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Holding Tank Poll

Yahoo Message Number: 10887
Which method do you use for your blackwater holding tank, keep your tank clean by using bleach or active bacteria to break down those solids? Both methods seem to work, so which one do you use and why?

Paul

01 Intrigue 11309

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10889
Hi Paul,

I use neither!

During use on a trip, no toilet paper is put into the tank (as is done in Mexico). The tank is started with 5-10 gal of fresh water and drained at every opportunity. And the holding tanks are not left open to drain when using hookups - tanks are drained just prior to leaving.
No disinfectent is used. A homemade wang (covered some time ago) is used several times during a trip and as part of post trip maintenance.
In addition, the drains are left open - both water and holding tanks.
Bleach is never used.
Fred Kovol

In Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com, "pcummings4"

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10890
From: "fredkovol" fredkovol@...>

(snip) > A homemade wang (covered some time ago) is used several times during a trip (snip) I'm sure that Fred meant to write "A homemade wand ..." , although a "wang" and a wand have similarities.

Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10891
From: "pcummings4" pcummings4@...>
Quote
Which method do you use for your blackwater holding tank, keep your
tank clean by using bleach or active bacteria to break down those solids? Both methods seem to work, so which one do you use and why? We've been RVing for 37+ years and we use EnviroChem in our black tank in the recommended amount, and add a little to the grey tank through the sink drain. Grey tanks can stink, too.
I guess that some are able to get away without using tank additives because their black tank's roof vent isn't near a 14"x14" roof vent. But we've never been able to avoid using deodorants. No big deal.
I've heard you should never use bleach, 'cause it reportedly can eat up dump tank rubber seals.

The best articles I've read about holding tanks emphasize that the tanks are simply that ... "holding" tanks ... not septic systems.
We use our Intrigue's built-in black tank flusher every time we dump the tank. And we used a wand with a rotating nozzle down into the tank, through the toilet valve, on our previous motorhome. And we do leave the black tank valve closed 'til it's time to dump ... when the tank is mostly full and we have a good supply of grey water to run through the slinky hose afterwards.
Clickon http://www.phrannie.org/macerator.html for good info on macerators and sewage. We installed a portable macerator on our old 5W and permanent macerator hookup on our old motorhome. Haven't got around to doing the same on our Intrigue yet.

Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97

Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10897
Fred,

What on earth do you do with the stinky paper to maintain a healthy environment? Never heard of such a thing! The whole purpose of the tank is to hold waste...
Tom

02 Allure

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10898
Wow, I guess I better start worrying about my black tank! ;^D

I do the same thing I did with my previous MH, always be half full before dumping. In 5 years I never once thought I had a problem. On my CC I use the built-in flush system but only when I'm not holding anyone up at the dump station.
Dave

'98 Allure 36 #30187

Quote from: pcummings4

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10899
Paul, I have used the "purple stuff" from Thetford in six different motor homes and it does a fine job in the black tank. I think the secret is to always rinse the tank thoroughly at every dumping. Sometimes this isn't possible at roadside dumps with no hose available, but this is infrequent, and happens on the road when there has been good agitation of the tank contents.
I have just installed a venturi cap on my black tank vent due to odor in the coach if the tank is nearing the full level. This is my third CC and I've had to do this on every one. I think CC would do well to make them original equipment.
I don't routinely use anything in the grey tank. If it gets too bad a little pine sol takes care of it. I learned a valuable lesson on this board re grey tank odor. It can usually be traced to the p-trap on the washer-dryer going dry due to lack of use. A little water added to the trap will usually take care of grey tank odor in the coach.
Once, again---the most important tip I can give you is to thoroughly rinse both tanks when dumping.

Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10902
Quote from: pcummings4
Which method do you use for your blackwater holding tank, keep

your

Quote
tank clean by using bleach or active bacteria to break down those > solids? Both methods seem to work, so which one do you use and

why?

