Community Forums

DCMAC214 · 01-06-2021, 03:35 PM

Just returned home from two holiday weeks on the Gulf, same campsite. Got me to wondering what effect extended stays have on the blackwater tank. There's very little agitation so I assume solids and TP will collect (and maybe build up) on the bottom. Can it become a problem or am I trying to worry about nothing?

kenandterry · 01-06-2021, 03:39 PM

Did you leave your tank valves open the entire two weeks at the one campsite?

I’m assuming you had full hookups.....water, electricity, sewer.

MSHappyCampers · 01-06-2021, 04:19 PM

I highly recommend using Happy Camper tank treatment in your black tank. It will dissolve the "stuff" and prevent bad odors. I've been using it for many years without any clogs or odors! You can find it on Amazon. I buy the 130-use container to get the best price.

https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Campers...s%2C445&sr=8-4

You should leave the black tank dump valve closed until the tank is at least 3/4 full. I leave the gray tank dump valve open until the black tank is about 3/4 full, then close the gray tank to collect water to flush the sewer hose after dumping the black tank.

jrollf · 01-06-2021, 04:39 PM

Personally I don't leave the gray tank valve open either. No matter how hard you try gunk will get in the gray tank, food bits, sand from showers, etc. Letting it get pretty full before dumping helps get all the crud out that settles to the bottom of the tank.

Xmcdog · 01-06-2021, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrollf

Personally I don't leave the gray tank valve open either. No matter how hard you try gunk will get in the gray tank, food bits, sand from showers, etc. Letting it get pretty full before dumping helps get all the crud out that settles to the bottom of the tank.

Totally agree.

MSHappyCampers · 01-06-2021, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrollf

Personally I don't leave the gray tank valve open either. No matter how hard you try gunk will get in the gray tank, food bits, sand from showers, etc. Letting it get pretty full before dumping helps get all the crud out that settles to the bottom of the tank.

The type stuff that goes into our gray tank won't create a problem. I close the valve the afternoon before I plan to dump the black tank the next morning. After we take showers, along with sink & lavatory drains, the gray tank is pretty full. When I open the valve to flush out the hose, there is a huge rush of water that flushes any small particles that have settled in the gray tank. Works for me!

Old-Biscuit · 01-06-2021, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCMAC214

Just returned home from two holiday weeks on the Gulf, same campsite. Got me to wondering what effect extended stays have on the blackwater tank. There's very little agitation so I assume solids and TP will collect (and maybe build up) on the bottom. Can it become a problem or am I trying to worry about nothing?

Water is the key
Liquid to solid ratio....higher liquid then solids/no issue
Higher solids to liquid then that stuff WILL accumulate/harden/stick and become very difficult to remove

Grey or black
Water is the key

**TonyDi** · 01-06-2021, 10:09 PM

Water, water, water. That's they key to keeping your tanks clean.

veraken · 01-07-2021, 07:15 AM

Keep your black tank closed until you are ready to dump. I think everybody agrees on that. The disagreement comes on gray tank.

Look at the following video on why you should keep your gray tank closed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4A-41EdBBc

Kayakist · 01-07-2021, 09:41 AM

As a newbie, how much water to you put into the empty black tank before use?

Old-Biscuit · 01-07-2021, 10:36 AM

2 full toilet flushes
Some will run down into drain line
Some will stay in tank and keep bottom of tank wet enough so stuff doesn't stick

Kayakist · 01-08-2021, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

2 full toilet flushes
Some will run down into drain line
Some will stay in tank and keep bottom of tank wet enough so stuff doesn't stick

Thank you for the information, very helpful.

David 70 · 01-08-2021, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kayakist

As a newbie, how much water to you put into the empty black tank before use?

I know some will argue with me on this but the service guy at my dealer said to put 10-12 gallons of water in. He said to use a pail so you know for sure. He also said the only time the black tank should be empty is when it is winterized. I have done this and have no problems.

David 70 · 01-08-2021, 07:47 AM

Old Biscuit; a question on the two toilet flushes. On my rvs I've had a toilet flush would probably use less than a quart. Are you referring to a different type of toilet? It seems on mine two flushes would not be sufficient. Are there more house type toilets in some?