of time can attest.
It is possible to use specific cleansers that are focused to break down things that might be producing misleading signals on your tank sensors to assist you tackle this problem.
That’s all there is to it!

Make sure to forward this post along to any friends who could benefit from learning more about RV toilet chemicals.
Are you looking for more connected information?

How to Dispose of Waste Tanks 5 Tips for Keeping Your RV’s Bathroom Clean and Deodorized.

What to Allow in Your RV Holding Tanks

The following are the most important points:

Only human waste, toilet paper, and tank treatments should be allowed to enter your black water tank. Make every effort to keep as much food waste and oil out of your gray water tank as possible. The use of chemical tank treatments and cleansers is not suggested.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Which of the following should you flush down the toilet in your RV’s black water tank? What do you think about putting the leftovers from your dinner concoction in your gray water tank? Even if you’re an inexperienced RVer, you already know that what you allow into your RV wastewater tanks has a significant impact on your ability to prevent holding tank clogs and foul odors. Moreover, it’s likely that you are aware of this because you were the one who made the mistake and learned your lesson the hard way.

This is a proven process that we developed to help you be as successful as possible when it comes to maintaining a problem-free recreational vehicle (RV).

It is recommended by The Unique Method that you be selective about what you allow into your RV holding tanks, which is one of the habits you should adopt.

You can put that worry to rest because we will go over in detail the types of items that you should and should not allow in your wastewater tanks, as well as the types of chemicals and products that are beneficial to or could be harmful to your holding tanks.

Understanding Your RV Wastewater Systems

It’s all about making decisions. Using your RV’s black water tank for this or that is a good idea. When it comes to your supper leftovers, should you put them in your gray water tank or not? Even if you’re an inexperienced RVer, you already know that what you allow into your RV wastewater tanks has a significant influence on your ability to prevent holding tank blockages and smells. Moreover, it’s possible that you are aware of this since you were the one who made the mistake and had to learn the hard way.

A proven procedure we developed to assist you be as effective as possible in maintaining a problem-free recreational vehicle (RV), is as follows: In order to achieve success, a 50/50 strategy is required, with 50 percent of the appropriate items and 50 percent of the appropriate behaviors.

Figuring out what is and isn’t allowed to flush may be stressful if you are new to RVing.

You can put that worry to rest because we will go over in detail the sorts of materials that you should and should not allow in your wastewater tanks, as well as the types of chemicals and products that are useful to or might be harmful to your holding tanks over the course of our training.

Black Water Tanks

The black water holding tank is attached to the toilet and serves as a holding tank for all of the waste generated by humans. Generally speaking, there are just a few things that should be permitted inside your RV’s black tank:

The following items are required: human excrement and urine
Toilet paper

Water
RV holding tank treatments (ideally without the use of chemicals)

Anything else than that can and frequently will result in problems. The following are examples of items that are not acceptable:

Trash and plastics

The flushing of items such as paper plates, chewing gum, wasted food, plastic wrappers, and other items that we would all consider garbage should be avoided when using an RV toilet, or even a house toilet for that matter. None of these materials are intended to decompose, and they will very probably produce a clog when you attempt to empty the holding tank.

Chemicals and caustic cleaners

The use of chemical-based tank treatments and cleaners is entirely up to you; however, we strongly advise you to avoid doing so and instead utilize bacteria-based tank treatments and cleaners that will not destroy the beneficial bacteria in your tank. In order to effectively manage smells and guarantee appropriate waste breakdown, bacteria treatments must be used in conjunction with bathroom cleaning products.

Chemicals from the treatment or the bathroom cleaning product will kill the bacteria that conduct this dual role. More information on why bacteria and enzymes are beneficial in your tanks can be found in the guide Why Are Bacteria and Enzymes Beneficial in RV Wastewater Tanks.

Feminine hygiene products

There are a lot of ladies out there. Everyone knows that flushing maxi pads is a no-no, but who hasn’t flushed a tampon at one point or another? Those should not be flushed down any toilet, whether in an RV or anywhere else for that matter. Because tampons are designed to absorb liquid rather than be broken down by it, flushing one down the toilet will cause damage and blockages in any toilet. Alternatively, you may wrap it in toilet paper like you would a maxi pad and throw it in the garbage.

