
Keeping your camper's black tank smelling fresh is a tricky but important task. The black tank contains sewage and wastewater, and if not maintained properly, it can start to smell bad and even leak. Here are some tips to keep the odours at bay:
- Keep the tank clean and empty it regularly.
- Use plenty of water when flushing.
- Add a quality holding tank treatment or deodorizer to break down waste and prevent odours.
- Check for leaks in the tank and vent.
- Use natural odour eliminators like baking soda or vinegar and baking soda.
- Keep the tank closed until ready to flush.
- Backflush the tank.
- Ventilate the camper.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Keep the tanks closed until ready to flush | This will result in the dreaded "poop pyramid" |
Flush the tank regularly | Every 5-7 days |
Add water to the tank | This will help dissolve the toilet paper fully |
Backflush the tank | Use a Camco Dual Flush Pro Holding Tank Rinser |
Use a holding tank deodorizer | Calgon water softener and liquid dish detergent |
Ventilate | Open windows and vents |
Use plenty of water | Water is your friend |
Flush the RV's water system | Run water through the system for several minutes |
Replace your holding tank's anaerobic bacteria | Promote the production of aerobic bacteria |
Deep clean your RV's bathroom | Scrub and wipe down surfaces |
Use a natural odor eliminator | Fresh Wave Odor Eliminating Spray |
What You'll Learn
Keep the black tank clean
Keeping your black tank clean is essential to preventing unpleasant odours in your RV. Here are some detailed tips to help you keep your black tank clean and odour-free:
- Keep the tank closed until ready to flush: Don't be tempted to keep the black tank valve open, even if you have a sewer connection. This will result in waste building up, known as the "poop pyramid". Keep the tank closed and use plenty of water to keep things flowing smoothly. Refill the toilet and give it an extra flush after each use to maintain adequate water levels in the tank.
- Flush the tank regularly: It is recommended to empty your black tank every 5-7 days or before it reaches 3/4 fullness. This helps prevent waste buildup and makes it easier to drain the tank completely. After draining, backflush the tank with water for about 4 minutes, repeating until the water runs clear. Then, close the valve and backfill the tank with about 2 gallons of water.
- Use water softener and dish detergent: After flushing and backfilling, add a couple of capfuls of water softener, such as Calgon, and about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of liquid dish detergent. This helps maintain the cleanliness of the tank and prevents odours.
- Use plenty of water: Water is your friend when it comes to maintaining a clean and odour-free black tank. Don't be afraid to use extra water when flushing to ensure waste is broken up and doesn't stick to the sides of the tank. A good rule of thumb is to use at least 1 gallon of water for each flush.
- Empty the tank before travel: In addition to regular flushing, remember to empty the black tank before travelling to reduce unnecessary weight.
- Maintain adequate water levels: Always ensure there is enough water in your RV's toilet and the tank itself. This helps prevent odours and keeps things flowing smoothly.
- Use holding tank treatments: Add a quality RV holding tank treatment with each flush. These products help break down waste, prevent odours, and maintain tank cleanliness.
- Avoid bleach: Avoid using bleach in your black tank, as it can kill the beneficial bacteria that help break down waste. Instead, opt for detergents or natural treatments.
- Check for leaks and clogs: If you notice persistent odours, check for leaks in the black tank or clogs in the vent. Ensure the vent is clear and functioning properly, and that there are no leaks allowing sewage to escape.
- Deep clean the bathroom: If odours persist, give your RV bathroom a deep clean. Scrub and wipe down surfaces, and use deodorizing products to help eliminate any lingering odours.
- Use natural odour eliminators: To get rid of odours in common areas, use natural odour eliminators, such as Fresh Wave Odor Eliminating Spray or Gel, which use plant oils to absorb malodours.
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Use a holding tank deodorizer
Using a holding tank deodorizer is an effective way to prevent odours in your RV's black tank. Here are some tips on choosing and using a holding tank deodorizer:
Choose the Right Deodorizer
It's important to select a deodorizer that is safe for your RV's plumbing and septic system. Look for products that are specifically designed for RV holding tanks, such as Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment. These products are usually in the form of powders or liquids that you can easily dissolve in water. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, as it can kill the good bacteria in your tank and potentially cause more odour problems.
Prepare and Apply the Treatment
Before applying the deodorizer, determine the required amount based on the size of your tank. As a general rule, use one scoop of deodorizer for every 40 gallons of tank capacity. Fill your toilet or sink with water, add the required amount of deodorizer, and stir until the powder is fully dissolved. Then, simply pour the dissolved treatment down the toilet, sink, or shower drain. This will distribute the deodorizer throughout your black or grey tanks.
Maintain Freshness
To maintain a fresh-smelling tank, repeat the treatment each time you dump your black or grey tank. Additionally, ensure you have enough water in your tank, as water is crucial for keeping things flowing smoothly and preventing waste buildup. You can also add deodorizer to your grey tank, as food and fat can create odours in this tank as well.
Benefits of Using a Deodorizer
Holding tank deodorizers work by targeting the "bad bacteria" that cause unpleasant odours and eliminating their growth. They also promote the growth of "good bacteria" and the production of enzymes that break down solids in your holding tanks. This helps prevent the buildup of sludge and keeps your tank sensors working properly. Deodorizers are especially useful in extreme temperatures, as they continue to work effectively even when enzymes and bacteria start to fail due to the heat.