Quote
Paul

01 Intrigue 11309
We have been using RIDIX (a septic tank additive, you purcahse in the grocery store) in our holding tank for a year. One capful in the tank with a few gallons of water put in through the back wash each time you dump. Works great, is much less expensive the the "made for RV" stuff. A bottle costs about $5 and lasts more than a month. We're full timers so our tank is constantly in use.
We also use "Sewer Solution" instead of the slinky hose and think it is a terrific product. Small hose, easy to handle and much cleaner than the large slinky hose. Camping world has it, or search for it on the internet and buy direct from the manufactuer in Oklahoma.

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10903
Hi Tom,

The little paper bag beside the toilet is put in the trash daily or whenever a trash recepticle is available - it doesn't stink. I learned this while doing volunteer work at a mission in Mexico where trash is burned ever morning including the bags from the toilets.
Fred Kovol

-

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10904
Hi Folks,

For disinfecting the water and sewer hoses, I prefer H2O2 as it doesn't affect seals or brittlize plastic.
Fred Kovol

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10905
Dave, did you have the built-in flush sytem installed after you bought the coach? My '99 Allure does not have it.

Egon

'99 Allure #30321
'02 Tahoe Z71

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10906
Don't use anything. Agitation is going to "break down those solids." The "normal bacteria" will go to work on "stuff", too. All we make sure to do is to add plenty of water (we always pour the dishwashing water down the toilet), use the flushing system 2-3x (filling the tank to almost full each time), use a "clear connector" to monitor the effluent as it's coming out of the tank, and make sure to dump WHEN YOU GET TO CAMP, instead of leaving it (if you have a choice! ) When the tanks are well agitated (as in New England driving) everything will get pretty well put into solution and will dump easily. We also make sure to dump only when at least "flashing 3/4 full")...if we have to dump before then, we'll add a water until it's at least that.

We had a flush system for the grey tank installed, too, and use that, but less frequently.

We usually, do a load of laundry before dumping, so after the black tank is dumped, the grey tank is dumped with mostly water from the washing machine...so it makes the hose smell like Downy!.

By the way, we learned the hard way, but now ALWAYS TEST YOUR CONNECTION WITH A BIT OF GREY TANK FIRST!!! We were camped in an RV park that had what looked like two sewer hookups. Both identical. We chose the most convenient one, natch...NOPE! What looked like a sewer hookup was really a DEEP down water shutoff valve. SO, our sewer didn't drain...hmmmm....phonecall to the manager answered our question as to why it wasn't draining...then we had a real problem! Now, we always test with a "first run of grey tank"...just in case!

Jan McNeill, Fulltimer
2001 Intrigue 11320

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10909
Egon -

Sorry, don't know. I bought the unit used and the flush was already installed.
Dave

'98 Allure 36 #30187

Quote from: Egon Schlottmann\[br\
] > Dave, did you have the built-in flush sytem installed after you
bought the coach? My '99 Allure does not have it.

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10911
Another reason to check your connection---a friend learned the hard way.
When he pulled the black tank valve, he got found out that the connector was not on tight. Had a big blow-out. Was covered with "stuff". We never let him live that one down!

Ree

Current location---Flying Flags RV, Buellton, CA--on the way to Eugene

2003 Allure 30852

Home is www.eldoradoranch.com near www.sanfelipe.com.mx

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10913
Ree,

While you are in Buellton, go east to Solvang and enjoy the sights and food for me.

Egon

'99 Allure #30321
'02 Tahoe Z71

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10914
I drove over there yesterday afternoon. So crowded and not a place to park. But, looks like a fun place to explore. But, I will be pulling out early in the morning, so guess it will have to wait for another visit.

Ree

Current location---Buellton, CA

2003 Allure 30852

Home is www.eldoradoranch.com near www.sanfelipe.com.mx

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10930
Fred,

What do your neighbors say when they get odors from your tank vents or when dumping? We take no special procautions with our tanks, just use one bottle of tank fluid from Wal Mart after we dump a full tank. That fluid will carry us for 4 to 5 days on a tank with no odor. We never leave our black tank open but we do leave our gray tank open when we are on sewer connections. When not we also put a little fluid in our gray tank. We also use paper in our tank but it is always the paper that breaks down for septic systems. I've been to several counties that use the trash can method and I don't like it. I know several people who do not use anything in their tanks but I don.t camp next to them.