Flushable wipes

Isn’t it true that the name implies that it would degrade once flushed? This is not always the case. They will ultimately break down if given enough time, but they will not be able to dissolve if they are allowed to remain in holding tanks, septic systems, or even municipal treatment systems for an extended period of time. Because these wipes must be powerful enough to remain wet and intact in their packaging while on shop shelves and during the wiping operation, their dissolving powers are less effective than their name suggests.

If you’re determined to use them, set aside a trash can specifically for flushable wipes to store them in once you’ve finished using them; this will spare you from future clog troubles.

Paper towels, facial tissue, and napkins

Due to the fact that these sorts of paper goods are normally disposed of in the trash can rather than a wastewater system, they are not meant to disintegrate. Because these things are not intended to degrade quickly, we cannot guarantee that our products will dissolve them in the holding tanks; thus, do not flush them down the toilet! So, in short, only the following should be allowed inside your black tank:

Bathroom tissue and toilet paper
Drinking water

RV holding tank treatments (ideally without the use of chemicals)
And other supplies.

The following items should not be allowed to enter your black tank:

Toxic waste and plastics
Chemicals and caustic cleansers
Feminine hygiene products Wipes that may be flushed

Paper towels, face tissue, and napkins
And

The first step in avoiding black water holding tank difficulties is to ensure that only the appropriate trash is allowed into your black tank(s). More information on the other measures to follow while treating your black tank may be found in The Unique Method, our comprehensive, tried-and-true guide to treating and maintaining your recreational vehicle’s wastewater tanks.

gray Water Tanks

The galley, also known as the gray water tank, is where all of the water from your sinks and showers is collected. This tank should only contain water that has been used for household tasks such as dishwashing, showering, washing your hands, and so on; no human waste should ever be permitted to accumulate in this tank. There are only a few items that should be permitted inside your RV gray tank, just as there are only a few things that should be allowed inside your black tank:

Wash your hands with water, soap (avoid antibacterial soaps), and RV Holding Tank Treatments (ideally non-toxic treatments).

Even with gray tanks, we advocate utilizing a high-quality, bacteria-based tank treatment (such as Unique RV Digest-It) since it will continue to aid in the breakdown of food particles and grease while also assisting in the management of smells (yes, really bad odors can come from the gray tank). It is a common fallacy that you may flush little particles of food detritus down the toilet in your RV, just like you would at home. However, this can cause serious difficulties. Garbage disposals are commonly found in home kitchen sinks, which assist in breaking up food particles into little bits so that they may more readily travel down the pipes to the treatment plant.

Doing so in an RV kitchen can rapidly result in blockages since even the smallest food particles can accumulate directly in the discharge port and produce a clog before you know what’s happening. You should thus make every effort to keep the following items out of your gray tank as much as possible:

Food debris

Many people are unaware that the vast majority of recreational vehicle holding tanks are flat on the bottom. They also use gravity to drain. If you pour big or even little particles of food down the kitchen sink, they can easily end up on the flat bottom of your tank as it drains since gravity is insufficient to ensure that all particles and oils are removed from the tank when you dump it (a good reason to flush your tank every time you dump). Food particles can also become lodged on the sensors, leading them to misinterpret the data they receive.

Another precaution is to place a sink strainer in the drains of the kitchen sink to trap any wayward food particles that may have slipped through the cracks when cleaning.

Grease and oils

Despite the fact that grease and oils are more closely related to liquid than solid forms, they can readily cake onto the sensors, much like food waste, and produce misreadings of the levels. Grease and oils are also among the most common sources of scents emanating from the gray water tank, and they may be much more offensive than odors emanating from the black water tank (s). Additionally, you may choose to clean pans with paper towels after cooking fatty meals such as bacon and sausage, in addition to scraping food off plates.

