Effective Black Tank Cleaning Methods For Campers

Cleaning your camper's black tank is a crucial but unpleasant task. The black tank holds the wastewater from your toilet, and if left uncleaned, it can cause unpleasant odours and disastrous blockages. It is recommended to clean your black tank at least twice a year, and more often if you are a full-time RV user. The process involves closing the tank valve, filling the tank with water, adding a cleaning solution, letting it sit, and then dumping and rinsing the tank. It is important to wear gloves and know the layout of your tanks to prevent any nasty surprises. Additionally, only use RV-safe toilet paper and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, as these can damage your sewage system.

How to Clean a Camper Black Tank

How to clean a black tank without a hose

To clean a black tank without a hose, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, close the black tank valve and fill the tank with water. You can add a cleaning solution or enzyme-based treatment to help break down waste and remove odours. Leave the solution to sit for several hours or even a few days.

Next, open the black tank valve and empty the tank. Close the valve again and fill the tank with water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. Finally, close the black tank valve and sanitise the tank with a suitable product.

• Always keep at least 5 gallons of water in your black tank to prevent buildup and keep the tank from drying out.
• Keep the black tank gate valve closed until it is more than half full to avoid drying out the tank.
• Only flush digested materials and RV-safe toilet paper to avoid blockages.
• Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals as these can damage the tank and seals.
• Use an RV-safe toilet paper that is single-ply and biodegradable to reduce waste and minimise debris in the tank.
• Regularly sanitise and examine the valves and fittings to ensure everything is working correctly and there are no leaks.

How to clean a black tank with a hose

Cleaning a black tank with a hose is a simple process, but it requires some preparation and the right equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Black Tank

Before you begin cleaning, make sure the black tank is at least half full. This will ensure that there is enough weight in the tank to push everything out when it's time to empty it. Close the black tank valve and open the gray water tank valve the night before cleaning to accumulate some water for rinsing the sewer line. Leave the gray water tank valve closed overnight to gather about half a tank of water.

Step 2: Clean the Toilet

It is important to clean the toilet before starting the process of cleaning the black tank. Use an RV-safe cleaner and a brush to scrub the toilet, including the area around the seal. After scrubbing, flush the toilet several times. Remember to turn off the bathroom fan before and during the cleaning process.

Step 3: Connect the Hose

You will need a garden hose that is long enough to reach from your water source to the black tank. Attach an anti-backflush valve to one end of the hose. Then, connect the hose to the sewage rinse attachment on your RV, and the other end to a fresh water source. If your RV does not have a sewage rinse outlet, feed the hose directly into the toilet.

Step 4: Start the Water Flow

Slowly turn on the water at the source. Do not turn it on full blast right away. Pull the black water tank valve to start draining the tank. Slowly increase the water flow. Run the water until the exiting water is mostly clear.

Step 5: Close and Fill the Black Tank

Close the black water tank valve and leave it closed for about a minute. Then, open the valve again and let the water continue to run through. Close the valve again and leave it closed until the tank fills up. Watch the tank closely to avoid overflow.

Step 6: Final Rinse and Inspection

Open the black water tank valve as soon as the tank is full. If the water is not clear, fill the tank again and repeat steps 4 to 5. Turn off the water and let the remaining water drain out of the tank, then close the valve. Open the gray water tank valve to let that water drain as well.

Optional Step: Deep Clean

If your black tank has a strong odour or has not been cleaned in a while, you may want to perform a deep clean. Use an RV-safe cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions. For example, you can use ice cubes, detergent, baker's yeast, or peroxide. You can also use a tank wand or a built-in rinsing system to power rinse the inside of the tank.

How to clean a black tank with ice

Preparation

Before you begin, you'll need to prepare your RV by closing the greywater tank valve the night before cleaning. This will allow you to accumulate some water to rinse the sewer line after dumping the black water tank. You should also clean your toilet with an appropriate cleaner, such as Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, and flush it several times.

Connect the Hose

Next, connect a garden hose to your RV. If your RV has a sewage rinse attachment, connect the hose to this, and the other end to your freshwater source. If your RV does not have a sewage rinse outlet, feed the hose directly down the hole of your toilet. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing to protect yourself from any splatters or leaks.

Flush the Black Water Tank

Now, slowly turn on the water and pull the black water tank valve. Slowly turn the water on more and let it run until the exiting water is mostly clear. Close the valve and leave it closed for about a minute, then open it again to let the water continue to run through. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Add Ice to the Black Water Tank

Once the water is running clear, close the black water tank valve and leave it closed until the tank is full. Then, pour about five 10-pound bags of ice down the toilet. Get back in your RV and drive as the ice melts. As it melts, the ice will scrape up any debris stuck on the bottom of the tank.

