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Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26630
Hi Hollicks,

I keep the valves closed until almost full, add detergent and drain and then fill once with water and drain again; the TSP, softener, bleach or baking soda treatment is twice a year. I do have one advantage for the black tank - a straight pipe from the toilet into the tank; I use a wand(my design) to blast all sides of the tank.
The vents as pointed out by follow owners are important as to how high the pipe is above the roof and into the cap; inspection for blockage is also important. I have a different approach in storage: after cleaning, valves are kept open to maximize ventilation.
Fred Kovol
Quote
Dale and Candace Hollick wrote:
Fred, so I have a question. How is it that the grey water already has soap in it from doing laundry and has a strong odor if we do not add "Odorless" or some other chemical? Does the water softener make that much difference in the odor of the water in the tanks? This sounds interesting but we have experienced strong odor from the grey water in the past. Any enlightenment will be appreciated. Hollicks 07 Affinity 6767

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26633
Hi Fred, thanks for getting back with us. We appreciate the explanation. We don't full time, but close to it. So how does that approach work if you are sitting at a park for a month or so and draining the tanks every 7 or 8 days? If you pour the soap into a full black or grey tank there would be no way of agitating or mixing it up if the coach is not moving, so how does that help? When we are parked on our own lot, I am not sure that I want to "waste" a whole tank of water to rinse the tank. We do not have a straight pipe to the black tank but we do have grey and black water flush-outs (but not a wand such as you have designed). We do flush the tanks every time we dump but would not come close to using the equivalent of a whole tank of water. I really would rather take a more natural approach than using chemicals, that is why we are asking all of these questions.
Hollicks

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26636
Candy & Dale, I have done pretty much what the other are talking about even while staying in one place for extended periods. I have not used the chemicals in years. I use either dishwashing soap or laundry soap. From time to time, when I would have a lot of laundry to do, I would close the valve and do the laundry, watching to be sure that it doesn't get too full. That way extra soap, fab softener, etc.would be in the tank, let the tank get full and when possible let it set and "soak" awhile with the laundry water before opening the valve. That way I did not waste as much water flushing it out. On the black tank, I would add some extra soap and put water in the tank with the flush hose to fill it some and wash it out. I never had an odor problem after I started doing this.

Jurhee

2003 Allure for sale---currently parked at Outdoor Resorts, Indio, CA

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26637
That is a great idea. My method uses way to much water. I would let the soap and water maybe travel a day and then dump. I do use the tsp or baking soda in all holding tanks during non-use, as well as baking soda in the refig. I vent sniffing days are over.

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26639
I use Oxy-Kem in the black tank after each dump but only about a tablespoon - it doesn't have the 'portapotty perfume' smell and helps make sure that there is no odor in between 'major cleanings'.

John, Linda, and Lollipop
'06 Inspire DaVinci #51905
'02 Saturn

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #30 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26643
I perodically just take my disn pan when done doing dishes (being cheap, I use 'Great Value Dish Detergent, Apple flavor) and dump the contents into the toilet, then flush it. Works best if you remember to remove the dish rag first. (been there, NOT done that!!!) Works for me. No oder. Course I have some other tricks too.
DougC

94 Magna 5072

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26645
Doug wrote: Course I have some other tricks too.
DougC

94 Magna 5072

Thanks for your reply...what are your "other tricks"?

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26655
Okay, Jim, that gave me a good laugh..I needed that! Have a good weekend!
Quote
Jim Spivey wrote:

Let me guess, you run out and go behind a tree?

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26659
Dale we are in Indio CA.now where are you &Candace? Did you ever get your new coach ?

Robbert & Theresa

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26661
Hi, yes we did get our new coach and we are currently in Escondido. I think we will be coming to Indio either Sun, Mon or Tues depending on the Santa Ana winds. What is your lot number? (feel free to write us direct if you prefer). Hollicks 07 Affinity 6767

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #38 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26713
Hi Teresa,

We have the Allure parked in #74. We had to come back to Riverside yesterday, though. Will be back next week.

Jurhee & Jerry

2003 Allure for sale

2000 Prevost

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #39 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26807
Yes, the gray tank has soap in it, but it also has some or all of dirt, grease, small bits of food and bacteria. So it can get pretty rank with time and does need to be cleaned on occasion.

Soap does not 'kill odor', it just reduces the chances of 'stuff' clinging to the walls where it is exposed to the air and can really generate that stink. Water softener also does not 'kill odor', just improves the effectiveness of the soap and water to keep stuff from sticking.

John 04 Inspire 51078

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #40 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26814
To add to your thougths, I was told that water from a washing machine has so much "stuff" in that if it were a sample of beach water, they would close the beach to swimmers.
Everett

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #41 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26821
I guess whatever was in washing machine water (other than soap, softener, oxywhatever and bleach) would be dependent on what was on the clothes being washed. "What were you playing in little Everett?" :)
Mike

Re: Black Tank Odor Geo Method

Reply #42 –
Yahoo Message Number: 26844
Quote from: James Spivey
Let me guess, you run out and go behind a tree?
MIND READER. THATS WHY GOD MADE THEM ISN'T IT? SAVES WEAR AND TEAR ON THE FANTASTIC FANS TOO.
LOL

I perodically just take my disn pan when done doing dishes (being