Black Tank Chemical

Tim · 08-22-2015, 11:08 PM

Just wondering some peoples experience with black tank chemicals. We are looking for something that deodorizes well. We were using TST Orange Power Drop Ins but they didn't seem to deodorize at all.

Thanks ... Tim

**JFlightRisk** · 08-23-2015, 04:55 AM

We've used several different brands over the years. Odorlos was the first, and worked well. Then assorted others that were handy at the time, or on sale. Used according to directions on the container, most work great. Just remember, they don't last for weeks. Retreatment periodically helps, especially in hotter climates. This season we're using a blue BIO-something liquid ( can't remember the brand) that seems to work well also. We usually camp at full hook-up sites, so a tank rinse is our last chore before leaving. Just our thing.

brianca2 · 08-23-2015, 07:08 AM

We use the liquid Tst orange and have never had a odor issue in 5 years. It you are getting a really bad odor all the time it might be something else.

Huntsvillian · 08-23-2015, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianca2

We use the liquid Tst orange and have never had a odor issue in 5 years. It you are getting a really bad odor all the time it might be something else.

X2

TCNashville · 08-23-2015, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianca2

We use the liquid Tst orange and have never had a odor issue in 5 years. It you are getting a really bad odor all the time it might be something else.

Same here with no odors whatsoever. Make sure you're not running the exhaust fan while in the bathroom because it will suck up odors from the black tank quickly. Turn the fan on after you flush and the toilet has closed up.

Jrmay25 · 08-23-2015, 08:51 AM

I have tried just about all of them including the natural enzymes. Ran across this site Chemical Dispensing Systems for RV & Marine | Blue Streak LLC this past winter and decided I would try one out. I now have one in both of our bathrooms, and have to say I have been totally impressed so far.

Old skipper · 08-23-2015, 01:53 PM

I use Happy Camper tank treatment, very pleased with how it works. They sell a tank cleaner so if you have a tank problems this is where to start.

Jayson 197 · 08-23-2015, 02:58 PM

We use Thetfird"s Campa-Chem liquid. After dumping and flushing the black, we add some along with a gallon or so of water. We pour more in and add more water when we set up at a site. We have never had an odour issue.

outofhere · 08-23-2015, 03:41 PM

On thing that I have found is that you cannot forget about your gray tank. Had a horendis smell a few years ago. The DW thought for sure it was the black tank,after rinsing and adding all sorts of stuff to the black tank I finally decided that I should also treat the gray tank as well. Put bleach and some dish soap along with some Calgon Fabric softener and the smell went away. As best as I can see is that after many years sludge had build up in the tank and lines just like at home. then you take the rocking action of pulling the trailer and the traps under the sinks dry up letting the orders up.

rbrent · 08-23-2015, 05:20 PM

I have used many different brands all have some kind of chemical smell! Except for Happy Camper it has no smell and works great! it's a little on the high price side but I give it a 3 thumbs up!!

You can also use it in your grey tank!

davidki · 08-23-2015, 05:43 PM

x2 On the Happy Camper, we just switched this last trip and for the first tank I used 2 scoops.... and now I'll just start with one scoop.... it's seems to do very well, no chemical smell at all.....

Tim · 08-23-2015, 08:00 PM

Thank you all for your replies. Those of you using the liquid Tst Orange, are you using the liquid or the drop ins? Might have to try the happy camper if we can get it locally. So far our toilet is only used for #1 if you know what I mean. No smell the first day but by the second, get a sewer smell when the bathroom fan is used while taking a shower. I noticed the other day when I was up on the roof installing one of those max air vent covers, that the sewer stack is right next to the fan. I am wondering if because the actual fan blades are not in the centre of the opening, we were getting some sort of cirulation where some of the vent fumes were being pulled into the bathroom. If the air conditioner or the furnace were on the smell does not appear. I also noticed that now that the max air is installed over the fan, we don't seem to be getting the smell. Don't know if this is what is really happening or just coincidense. Still looking to deodorize the smell better though.

Tim

Seann45 · 08-24-2015, 06:14 AM

Tim you have a seal leak... if you get the smell only with the fan on... I never use chemicals and have never noticed a smell... maybe my ..... don't stink LOL

Curious by Nature · 08-24-2015, 08:34 AM

I've tried quite a few different chemicals, the best results I've had so far is the cheap generic dishwasher powder from Walmart. About 1/4 cup dissolved in hot water in both tanks. You should have seen what came out of the gray tank! After about three dumps, the grey water has cleared up, and the stock sensors in the black now read properly again. We have to haul our water, so I haven't been able to do a good flush.

Jagiven · 08-24-2015, 09:33 AM

It is rare that I use any official tank chemicals. Once in a while, usually only in the spring for the one or two trips. When I do use chemicals it is the same stuff you are using.

After dumping I add a few gallons of water to the black tank and add Pinesol. We never have any black tank smells.

Sometimes when we get to our destination point after a rough ride, we will get a bit of odor in the camper. What I have found is that grey water splashes around in the trap and gasses escape back into the unit. I commonly put the drain plugs in the sinks and that seems to help.

Lately I have also been adding some liquid fabric softener to each tank after dumping, along with a couple gallons of water. It seems to help with odor, and I have noticed my tank sensors are working better.

TWP723 · 08-24-2015, 11:21 AM

I like Happy Camper as well. Granted, we've never...well...you know...but it seems to work well.

314BHDS · 08-24-2015, 11:42 AM

I use the Aqua kem DRI from Thetford and never had any issues.I am camping in Fort Wilderness now in Orlando and it's been mid 90's all week.But in this heat I dumped and flushed every 4 to 5 days to help keep odor down.

DebKen · 08-24-2015, 11:47 AM

We use Odorlos (dry powder in a plastic tub) and we dump some in both the grey and black tanks every time we camp.

Scoutr2 · 08-24-2015, 01:18 PM

I've used the liquid Thetford's for years and never had a problem. Every time I dump my tanks, I flush the black tank, then dump the six gallons of remaining hot water down the kitchen sink (helps remove as much grease as possible), then dump the gray again. Immediately afterward I put 4 oz of the Thetford's in both gray and black tanks, then follow up with about 3 gallons of water in each tank.

Also - be sure to keep water in the toilet bowl to ensure gases can't escape back up into the trailer interior. Also be sure you have water in the P-traps of the kitchen sink and also the bathroom sink and shower. That will prevent odors from entering through those waste lines. During the camping season, I take a water jug to my trailer and refill those P-traps and a couple inches in the toilet bowl if I haven't been out for a couple weeks - just in case the water evaporates over time.

Swinepartner · 08-24-2015, 09:07 PM

This is a good topic because our last 2 times out, we have this foul smell from the black tank. My method is to dump BW then dump GW. While GW is dumping, I run BW tank rinse for about 4-5 min w/ BW valve closed, then dump that, and let that drain while I finish packing up other stuff. I close BW valve and come home. Do I need to run a few gallons of fresh water into BW tank at the very end?

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