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Old 08-26-2013, 07:07 AM   #1
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Holding tank trouble

Have a fifth wheel that is stationary and never had trouble with the black water draing with valve left open. Camping neighbor mentioned that was not a good idea because you need the added pressure of 2/3 tank to flush properly. Tried that method and now, of course have no drain. Any ideas on a chemical that works and is safe for RV's? Or other method. Stuck at 2/3 full. RFS
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Old 08-26-2013, 07:22 AM   #2
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You probably have a pile of dried solid waste that moved over to block the exit when you emptied. The liquid in the tank will help to dissolve it. There are wands which attach to a garden hose which allow high pressure water to be injected into the tank. This may help. There is also a clear plastic device which connects to the discharge pipe and has a garden hose fitting on it. This will allow you to back flush the tank, possibly moving the clog. The fewer turns between the tank and the discharge, the better.

Sorry, but it is a crappy job.
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Old 08-26-2013, 07:38 AM   #3
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The subject has been discussed at great length here. Bottom line is, keep valve closed until ready to dump. Use lots of water. Rinse after dumping. Put a few gallons in tank after dumping.

Here is one thread on it.

As Shawn mentioned, I would try back-flushing it with something like this:


You can find it here at Camping World. It is a handy item to have on hand, especially if you don't have a flushing system built in. It can break up the clog in your tank.

Does your rig have a flushing system? It would be helpful if you let us know what year and model rig you have .

Good luck.
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Old 08-27-2013, 07:49 AM   #4
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black tank flush

Ok so seems that back flushing would be the most practical. I do have a sani flush fitting on the rig. wonder if that would also work ? Unless because black tank being blocked could cause further trouble when you apply added pressure to tank????
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Old 08-27-2013, 07:51 AM   #5
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You can also try a product from here: Happy Camper - Odorless Holding Tank Treatment Black and Grey Water
I've used their products for years and never had any problem what so ever. They do have a product for your situation.
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Old 08-27-2013, 03:59 PM   #6
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Do not use the sani flush until you get the blockage cleared. It will quickly overfill and you will have poo coming out the vent on the roof. Not any way to make your neighbors happy.
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Old 08-28-2013, 08:28 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OSP1268 View Post
You can also try a product from here: Happy Camper - Odorless Holding Tank Treatment Black and Grey Water
I've used their products for years and never had any problem what so ever. They do have a product for your situation.
Use the Happy Camper Extreme Cleaner as prescribed and your tank will be back to normal. Then use regular Happy Camper to keep it that way.
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Old 08-28-2013, 08:32 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OSP1268 View Post
You can also try a product from here: Happy Camper - Odorless Holding Tank Treatment Black and Grey Water
I've used their products for years and never had any problem what so ever. They do have a product for your situation.

I agree with Roger! They have a product called "Extreme" that you need to use to clear the clogs, then use the regular product and you won't have any more trouble!

NEVER EVER leave the black tank dump valve open during use! That's just asking for the problem you are now having! Always keep a few gallons of water in it with the treatment above.
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Old 08-29-2013, 05:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by R F S View Post
Have a fifth wheel that is stationary and never had trouble with the black water draing with valve left open. Camping neighbor mentioned that was not a good idea because you need the added pressure of 2/3 tank to flush properly. Tried that method and now, of course have no drain. Any ideas on a chemical that works and is safe for RV's? Or other method. Stuck at 2/3 full. RFS
What you are experiencing is the result of leaving the black tank valve open all the time. That pyramid of crap moved to the drain and blocked it, a back flush, as recommended, might move it away from the drain opening and loosen the pyramid enough for at least some to be washed out by the 2/3 tank of liquid.
I have read of a few folks who had to replace the tank because they left the valve open all the time.
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Old 08-29-2013, 06:11 PM   #10
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Get a product called Ridex available at Wallmart.
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