Antibacterial soap

When it comes to your gray tank’s flora and flora residue, toothpaste, and other bathroom remnants are unavoidable, and the best way to control them before they accumulate on the walls and sensors is to employ a bacteria-based tank treatment on an ongoing basis. Antibacterial hand soaps and dish soaps are not recommended because bacteria-based tank treatments (such as Unique RV Digest-It) are critical to the health of your gray tank, and antibacterial soaps will kill the bacteria you added to the tank treatment product, thereby negating all of the benefits of using bacteria-based tank treatments.

When it comes to hand soap, search for goods that do not have the word “antibacterial” on the label.

Urine

We’ve all had the urge (and most of us have succumbed to it at least once or twice) to pee in the shower. I mean, it’s just more convenient than waiting till you get out, right? When taking a shower in an RV, it is usually preferable to wait since urine should not be dumped into the gray water tank. One of the main reasons you should avoid doing so is because urine is a far more potent odor generator than you might believe, sometimes even more potent than solid trash.

It is possible that your gray tank will emit exceptionally strong aromas as a result of this. Gray tanks were never intended to withstand the corrosive nature of urine, unlike black tanks were. Additionally, it includes substances such as ammonia, which might cause harm to your gray tank.

Large quantities of dirt

If you’ve ever tented with nature-loving children or enjoyed off-roading while camping, you’re probably aware of how filthy it can get. Camping vacations are made more enjoyable by the presence of mud, and many dirt-bikers and ATVers will tell you that the finest off-roading can be found when there is mud. Although it may be entertaining, the addition of extracurricular dirt to your gray/galley tank will not be appreciated. It is quite possible that dirt (particularly big quantities of it) may settle at the bottom of your holding tank and that it will not flow out when you empty the holding tank.

In addition, bacteria-based treatments will not break down minerals such as dirt and sand.

In summary, only the following should be allowed into your gray or galley tank:

Water, soap, RV holding tank treatments (ideally without the use of chemicals), and other supplies

Try to keep the following items from getting into your gray water tank as much as possible:

Food debris, grease and oils, antibacterial soap, urine, and large amounts of dirt are all possibilities.

Black/gray Tank Combos

Food debris, grease and oils, antibacterial soap, urine, and large amounts of dirt are all potential hazards.

Chemical Products to Avoid

When it comes to treating your holding tanks, there are many in the RVing world who will advocate utilizing home cures or brand name items that include corrosive chemicals, like as bleach. While the sort of goods you use is mainly up to you, we usually advise avoiding using chemical-based products for a variety of reasons, including the following:

Bacteria are killed by chemicals, which prevents any form of waste breakdown from taking place. Chemical-based remedies can frequently introduce stronger, but equally unpleasant, aromas to the environment in order to drown out the stinking ones. Chemical components can have a detrimental impact on a variety of things, including:

It is possible to have skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. It is possible to be less than environmentally friendly
It is possible to damage RV wastewater valves and seals.

Many jurisdictions have outlawed the use of particular chemicals in tank treatment solutions, including chlorine. California’s SB-317: What It Means for You
Guide:SB-317: California’s What It Means for You

Hopefully, you now understand why we advise against using chemical treatments in your gray or black wastewater systems. Once these solutions kill the microorganisms in your tank, waste breakdown is halted, resulting in blockages, smells, and expensive repairs down the road. Specific chemical compounds that we recommend you avoid putting into your tanks are listed below.

All forms of alcohol, antibacterial soap, bleach, ammonia, pinesol, chlorine/bromine, formaldehyde (or any aldehyde), Iodine, and other chemicals are prohibited. corrosive acids (e.g. sulfuric acid)
Very caustic alkaline compounds (e.g. lye
Sodium hydroxide, among others)

Baker’s Yeast is a kind of yeast that is used in baking.

