Community Forums

Renden · 11-26-2010, 11:53 AM

We do put a lot of stuff in those tanks, mostly chemicals - I have heard that these may damage the tank valves. One other factor would be the hardness of the Water (calcium). My Monaco owner friend stopped putting stuff in his dark tank for years (he has started with a 5th wheel 10 years ago) and now has a tagged Monaco coach and is going for a Newell soon - No stuff in tanks - no more problems with valves

GaryKD · 11-26-2010, 12:09 PM

We each have our experiences. I've been using Tetford chemicals since 1978 and have never had a valve problem.

"007" · 11-26-2010, 02:01 PM

I have use chemicals also with many trailers 7 and motor homes 6, 25 years never had a frozen valve.

Renden · 11-26-2010, 02:39 PM

Thanks

Also am using Thetford chemicals, Gary

Formaldehyde (present in their products -MSD sheets) is one of the components of many tank deodorants - very powerful chemical but I guess it depends on the quantity one uses for a 45 gal tank like mine - we empty it so often - I wonder if it is not better to use less as it is wasted anyways

"007" · 11-26-2010, 05:19 PM

If you use enough water components in tank will break down and if you dump frequently may not need so much blue stuff.

GaryKD · 11-26-2010, 05:59 PM

Hi Renden,
I use Thetford ecoSmart. It is a liquid and has no Formaldehyde.

I usually have quite a few people in the coach (wide variety of ages). It is not possible to monitor their flushing habits. The chemicals have kept my macerator clog free and my wife's nose complaint free..

Norm4015 · 11-27-2010, 09:25 AM

I started RVing in 1972 and spent over 10 years fulltiming. I have never used chemicals or any type additives in the holding tanks and have never had a problem. Last year I gave a seminar to fulltimers and most-timers and out of more than 60 people in attendence only 2 claimed to use chemicals in the black tank. Everybody else said they use nothing but water.

wa8yxm · 11-27-2010, 10:13 AM

When it comes to chemicals.. There are a limited number of chemicals I find useful:

1: WATER. This is the #1 chemical I use
2: Water softerner (Calgon) Used when I wish to do a full cleaning of the tank along with #3
3: Dawn (Regular, blue type) Dishwashing liquid.

ANd that about covers it.. I do have some "Waste Digester" Biological product I use if I'm going to be a long time between dump stations.. Do not believe it helps. but it sure does not hurt.

The other chemicals.. Odor control... That kind of thing.. Why bother. they do not work and are not needed.. Plus the stinky tank is the gray not the black anyway. "Sensor Cleaner" in case anyone wonders..... Table salt.. that is the additional chemical in sensor cleaner products, table salt.. Read the label to confirm.. That's how I figured it out.

Renden · 11-27-2010, 11:21 AM

How much tbl salt ? and to clean sensors of both thanks - 1st time I hear about it

Gary, do agree with the non-formaldehyde eco products but still think I will minimally use these chemicals as a lot of people do not add anything to the black tank except when cleaning it - Dawn etc...

RickO · 11-27-2010, 12:03 PM

We full time and about a year ago I stopped using chemicals and began using Dawn. From time to time, I'll also add about a cup of bleach but make sure I've got plenty of water in the tank first because that stuff will eat up your seals. When my current bottle of Dawn is gone I intend to try Pine Sol instead since I've read a few good reports on it.

I've found that Dawn works just as well for me as the chemicals, it's cheaper and does dual duty in the kitchen.

Rick