Bill G. 2005 Magna #6425 (former 2001 owner)

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10935
I don't use chemicals in my holding tanks. Have not had a problem with odor.

Ree

Owning an RV is not a money saving decision
its a life style decision.

Current location---Candlestick RV Park, San Francisco, CA

2003 Allure 30852

Home is www.eldoradoranch.com near www.sanfelipe.com.mx

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10936
Hi Bill,

As I stated, no stink by leaving the valves open for the tanks to air out. Whether standing right next to the open valves or on the roof, there is no smell. It took four years of trying different approaches; adding nothing, frequent cleaning with the wand, and cleaning the hoses with H2O2 works best.
Fred

Quote
Fred,

What do your neighbors say when they get odors from your tank vents

or when

Quote
dumping? We take no special procautions with our tanks, just use one

bottle of

Quote
tank fluid from Wal Mart after we dump a full tank. That fluid will

carry us

Quote
for 4 to 5 days on a tank with no odor. We never leave our black
tank open but

Quote
we do leave our gray tank open when we are on sewer connections.

When not we

Quote
also put a little fluid in our gray tank. We also use paper in our

tank but it

Quote
is always the paper that breaks down for septic systems. I've been

to several

Quote
counties that use the trash can method and I don't like it. I know

several

Quote
people who do not use anything in their tanks but I don.t camp next

to them.

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10939
H2O2? Hydrogen Peroxide? How do you use it? What quantity?

Or do you mean H2O?
Herb

2002 Allure #30690

Quote from: fredkovol

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10941
Hi Herb,

Hydrogen Peroxide is correct.

I wipe down the hose connections with a cloth soaked in H2O2 and pour some down the tank hose and swish it around - doesn't take much. It dissipates quickly and doesn't need rinsing.

Fred Kovol

Quote from: Herb & Melitta\[br\
Strandberg"]

Re: Holding Tank Clean

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10963
Seems most of the folk who responded had a solution or an establish way of dealing with what goes into your holding tank and how to keep is working. Some models have a water connection that allows you to flush the tank after empting. Good move CC. Some owner just continue to do what they have always done, put in a oder control chemicals and "Forget-A-Bout-It", well times have changed and most agree keeping the tank clean is the best approach. How we do that poses more questions. Using lots of water to flush and or adding Ivory Liquid to a half full tank and driving home couldn't hurt.
Some owner have added Ice to help break up things. One story about adding marbles cause more porblems than the owner wanted.

We all need to attend a good seminar on Holding tanks but bottom line, it seems we are better off to keep it clean when not in use that is, than letting those bacteria build up. Leaving the tank with 10 gals. of clean water and chemical is another good tip.

Thanks for contributing the Holding Tank Poll.

Paul 01' Intrigue

Quote from: fredkovol

Hi Herb,

Hydrogen Peroxide is correct.

I wipe down the hose connections with a cloth soaked in H2O2 and

pour

Quote
some down the tank hose and swish it around - doesn't take much.

It

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10986
Fred

I need to see that to believe it. You know the old saying, no one thinks their s--- stinks but your neighbors know better. Sorry for the douths but I've parked next to lots of people that use nothing and I can tell.

Bill G. 2005 Magna #6425
 

Re: Holding Tank Poll

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 10988
Hi Bill,

I was under the coach yesterday with my nose almost in the plastic cup(bottom cut out) that is slipped on the valves outlet (where the dump hose connects)while connecting the telephone line (was too lazy to open the comparment door). Barely an odor with both valves open.
My real stink experience was at the Albuquerque balloon fiesta, even with everyone using deodor chemicals including myself, after 4 days, the whole area real stunk - coming from the roof vents, no odor inside the coach, I was glad to leave.
Fred Kovol

PS - Someday I will post a true story on oil change intervals.