Holding Tank Treatment

[jeidy]

I have been advised that Rid-X is not suitable for short term usage in holding tanks. Has anyone had experience with the use of Rid-X for holding tank treatments in Class A RV's?

[PyrateSilly]

Oh boy have you opened a can of worms with this question.
Some will tell you that you need nothing added but water and more water.
Some will tell you that rid-x can still be used.
Some will tell you "x" can and should be used.
Some will tell you that you should do this and this and oh yea this too.
The only thing for sure is to not put things like bleach in there.
Now as to what we use? Water. And we use a septic safe toliet paper too.

[Cat320]

One cap full of Calgon with a two gallons of water when starting with an empty tank.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeidy I have been advised that Rid-X is not suitable for short term usage in holding tanks. Has anyone had experience with the use of Rid-X for holding tank treatments in Class A RV's?

Rid-X is for in the ground septic systems, it's not fast enough working for short term us in an RV. It probably won't hurt the RV but it won't help it either. But you septic system at home will like it.

[Winnebeater]

I read a different link on here that suggested powder laundry detergent and fabric softener. We tried it on our last trip. The trip was nine days and our holding tanks had less odor and my level gauges actually worked for a change. We were using CampChem and it did not work as well. I would say it was a success and it costs less. When I clean out the tank and will not be using the motor home I generally flush both tank twice with bleach water then add a small amount of water with some bleach to help reduce the chances of bacteria growth.

[Pairajays]

I have been RV'n for about 20 years, 12 years as a full timer. I have never used any chemicals in my holding tanks and use ordinary TP. Never had a problem.

Jim E

[donandmax]

Its called Happy Camper. We "dont leave home without it" The best stuff on the market.. Google it.. Leaves no odors whatsoever. and no perfumey smell. In fact it is ordorless..

[Gary RVRoamer]

I'm one of those that seldom uses anything in the holding tanks, but Rid-X doesn't hurt. And if it's in there several days before dumping, yes it will have time to do some "digesting".

I use a septic tank treatment (I like the Roebic 57 brand) once a year to help cleanse the tank walls and sensors of accumulated greasy gook. When the RV is not in use, I drain the tanks, fill with fresh waste water and add a hefty does of an enzyme septic treatment, letting it sit for several days before flushing it out. That seems to clean things up rather well.

Perhaps we should ask what you are trying to accomplish with the additive before criticizing or endorsing what you have done.

[wa8yxm]

If it's going into storage (month or more) Rid-Ex or some other biological may be a good idea, I used to use biologicals under those conditions (most any waste digester product) if I were going to completly store the rig (not use the radio room and thus, occasionally the plumbing) I'd just hose it out well with something like the Valterra Master Blaster (Actually the one I built, not the product named) or the RV-Twister. and forget chemicals save for a bit of pink to keep the seals moist on the valve.

Of course, we full time now so I don't store.

I have been using only water for a long time now, Nothing else, and last WED, I had to re-build the flush valve in the toilet. This job involves removing the bowl assembly, then remove the pedistal assembly, this leaves the pipe down into the tank open. Then I remove the flush valve from the pedistal, install the new one, put it all back together.. bottom line here is I'm lying there on the floor with my nose basically in the black tank.

NO FOUL ODOR.

I'm nto always so lucky (Sometimes get stunk up when I wand it out, but when I do that I'm hooked to a sewer system and I suspect that's where the odor is coming from, there or the gray tank)

[Steve N Sal]

I had tried Rid-X only from watching a caption on cleaning and maintaining your holding tank. Well I never had a more fouling smell in my tanks EVER!
I went to a local rv parts store here in FL and the guy sold me a product made by Unique Natural Products. It's called RV DIGEST-IT Holding Tank Treatment. We don't have an odor one coming from the tank anymore and it's made a believer out of me. Their website is www.uniquemm.com . I have no connection with this product but I'm sure glad I found it.

[jeidy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeidy I have been advised that Rid-X is not suitable for short term usage in holding tanks. Has anyone had experience with the use of Rid-X for holding tank treatments in Class A RV's?

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I am always amazed at the the speed and number of responses on this site.
I was just looking for a cheaper alternative than the commercial additives from camping stores. You have given me a number of suggestions and/or alternatives. Thanks again.