Calgon?

[OdiN1701]

I've seen several people recommend this to help keep black tanks clean. However the only place I can seem to find it is Amazon and it's like $40 for a box which is ridiculous. The only thing I can see in stores now is the liquid Calgon.

Is the liquid just as good or has anyone used it?

[RedHorse1]

I like to put a healthy shot of Dawn in the black tank with 10-ish gallons of water when travelling. Between that and copious flushing when dumping we keep the black tank and sensors working pretty reliably.

[estesbubba]

Walmart has it.

[The Logans]

We've been using the liquid for over 25 years... get it at Walmart. Works better than soap because it doesn't get all foamy when sloshing around.

[Jump]

Some folks use Borax.

Jump

[Tunce the traveler]

Walmart in 32oz. Bottles

[pschriro]

Originally Posted by The Logans

We've been using the liquid for over 25 years... get it at Walmart. Works better than soap because it doesn't get all foamy when sloshing around.

Do you use Calgon exclusively .. or in conjunction with a pod? I have heard that Calgon is 1/2 of the "Geo method".

Thanks.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by pschriro

Do you use Calgon exclusively .. or in conjunction with a pod? I have heard that Calgon is 1/2 of the "Geo method".

Thanks.

The other half I use is Dawn & about 2-3 gal of water in both tanks.

[pschriro]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

The other half I use is Dawn & about 2-3 gal of water in both tanks.

So it'd be an either/or thing. I'll refrain from subjecting the black tank for solid waste ... but I do have to me mindful of paper potentially coating sensors. Thanks for the water quantity.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by pschriro

So it'd be an either/or thing. I'll refrain from subjecting the black tank for solid waste ... but I do have to me mindful of paper potentially coating sensors. Thanks for the water quantity.

We also refrain from #2 but allow the grandkids to use it when ever they need to.

[wags999]

Why would you not use your black tanks for the purpose it's designed? If you have a black tank rinse, you really don't need to worry about tank sensors getting gunked up. We live in ours about 6 months a year, use the facilities for their designed purposes. I rarely use any chemicals, rinse the tank well after dumping, my sensors work as designed with no issues. Have no odors from either tank, and it really makes no difference if I dump the black tank half empty or full...key is using your black tank rinse properly and a clear section so you can see what is being discharged.

The GEO method works well. You can google it for full details, but, I find it's really not needed on an ongoing situation. I may do it at the end of the season when traveling. The GEO method also is using bleach occasionally to sanitize the tank.

Keys are plenty of water both during use and after dumping.

[troutslayer]

After years of using the liquid Calgon plus a "pod". I stopped using Calgon and went exclusively with Happy Camper which works just as well (+ lots of water).

[Jblack]

I buy the powder at Wal-Mart. It is near the bath bubbles etc. I also use Happy Camper.

[Jagiven]

Normally I just put Pinesol in my tanks after I dump. I tend to use liquid Fabric softener as needed. It works the same.

I do not have a black tank flush, I have never used a wand. If the gauges start to act up, for the next few trips after I dump, after adding my 5 gallons or so of water back into the tank, I add the fabric softener with the Pinesol. Within two or three trips the gauges work properly again. I also periodically will add it to my grey tank too.

[jloco]

Originally Posted by wags999

Why would you not use your black tanks for the purpose it's designed? If you have a black tank rinse, you really don't need to worry about tank sensors getting gunked up. We live in ours about 6 months a year, use the facilities for their designed purposes. I rarely use any chemicals, rinse the tank well after dumping, my sensors work as designed with no issues. Have no odors from either tank, and it really makes no difference if I dump the black tank half empty or full...key is using your black tank rinse properly and a clear section so you can see what is being discharged.

The GEO method works well. You can google it for full details, but, I find it's really not needed on an ongoing situation. I may do it at the end of the season when traveling. The GEO method also is using bleach occasionally to sanitize the tank.

Keys are plenty of water both during use and after dumping.

I agree. Just use it!

[pschriro]

Originally Posted by wags999

Why would you not use your black tanks for the purpose it's designed? If you have a black tank rinse, you really don't need to worry about tank sensors getting gunked up. We live in ours about 6 months a year, use the facilities for their designed purposes. I rarely use any chemicals, rinse the tank well after dumping, my sensors work as designed with no issues. Have no odors from either tank, and it really makes no difference if I dump the black tank half empty or full...key is using your black tank rinse properly and a clear section so you can see what is being discharged.

The GEO method works well. You can google it for full details, but, I find it's really not needed on an ongoing situation. I may do it at the end of the season when traveling. The GEO method also is using bleach occasionally to sanitize the tank.

Keys are plenty of water both during use and after dumping.

Thanks for your insight. Avoiding solid waste when restrooms are readily available is what I consider preventative maintenance. I do have a clear drain elbow with a flish hose attachment to clear the black tank. A wand may be in order if I feel it's needed down the road.

[2naEagle]

Have used the GEO method for many years.
Take a dump when I need to. Dump when I have to.
Use lots of water.

[travelingjw]

What size is your black tank and how much do you put in each time you empty. Your experience is good enough for me. I ordered some today.

[wags999]

Originally Posted by pschriro

Thanks for your insight. Avoiding solid waste when restrooms are readily available is what I consider preventative maintenance. I do have a clear drain elbow with a flish hose attachment to clear the black tank. A wand may be in order if I feel it's needed down the road.

Actually its the paper products that cause much more of an issue. The "human solids" tend to "fall apart" and break down fairly quickly. The paper products is what gets hung up on sensors etc. I have rarely been able to "identify" human solids but paper is very easy to see when dumping.

I would consider adding black tank flush, much more convenient than using a wand.. JMHO..

Happy Camping !

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by jloco

I agree. Just use it!

I third the motion!
With a family of 5 we use the black tank as needed. Never had any issues.
As said above..... key is lots of water.