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Ventilate
Ventilation is an important part of keeping your RV odour-free. The first step is to ensure that your RV's windows and vents are open to let in fresh air and help clear the air inside. This is a simple yet effective method to get rid of any lingering odours.
Secondly, it is important to check your roof vents. Sometimes, the factory leaves gaps around the pipe inside the vent cap, allowing fumes to get sucked inside. To check this, get up on the roof and run a snake down the vent. If the vent is clogged, this will definitely cause a bad odour problem.
Another thing to check is the air admittance valve, usually found under the sink in the bathroom. This valve is important as it allows air to enter the plumbing system when negative pressure occurs, preventing sewer gases from escaping into your RV. A faulty valve can cause odours to enter your living space, so make sure it is functioning properly. If you can't find the valve, try covering the area with a plastic bag and taping it shut. If the smell goes away, you know the issue is with the valve.
Finally, if you are experiencing odours while driving, it could be due to air pressure in the black tank. To remedy this, you can install a vent like the Lippert Components Air Vent or the Camco Swivel Vent. These vents create negative pressure, preventing odours from escaping into your RV.
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Use plenty of water when flushing
Water is your friend when it comes to maintaining a clean black tank in your camper or RV. Using plenty of water when flushing is a crucial step in preventing odours from building up. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you're using enough water to keep your black tank clean and odour-free:
- Use at least a gallon of water for each flush. This will help break up any solid waste and prevent it from sticking to the sides of the tank. The more water you use, the less chance there is for waste to build up and cause odours.
- Keep the tank valve closed until you are ready to dump. This will help keep things flowing smoothly and prevent the dreaded "poop pyramid".
- Refill the toilet and give it an extra flush after each use to maintain plenty of water in the tank. This will also help dissolve the toilet paper fully.
- If your tank is not 3/4 full, add water to assist in completely draining the tank. This is important to do before travel to reduce the extra weight.
- Backflush your camper's black tank if it has a built-in backflush inlet. If not, you can purchase a backflush adapter to ensure a thorough clean.
- After draining and backflushing the tank, close the valve and backfill the tank with about 2 gallons of water.
- If you're boondocking or dry camping without access to a dump station, consider bookending your trip with stays at campgrounds that offer full hook-ups so you can flush and clean your tank.
- If you're connected to a sewer, it's still important to keep the black tank valve closed until you're ready to dump.
- When you're on the road, use the RV's water pump or an external water system like a garden hose to flush the system and ensure you have enough water in the tank.
- If you're experiencing odours, try adding a few gallons of water as a starter, then flush with plenty of water.
- When flushing, don't use the exhaust fan as this can affect air pressure in the tank.
- If you're hooked up to a sewer, keep both tank valves closed. Sewer gases can escape and enter your RV.
- If you're noticing odours while flushing, try turning off the exhaust fan in your bathroom. The fan may be drawing air from the tank, causing odours to waft up.
- Keep the bowl filled with water between uses, even if it's just a cup or two. This acts as a vapour barrier, similar to a P-trap under your sink.
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Add a quality holding tank treatment
Using a quality holding tank treatment is an effective way to keep your black tank smelling fresh and functioning properly. These treatments are designed to tackle waste and odour challenges, ensuring a pleasant experience whenever you're on the road.
Holding tank treatments use chemicals, probiotics, or other methods to neutralise bacteria-produced odours or break down solids. Breaking down solids helps prevent clogs from forming in your black or grey water tanks.
Types of Holding Tank Treatments
Holding tank treatments come in different forms, including:
- Liquid treatments: These require measuring and can be messy if spilled.
- Powder treatments: A popular option that can eliminate odours and digest waste.
- Pod treatments: Similar to dishwasher detergent pods, these are clean and easy to use.
When to Use a Holding Tank Treatment
You can add a holding tank treatment on every trip or when you start smelling your tank. It's also a good idea to use a treatment if you're experiencing issues with your tank level sensors or clogs.
Recommended Holding Tank Treatments
Two highly recommended holding tank treatments are:
- Happy Campers Organic RV Tank Treatment: This treatment is excellent for odour elimination and contains minerals and micronutrients to break down biodegradable materials.
- TankTechsRx: The only product on the market that claims to remove struvites, an extremely tough mineral buildup found in holding tanks.
DIY Holding Tank Treatments
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own holding tank treatment at home. A quick Google search will provide various methods, although these may not be as effective as commercial treatments in breaking down solid waste.
Cost of Holding Tank Treatments
Holding tank treatments typically cost between $10 and $30, depending on the number of treatments included and the specific product.
Final Thoughts
Using a quality holding tank treatment is an essential part of maintaining your black tank. By eliminating odours and breaking down waste, these treatments ensure your RV stays smelling fresh and functioning correctly. Remember to treat your tank regularly and choose a product that suits your specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Use plenty of water when flushing.
Use a holding tank deodorizer or treatment.
Calgon water softener, liquid dish detergent, borax, Dawn, Zep cleaner, Odorlos, RID-X, Happy Camper, Commando pods, Valterra Power Blue, Unique, and Liquified.
Every 5-7 days or when it is 3/4 full.
Ventilate your black tank.