These things are the most prevalent sources of disruption to the smooth operation of your holding tank, and they can result in waste accumulation and foul aromas, so it’s best to avoid using them completely. Unique Camping + Marine tank treatment and cleaning items that we suggest since they promote rather than hinder the growth of microorganisms in your tanks are as follows;

Sensor Cleaner for Black Water Tanks

Super Digest-It Bio-Enzymatic Drain Opener
RV Toilet Cleaner + Holding Tank Enhancer
RV Digest-It Holding-Tank Treatment

Holding-Tank Cleaner

Review

Because RV wastewater systems may be quite sensitive, understanding what is and is not safe to put within the holding tanks is critical to preventing smells and backups in the future. Although it is important to restrict the kind of objects that may be kept in your black and gray tanks, this is only the beginning.

When you use The Unique Method, you will have added confidence that you will have a simple, problem-free camping trip every time. A quick recap of everything we discussed in this guide is provided below:

Recognize that your RV holding tanks are not and cannot be treated in the same way as septic tanks are. In your black tank, just four items should be present:

The following items are required: human excrement and urine
Toilet paper
Water
RV holding tank treatments (ideally without the use of chemicals)

Make every effort to keep only three items from entering your gray tank:

Wash your hands with water, soap (avoid antibacterial soaps), and RV Holding Tank Treatments (ideally non-toxic treatments).

Chemical goods should be avoided since they might have a harmful impact on humans, the environment, your RV, and the microorganisms in your tanks.

Unique Camping & Marine receives a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases as an Amazon Associate.

Adopt The Unique Method

You purchased your recreational vehicle so that you may enjoy life and spend time with family and friends on the road. The last thing you want to do is squander valuable time and resources attempting to resolve wastewater holding tank complications. It is not necessary to spend a lot of time or money on keeping your tanks in optimum functioning condition if you follow our tried and true process: The Unique Method. After years of talks with actual clients who were dealing with genuine difficulties, we developed The Unique Method, which is a complete tank maintenance plan.

Try it for yourself and learn why thousands of campers rely on TheUnique Method to keep their RVs running well every day.

Get in Touch With Us

Also in Guides and Resources

Most recreational vehicles are equipped with two types of holding tanks: a gray water tank and a black water tank. A gray water tank is a container that catches the water that drains from your shower and sinks. The black water tank is responsible for storing the waste water from your toilets. Despite the fact that it appears to be straightforward, you cannot simply empty your tanks and proceed on your way. The accumulation of waste in the black water tank may result in unpleasant odors as well as possibly dangerous obstructions.

A dump station is great for dumping your gray water tank, but dumping your black water tank at a dump station is troublesome for two reasons: first, the tank is too large to fit into the dump station; and second, the tank is too large to fit into the dump station.

It is not always possible to expect that a dump station will be equipped with a hose connection. If done correctly, the procedure might take a significant amount of time.

Cleaning your black water holding tank is best done when you’re completely connected to the power grid and have both a water and sewer line connected. When performing a deep clean, avoid using bleach or antifreeze since both of these chemicals can dry up rubber seals, causing your sewage system to fail. This all-purpose cleaner from Simple Green is free of the harmful chemicals that are typically present in other cleaning products. It also deodorizes, allowing you to remove tough stains and debris while while leaving your RV bathroom feeling fresh.

You should at the very least perform a thorough cleaning after each trip, since you will not want to store your RV with wastewater still in the tanks. Otherwise, it is advised that you clean your RV tanks once a month during the summer and once every other month during the winter.

Directions for Cleaning an RV Black Water Tank:

Before you begin, you’ll need a length of garden hose that will be used only for cleaning the black water tank and that you will keep on hand at all times. In addition, you’ll want to install a backflow preventer on your hose to prevent water from reentering the freshwater system after flushing the black water tank. It is advised that you dump your tank when it is three-quarters full. Protect your hands from any spills, leaks, or splatters by donning a pair of disposable rubber gloves.