Final Steps

Finally, dump the tank one more time to drain the melted ice and any debris that was scraped up. You can also perform a smell test to ensure that there are no lingering odours. If there is still an odour, you can pour one cup of Simple Green and one gallon of hot water down your toilet, then slowly fill the tank with water and let the solution sit for 24 hours before draining it again.

How to clean a black tank with chemicals

Cleaning your camper's black tank with chemicals is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it effectively:

Step 1: Prepare the Tank

Before beginning the cleaning process, it's important to close the gray water tank valve to accumulate some water for rinsing the sewer line later. It's recommended to leave the gray water tank valve closed overnight to gather about half a tank of water. Additionally, ensure that you have the necessary equipment, such as a garden hose specifically dedicated to cleaning the black water tank and a backflow preventer to prevent water from flowing back into the freshwater system.

Step 2: Clean the Toilet

Start by cleaning your toilet using a suitable cleaner. Turn off the bathroom fan and open the gate valve. Use a brush to scrub the area, being careful not to use harsh cleaning chemicals that can damage the seal in the toilet, which keeps odors from the black water tank at bay. After scrubbing, flush the toilet several times.

Step 3: Connect the Hose

Connect the anti-backflush valve to the end of your garden hose. Attach one end of the hose to the sewage rinse attachment on the RV, and the other end to a fresh water source.

Step 4: Turn on the Water and Pull the Black Water Tank Valve

Slowly turn on the water and then pull the black water tank valve to start draining the tank.

Step 5: Rinse and Flush

Run the water until the exiting water is mostly clear. Close the black water tank valve and leave it closed for about a minute. Open the valve again and let the water continue to run through. Repeat this process of filling and draining the tank a few times to ensure thorough rinsing.

Step 6: Treat the Tank (Optional)

Although optional, treating the tank after dumping and cleaning can help prevent future buildup, clogs, and odors. Look for enzyme-based and formaldehyde-free treatments, as they are the safest and most effective.

Step 7: Final Rinse and Smell Test

Head back inside the RV and pour a recommended amount of a suitable cleaner, such as Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, down the toilet, followed by a gallon of water. Perform a smell test by closing all windows, opening the toilet's gate valve, turning on the bathroom fan, and checking for any lingering odors. If there is still an odor, repeat the treatment process.

How to clean a black tank with a wand

Cleaning your black tank with a wand is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Here's a detailed guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Tank

Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to prepare the black tank. This includes draining the tank and ensuring that it is at least halfway full before cleaning. It is recommended to drain the black tank first, followed by the grey water tank, as the grey water can help flush away residue from the black tank.

Step 2: Gather Your Equipment

To clean your black tank with a wand, you will need a few pieces of equipment:

• A garden hose or a non-potable water hose
• A tank wand or a handheld tank wand sprayer
• Gloves and closed-toe shoes for protection
• A disinfectant or disinfectant wipes
• A bucket of water or a water source

Step 3: Connect the Hose and Wand

Take the garden hose or non-potable water hose and attach one end to a water source, such as a faucet or a dump station's water supply. Then, attach the tank wand to the other end of the hose. Some tank wands may have specific instructions for assembly, so refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Step 4: Feed the Wand into the Tank

Feed the wand and hose through a window near the toilet. If possible, open the toilet lid or remove it to provide easier access to the tank. Carefully lower the wand into the black water tank through the toilet. Ensure that the wand can reach all areas of the tank, including the walls and floor.

Step 5: Open the Tank Valve and Begin Cleaning

Open the black water tank valve while you are outside, near the tank. This will allow you to access the tank for cleaning. Press down on the toilet flush pedal to keep the toilet bowl valve open. Open the shut-off valve on the wand to release the water and start the cleaning process.

Step 6: Move the Wand to Clean All Areas

Move the wand around inside the tank to ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned. Target the walls and floor of the tank, as well as any hard-to-reach corners or crevices. Continue spraying water until the water running out of the black tank is clear and free of debris.

Step 7: Close the Valve and Disconnect the Wand

Once you have finished cleaning and the water is running clear, close the black water tank valve. Carefully remove the wand from the tank and disconnect it from the hose.

Step 8: Clean and Store Your Equipment

After cleaning the tank, it is important to clean and store your equipment properly. Use the disinfectant or disinfectant wipes to wipe down the wand, hose, and any other equipment that came into contact with the black tank or its contents. Store the hose and wand in a separate container to avoid contaminating other equipment.

Additional Tips:

• Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and closed-toe shoes, when cleaning the black tank to prevent contact with sewage and germs.
• Treat your black tank with a tank treatment product or a DIY mixture after cleaning to neutralize odors and help break down waste.
• Deep clean your black tank at least twice a year to ensure optimal functionality and to prevent foul odors.
• Use RV-safe toilet paper to reduce the risk of clogs and build-up in the tank.
• Regular maintenance and cleaning of your black tank will make the process easier and help maintain a pleasant camping experience.

Frequently asked questions