Rv black water tank enzymes/chemicals

[MichiganRVMom]

What's your preference in brands? Liquid vs pod? What's your routine for adding it? What do you do when venturing out with an empty tank?

This is our first trip out, and we are first time RV owners. I appreciate any help you can give us. Our dealer just told us to add a splash of water to the toilet before we use the trailer. As I'm doing some research, I'm realizing there is much more to it. Thank you for your help!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[robkelly]

You can never have too much water in the black tank as linguists help flush the solids out when you're dumping. You definitely don't want to open the black tank valve until you're ready to dump the tank.

I use the Thetford liquid chemicals and haven't had any issues. Once the tank is emptied I'll add at least a couple of gallons of water along with the chemicals and go from there.

[Doug]

Pretty simple.
I flush about 1 gallon of water into black tank, add liquid or pod and that's it.
I've always used the liquid, but wife got pods this last week. She thought they would be less messy if the container leaked on the liquid.
Same routine as always, no issues.

D.

[RedHorse1]

I like the pods but unless we have an odor issue I usually don't use them at a CG. It's not going to be in the tank long enough for any digestion to happen. On the road I like to have about a 1/4 tank or less and add 1/2 cup or so of Dawn so it will slosh and hopefully dislodge some of the "klingons". Same story when in storage and that's where I like to add the chems too.
I never leave the black tank empty, any solid bits remaining will dry out and become permanent.

[Grumpy]

We're using this, only need two cap fulls. No chemical involved and no odor.

TankTechsRX | Totally Green, Totally Clean!

[troutslayer]

I use the pods but read a lot of folks like this product and I plan to try some, as soon as the pods are gone.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_7x6o0sy2gn_e

[MichiganRVMom]

Originally Posted by troutslayer

I use the pods but read a lot of folks like this product and I plan to try some, as soon as the pods are gone.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_7x6o0sy2gn_e

Thank you Troutslayer! I'm intrigued! I am all about minimizing chemicals as much as possible. This seems like a great alternative! I'll try it out! Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[schrederman]

I use Happy Campers powder. It's water softener and detergent. It keeps the plastic walls of the tank slick. I've read... and agree... that the black tanks are holding tanks, not septic tanks. They are not intended for long-term storage of wastes. After I dump, I add back 4 - 5 gallons of water and a scoop of powder. The sloshing on the way home keeps the solids from building up and keeps the indicators working. Several years of doing this and never a problem.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

We're using this, only need two cap fulls. No chemical involved and no odor.

TankTechsRX | Totally Green, Totally Clean!

Grumpy

How's the tank techs working? I've seen some YouTube videos on it and I'm curious if it's as good as they claim. I use RV digest it which makes similar claims but I don't think it's as good as they claim.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mark S]

I have been using liquid Calgon Water Softener from Walmart for several years. I also add a capful of laundry detergent. The water softener makes the water slippery and stuff doesn't stick to tank. In theory anyway.
I have a clear elbow in my sewer line and I continue to flush out tank until after it is very clear. Seems to work for me. But I only stay in campgrounds and clean the tank every few days.

Ps. I never get any odors so either this works or mine don't stink

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom

Grumpy

How's the tank techs working? I've seen some YouTube videos on it and I'm curious if it's as good as they claim. I use RV digest it which makes similar claims but I don't think it's as good as they claim.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very happy, no odors even in 90 degree weather and I don't dump until the tank is full.

[cekkk]

A splash of water? I think some of these RV sales people go out of their way to give misinformation. You want at least two gallons of water in there after you cleaned it out. As for the chemicals, I've used them all. Not sure they are at all necessary. Anyway, after six seasons and living approximately two and a half years in the trailer if you count winter seasons in Phoenix, I've never had a problem, but I believe that's because I'm very careful to flush things out. And add water!

[jloco]

I use these Dometic ones from amazon. Not sure they do anything, but the smell nice! LOL!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1