Close the valve on the gray water tank the night before you want to clean it. Most of the time, this may remain open while you’re connected, but you’ll want to collect some water so that you can flush the sewer line once you’ve emptied your black water tank into it. You should leave the gray water tank valve closed overnight in order to collect approximately half a tank of water. Make sure your toilet is clean. For instructions on how to accomplish this with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, please see this link. Make certain that your bathroom fan is turned off before beginning this procedure (it should also be off every time you flush your toilet). Don’t forget to open the gate valve and clean the area with a brush once you’re through. Strong cleaning chemicals might weaken the seal in the toilet hole that prevents smells from flowing up from the black water tank when flushed too frequently. Flushing your toilet multiple times after you’ve washed it is a good idea. Connect the hose to the faucet. Connect the anti-backflush valve to the end of your garden hose to complete the installation. Using the hose, connect one end to the sewage rinse connector on your RV and the other end to your fresh water supply
Turn on the water slowly and carefully. At first, don’t turn it all the way on
Instead, turn it halfway on. Activate the black water tank valve and gradually increase the flow of water. Run it until the water coming out of the drain is mainly clean
Close the valve on the black water tank. Keep it closed for approximately one minute. Close the black water tank valve and reopen it. Allow the water to continue to flow through
Then shut off the black water tank valve. Keep it closed until the tank is completely filled. Keep a tight eye on the tank as it fills – don’t leave it unattended if you don’t want it to overflow and spill water out of the vent on the roof of the RV. As soon as the black water tank is full, open the valve on the black water tank. The water should be mainly clear when it runs through the filter. If the water is still cloudy, refill the tank and repeat steps 7 through 9. Turn off your water supply. Allowing the remaining water to flow out of the tank before closing the valve is recommended. Close the gray water tank valve and reopen it. Allow the water to drain
To use the restroom, return to the RV and close the door. Using 2 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, flush the toilet after pouring a gallon of water down it
Observe the results of a scent test.

Close all of the windows in your RV and put on the bathroom fan. Also, open the gate valve on your toilet and close the toilet seat. A foul odor originating from the black water tank should not be present. You should flush your toilet with two additional teaspoons of Simple Green and one more gallon of water if you notice a lingering odor. You may also put ice in your toilet to cool it down. In total, you’ll flush around five 10-pound bags of ice down the toilet. Then, when the ice begins to melt, you’ll need to take a drive. During the melting process, it will move and scrape over the bottom of the tank, removing any debris that has become caught. It will take another dump to drain the melted ice and any debris that was scraped up from the tank
Then it will be filled again. Finally, if your tank is really stinky, you may flush one cup of Simple Green and one gallon of hot water down the toilet, followed by a leisurely filling of the tank with water. Allow the solution to remain in the tank for 24 hours before using it. After draining it, perform another scent test.

If your RV is not equipped with a sewage rinse outlet, follow these instructions: Preparation is key, so make sure you have a length of garden hose that will only be used for cleaning the black tank and nothing else. It is advised that you dump your tank when it is three-quarters full. Protect your hands from any spills, leaks, or splatters by donning a pair of disposable rubber gloves.

Close the valve on the gray water tank the night before you want to clean it. Most of the time, this may remain open while you’re connected, but you’ll want to collect some water so that you can flush the sewer line once you’ve emptied your black tank. You should leave the gray water tank valve closed overnight in order to collect approximately half a tank of water. Make sure your toilet is clean. Make certain that your bathroom fan is turned off before beginning this procedure (it should also be off every time you flush your toilet). Don’t forget to open the gate valve and clean the area with a brush once you’re through. Strong cleaning chemicals might weaken the seal in the toilet hole that prevents smells from flowing up from the black water tank when flushed too frequently. Flushing your toilet multiple times after you’ve washed it is a good idea. Connect the hose to the faucet. Ensure that your hose is connected to a freshwater source. Insert the other end of the hose into the toilet’s drain hole and turn on the water. You want to hear the hose flopping around within the tank, so turn it up to the maximum setting it will allow. Using this method, you can assure that the water reaches the areas where the built-in sprayer cannot reach
Pull the valve on the black water tank. Allow the water to run for 10-15 minutes, but don’t leave it unattended during this time. Close the valve on the black water tank. Continue to keep it closed for about a minute before opening the black water tank valve once again. Allow the water to continue to flow through
Then, close the black water tank valve once more to complete the process. Keep it closed until the tank is completely filled. Keep a tight eye on the tank as it fills – don’t leave it unattended if you don’t want it to overflow and spill water out of the vent on the roof of the RV. As soon as the black water tank is full, open the valve on the black water tank. The water should be mainly clear when it runs through the filter. If the water is still cloudy, refill the tank and repeat steps 6 through 8. Turn off your water supply. Allowing the remaining water to flow out of the tank before closing the valve is recommended. Close the gray water tank valve and reopen it. Allow the water to drain
To use the restroom, return to the RV and close the door. Using 2 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, flush the toilet after pouring a gallon of water down it
In accordance with the instructions above, do your smell test.

