The black tank can be the most problematic. These tanks can collect solids and become a source of odor. Water is your friend here. It, along with an effective toilet treatment, is what allows the tank, and nature, to do their work. Too little water, and solids pile up on the bottom of the tank and can accumulate to the point where they prevent complete tank flushing, which is nasty and will produce an equally nasty repair bill.
Always start with a flushed tank and add a few gallons of water along with a preferred toilet treatment. Do not be tempted to use homemade concoctions in the tank. There’s plenty of bad advice on the internet, and mixing the wrong chemicals can be damaging to some components in the waste system, such as valve seals. Using anything but chemicals designed for RV holding tanks can create hazardous and even deadly gases, which can lead to system damage — and affect septic systems tied to dump stations. Again, add plenty of water to the toilet each time solids are introduced, and make sure there is plenty of water in the black tank before dumping.
Making the System Work Better
Recommend the following products for the Black, Gray & Fresh Water Chemicals. please see more about the products below.
TST Probe Cleaner
Camco TST Probe Cleaner restores accurate sensor readings with a super-concentrated formula that attacks residue on probes. For use in black and grey water tanks.
Stop Sticking Drain Vavles!
Drain Valve Lube is designed to lubricate plumbing system while you drive.
Coconut oil is added to prevent sticking valves, making equipment last longer by adding lubrication back into the plastics. Just like dry skin over time the plastic in the tanks dry out due to use and chemicals. Drain valve lube is used in both the waste holding tanks, black and grey water systems.
Helps to prevents sticking valves especially for those with cable dump valves.
Helps protect holding tanks by conditioning the plastics. It’s recommended for all RV waste holding tanks valves, abs pipes, black and grey water systems.
RV Grey Water Odor Control
TST RV Grey Water Odor Control removes grease buildup in your grey water tank, sink and shower drains. This grey water holding tank deodorizer comes in a fresh lemon scent. Four ounces treats a 40-gallon holding tank. It is 100 percent biodegradable, does not contain formaldehyde, is environmentally safe and is non-staining. Product is safe for septic tanks.
Camco’s TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment
Camco’s TST MAX Lavender RV Toilet Treatment helps control unwanted odors and breaks down waste and tissue in your RV or marine waste holding tank. Just 2 oz. treats up to a 40-gallon tank and stops odors for up to 7 days. This product is RV and marine approved and is completely biodegradable. It does not contain formaldehyde, pesticides or biocides and is safe for all septic tanks.
Spring Fresh – 1 Gallon
Camco TastePURE Spring Fresh cleans and deodorizes your RV fresh water systems with a safe, biodegradable formula. Dewinterize any fresh water tank or line. Also good for periodic cleaning, freshening, and deodorizing. Our one step, no measure solution requires no mixing or preparation. 1 gallon of solution cleans up to a 100 gallon tank.
TastePURE Drinking Water Freshener
Camco TastePURE Drinking Water Freshener helps to eliminate algae and slime from your drinking water tank. Just 1 ounce for every 20 gallons of water helps remove bad smells and tastes.
More from Dustin
Dustin owns and operates California RV Specialists, an independent RV repair shop located in Lodi, CA. He thrives on sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of RV repair and maintenance with his team, customers, and virtual friends.
Be sure to check out his YouTube channel where he shares what’s going on in the shop and the product offerings in the store. Dustin is also very active on Facebook. Join his group, RV Repairs and Tips – What’s in the shop!
Dustin proudly operates the business alongside his wife, Ashley; but the true pair that run the show are their Boston Terriers, Arvie and Hitch.