Black tank deodorant

[johnmark]

OK, what is the consensus of the most effective black tank deoderant that you use? I tried the home made one and did not think that it was effective. I have been using the blue powder from Wal*Mart. It is cheap and seems to do a good job.

[kalynzoo]

Living in Southern California, where the summer weather exceeds the 100 degree mark, I use the Thexford Blue with Formalin. I know, it is not septic tank safe, etc, but it works. Enzymes and other products do not control the waste smell in the heat.
When traveling, some parks do not allow formalin based products (very few parks but a few). If I know I am going to visit Sedonna as an example, I will flush my black tank and enter the park without an agent, use something like PineSol for a few days, then dump and go back to the Thexford Blue.
JMHO

[Bill Adams]

None is needed. A properly sealed tank will not allow any odors into the coach. If you have odors you should be looking for the problem rather than a cover up. This is a sealed tank into with you dump your waste. You then connect a sealed hose to a sealed drain and open the valve. If you have any issue with any of these connections they should be repaired so that you no longer need to ask a similar question.

[sdennislee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams None is needed. A properly sealed tank will not allow any odors into the coach. If you have odors you should be looking for the problem rather than a cover up. This is a sealed tank into with you dump your waste. You then connect a sealed hose to a sealed drain and open the valve. If you have any issue with any of these connections they should be repaired so that you no longer need to ask a similar question.

Agreed, we don't use anything but good old fashion water. No smells at all

[01zeosix]

Agreed with the consensus here. None is needed. Although skeptical at first, I switched to the "Geo Method" and it works. Information can be found here:

The Geo Method

[Ed-Sommers]

Nothing but water here.

If your black tank is of the sloping type so absolutely ALL of the stuff is emptied, stop the drain when it starts slowing down so SOME of it is kept in the tank, there is good things going on in that tank, and should be maintained. Make sure no anti-bacterial stuff is allowed to go into the black tank, including bleach.

This advice is null and void if you are a weekender only, and otherwise worth as much as the cost For it.

Ed

[johnmark]

Excuse me for asking a question, Bill, I thought that is what the forum is for.

[1ciderdog]

We do get a black tank oder in hot weather if I cannot empty the tank for several days. The tanks are large enough that we can go a week or more without emptying but when in areas where temperature is 100 or above I need to empty the tanks every three or four days. I've used various chemicals always trying to use something septic approved. The chemical I now use is CAMCO TST. When its gone I may use something different but I do carry a tank chemical with me and often use it. I have been RV'ing since the mid 1970's and have not been as fortunate as other members that have never needed chemicals and water resolves the oder problems. I also tried the Geo method and ice in the tanks but was not satisified with the results. I have never noticed much difference in the results of the different brand of tank chemicals I have used.
Safe Travels
Bob

[UFO Pilot]

I used various waste tank products for about 2 years. After reading various threads on here, I installed this Camco Mfg Inc - Cyclone Sewer Vent - Vents - Camping World and quit using chemicals. No tank smells in 3 1/2 years.

[Mr_D]

When I was President of a 501-C corporation we had a sewer system installed. Under Oregon law it had to be tested and certified by a certified inspector. Since it was an RV club I specifically asked about sewer chemicals, the inspector said that formaldehyde would NOT hurt the system, nor kill the bacteria in it. As far as I know it's still operating just fine with no restrictions on what can or can't be used.