TIP: Never leave the valve to your black water tank open, even if you’re completely connected to the system. This will result in what is known as “pyramiding,” which is when all of the liquid is forced out of the tank, allowing the solids to accumulate and solidify as a result of the pressure.

What type of Chemicals do you use in Black Tank? – Page 5

02-21-2019, 10:08 PM

MemberJoin Date: Apr 2013Location: B.C. CanadaPosts: 32

Something we learned also

Quote:Originally Posted byAudiDudiI use nothing and have no issues. Tank sensors all work. 50 gal black tank in the 5th wheel and it gets dumped once a week then filled and drained at least twice with clean water. A clear elbow lets me know when the tank is clean.Is not to put Toilet Paper in the Black Water tank.

02-21-2019, 10:24 PM

Junior MemberJoin Date: Apr 2013Posts: 22

Easy way

I have used many chemicals over the years. Now I keep it simple.First, dump early and often, always black tank first.When moving between camps, I dump before leaving, then fill the tank 1/3 full and add a good dose of Dawn. I let this slosh around while on the road, then dump when I get to the new place. No odor issues.Paul

02-21-2019, 10:45 PM	83
MemberJoin Date: Jun 2018Location: Belton TexasPosts: 82	Quote:Originally Posted byTitanMikeOver the years I’ve used toss in packets, open and pour in packets, “pods”. and all colors of liquids. Some worked, some didn’t. I’ve now settled on this:Easy to use with the self measuring bottle which can be refilled from larger gallon sized. No smell and sensors work great.I’m sure there are others but this has worked best for me in all kinds of weather and even for extended periods between tank dumps. When my wife stayed in my old TT when visiting the grand kids sometimes the tank didn’t get dumped for up to a month. Believe me, if there was any inside odor she would have let me know.When I need some entertainment I check to see what Amazon is selling at the time. Fun to read the manufacturer’s claims. They all claim THEIRS works best. Of course the same holds true for us. Whatever we buy is the best, right?I’ve been using CLR Septic Tank Treatment Industrial Grade for quite a few years. It may be snake oil but I knew going into it that the CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) products have never failed to do the job they said they would do. For the last twenty plus years I’ve always used a septic system treatment additive vice the “RV marketed additives” for my black tank. After all.it’s a septic tank on wheels

02-21-2019, 11:04 PM	84
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jun 2018Location: Bellbrook, OHPosts: 403	yep im gonna use it too, geo method for me, i love poo_2019 FR Vibe 28RL2018 Silverado 1500, Husky Centerline TS3 Great Danes, 1 WeimaranerWonderful co-pilot

02-22-2019, 01:55 AM	85
MemberJoin Date: Feb 2019Posts: 30	Are any of you Dawn users using Dawn Platinum? That’s my go-to at home, so I wonder if I could use it for double-duty (pun intended)!_2019 FR Wildwood X-Lite 271BHXL2006 Ford F350 SuperDuty Bulletproofed 6.0 with Husky Centerline TS WDH 22″ Weber Smokey Mountain and a Green Mountain Grills Davey Crockett

02-22-2019, 07:10 AM

RECATJoin Date: May 2013Location: ENTERPRISE, ALPosts: 59

Happy Camper

I use Happy Camper and have since first trying it in a “Recirculating toilet” If it could keep out odors and keep the tank flushing (which it did) than it was a winner. I purchase it in large tubs from Amazon and once a year I use Happy Camper Extreme Cleaner._2013 GMC SIERRA SLT 3500 HD CC Z71 4X4 HENSLEY BDR3 TRAILER SAVER AIR RIDE HITCHBLUE OX BED SAVER2014 COLUMBUS 320RSWAR EAGLE!

02-22-2019, 07:26 AM	87
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jun 2017Posts: 197	Happy Campers for us for almost a year, and plenty of water each flush. Everything is liquified when we dump the tank. No odor, no problems, and sensors work perfectly.

02-22-2019, 08:31 AM	88
Senior MemberJoin Date: Feb 2014Location: MarylandPosts: 695	Quote:Originally Posted byTitanMikeOver the years I’ve used toss in packets, open and pour in packets, “pods”. and all colors of liquids. Some worked, some didn’t. I’ve now settled on this:Easy to use with the self measuring bottle which can be refilled from larger gallon sized. No smell and sensors work great.We are right there with Titan Mike on this. When we first got into RVing, this was the one that got great reviews on Amazon, so we gave it a try. And we have never had any odor whatsoever. But we thought, why not try some other products just to be sure. So we tried 3 or 4 other products, and all were useless. So back to Odorlos. We carry the smaller self measuring bottle in the RV with us and keep the one gallon bottle at home and keep refilling as needed. Its competitively priced, and we have often found it much cheaper than the competition in the CW stores when they have sales._2019 Ford F250 Lariat 6.7 Powerstroke2020 Cherokee Arctic Wolf 287BH

02-22-2019, 09:24 AM	89
Senior MemberJoin Date: Sep 2016Location: ColoradoPosts: 1,178	Use Camco TST waste digester. I tear open the packages and do not throw the dissolvable packages down the toilet. I’m of the Titan Mike club of not putting TP in the trash. I’ve tried different TP’s and really find little difference in the dissolvability of different brands. I use the clear elbow on my outlet, and everything liquifies with the TST. Comes in several colors, but I haven’t found any difference. The other key is lots of water. Don’t allow the deadly Poop Pyramid to develop. Keep everything liquified and draining and flushing will go well. I am careful to thoroughly flush till water runs clean at the outlet. I shy away from the liquids because if they spill, they stain like a SOB. It seems like when traveling the bottles will always fall over and the lid will almost always seep. Just my preference._2003 Duramax2017 Crusader 3152016 Boston Whaler Montauk 150Former Montana ownerColorado Cruiser, Over the Pass and Down the Hill

02-22-2019, 09:34 AM	90
Senior MemberJoin Date: Dec 2014Posts: 423	I am afraid to use detergents like Dawn because of it’s possible affect to the seals.

02-22-2019, 09:59 AM	91
MemberJoin Date: Apr 2013Location: North of DetroitPosts: 77	Geo Method for at least the last 10 years. Works well, no problems.

02-22-2019, 10:05 AM

Junior MemberJoin Date: Jul 2017Location: Herculaneum, MOPosts: 24

Aqua-Kem and Water

I have always used Aqua-Kem for odor control and sanitation of the black tank. Here are the steps we take at the dump station:1) Open black tank valve2) Drain black tank3) Pour bucket of water down black tank to flush remaining waste out4) Close black tank valve5) Pour Aqua-Kem in toilet with flush open6) Pour another bucket of water down toilet to mix with Aqua-Kem in black tank7) Drain gray tank to clean out sewer hoseDuring these steps my wife and I are wearing disposable gloves. It kills me all the folks I see at the dump station that handle their sewage equipment bare handed and then get right in the truck afterwards and leave._GreenHorn HaulerMissouriTV: 2014 Chevy Silverado Crew (5.3L), 4X4, 6.6 bed, trailer package and breakTT: 2011 Coachmen 28DDS

02-22-2019, 10:17 AM	93
Pickin’, Campin’, MasonJoin Date: Aug 2015Location: South Western PAPosts: 15,526	Quote:Originally Posted byNorSnrubWe use emzime TST and dollar storefabric softener.FABRIC softener is chemically designed to bond to and soften fabrics.It does nothing for your black tank. You may as well throw dollar bills down there.WATER softener on the other hand, does help make the inside of the tank slicker. Maybe you mistyped._2016 Flagstaff 8529IKBS Diamond Package 5th Wheel�Goodyear Endurance Tires�2017 Ford F-Series SCREW 4×4�Factory Puck�B W Companion�TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater�Sinemate 3500w Gen.F AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA – JAFFA Shrine – Altoona, PA Days Camped: ’17=38☼’18=49☼’19=58☼’20=110☼’21=116☼’22=32

02-22-2019, 11:15 AM	94
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jun 2012Location: Southern NMPosts: 7,536	Quote:Originally Posted byGreenHorn HaulerAll of this keep in mind my wife and I are wearing disposable gloves. It kills me all the folks I see at the dump station that handle their sewage equipment bare handed and then get right in the truck afterwards and leave.And it kills me watching folks who think they need a hazmat suit to dump a black tank. But then I was raised on a farm where being covered in some kind of crap most of the day was fairly common.Honestly, I rarely get anything on my hands when cleaning tanks. And when I do, there is hand sanitizer in the truck. But then I guess I could stand there and wash my hands thoroughly while folks behind me are waiting for the dump station._Scott and Liz – Southern NM2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL – w/level up (best option ever)2007 Chevy 2500HD 4dr short bed Duramax w/allisonReese Fifth Airborne air ride king pin coupler with Sidewinder

02-22-2019, 11:19 AM	95
Senior MemberJoin Date: Mar 2017Posts: 200	We’ve used both the Geo method and Happy Camper and haven’t had any odor or sensor problems. We always use lots of water and make sure tank is full when dumped.We originally dumped the full tank then used the tank flush to fill it a second time and dump again, making sure the water was clear. We decided to buy a Flush King and tried it out immediately AFTER our usual routine. Boy, were we surprised to find the tank wasn’t completely clean despite the previous clear water! The Flush King really made a difference._2017 Mini Lite 2304KS

02-22-2019, 11:24 AM	96
Junior MemberJoin Date: May 2013Posts: 5	Please everyone use something I hate camping next to someone that their vent is coming my direction smelling like a sewer.

02-22-2019, 11:31 AM	97
Senior MemberJoin Date: Mar 2017Location: Stockdale TexasPosts: 436	But then I was raised on a farm where being covered in some kind of crap most of the day was fairly common.X2

02-22-2019, 11:52 AM	98
Denver To Yuma In 90 DaysJoin Date: Mar 2018Location: Yuma, ArizonaPosts: 3,882	Quote:Originally Posted bybirchcrossingPlease everyone use something I hate camping next to someone that their vent is coming my direction smelling like a sewer.That smell isn’t caused by not having chemicals in their tanks.It is from leaving their gray tanks open all the time and the fumes from the campground’s septic tank or sewer are coming back up through the drain hoses and up out of the roof vents.

02-22-2019, 11:58 AM	99
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jun 2018Location: Southern IllissouriPosts: 886	Quote:Originally Posted byGreenHorn HaulerDuring these steps my wife and I are wearing disposable gloves. It kills me all the folks I see at the dump station that handle their sewage equipment bare handed and then get right in the truck afterwards and leave.If I may be blunt, it is only pee and poop. Do you glove up before you wipe your own butt?It is just used food. Nothing more, nothing less. Get over it, grow up._BrianBecky2018 Avenger ATI 27RBSChampion 3500Weber Q2000, Blackstone 22″, and a whole herd of flamingoes

02-22-2019, 12:03 PM	100
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jun 2012Location: Southern NMPosts: 7,536	Quote:Originally Posted byJohnD10That smell isn’t caused by not having chemicals in their tanks.It is from leaving their gray tanks open all the time and the fumes from the campground’s septic tank or sewer are coming back up through the drain hoses and up out of the roof vents.It’s good to see we can always depend on you for a chuckle_Scott and Liz – Southern NM2012 Wildcat Sterling 32RL – w/level up (best option ever)2007 Chevy 2500HD 4dr short bed Duramax w/allisonReese Fifth Airborne air ride king pin coupler with Sidewinder

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