Community Forums

Blackfish · 02-25-2023, 01:21 PM

Have booked our first trip with our friends to a full hook up RV park a few miles from where we live. In the confirmation email it has a list of approved blank tank treatments for their park. Is this a common thing for parks? Will we end up with a compartment full of different treatments we need to use at each park we visit? Hoping this an anomaly. Have happy camper now which is not on their list.

wolfe10 · 02-25-2023, 01:25 PM

All we have ever used is plain water.

I can certainly understand that a CG on septic system needs to make sure that chemicals that will poison their septic system are not used.

Psneeld · 02-25-2023, 01:31 PM

Pick your favorite biodegradable/septic friendly treatment and just don't use it at the park if they don't approve of it.

I like many others usually don't use a treatment.

Not sure how they check though to catch if you are using a non-approved chemical.

redbaron73 · 02-25-2023, 01:55 PM

Do these parks have dietary restrictions? Is eating foods with high amounts of saturated fats allowed? What about bioengineered food? Wondering if they are truly concerned for their system or just making things up on the fly.

jimcumminsw · 02-25-2023, 02:12 PM

This is the first time I have ever heard of a RV park staying what type of toilet treatment you can use.

I use a septic tank friendly treatment that is called "Happy Camper" which is organic.

This should be no issue at the RV park that you are planning on staying at.

Flyer15015 · 02-25-2023, 02:20 PM

Never used a tank treatment.
The seal on our toilet is still good and holds the water in the bowl fine.
So, no odors in the coach.

Mike in Colorado

Jim_HiTek · 02-25-2023, 02:21 PM

It's an anomaly. I've been full timing for 19 years now and don't ever recall seeing that restriction. That park must have had a long term resident that used far too much bleach far too often.

BTW, bleach is very bad for septic systems AND for sewer systems close to town so when you use it, note that you NEVER use more then 1 cup of bleach for any situation. If a park is on septic, don't use bleach at all.

wildtoad · 02-25-2023, 02:26 PM

I remember seeing some parks not wanting formaldehyde, or other harsh chemical based products used in their septic system. They’re also probably not to happy with chlorine bleach being introduced either.

appsol · 02-25-2023, 02:36 PM

We have stayed at a few places over the last 10 years that limit the type of chemicals used because of the condition of their septic system. Having dealt with a poorly maintained and failing septic system which eventually had to be completely replaced I understand why they want to protect the system.

We used Happy Camper for many years, being from the area where the company is located, and it always worked well. According to their website they can no longer sell in California because the wording of the bill regulating use of certain chemicals in California applied to their product even though they say none of the specific chemicals listed are in their product.

We now use a unique product that works, and more water!

twogypsies · 02-25-2023, 03:09 PM

Can you post the wording of the statement?

Agree with others..... all you need is lots of water in your black tank & dump when it's full so it does a good flushing out.... don't just leave a black tank open all the time.

LETMGROW · 02-25-2023, 03:22 PM

Simply reply you don't use tank treatment and drive on in.

Mudfrog · 02-25-2023, 05:28 PM

I use a smell good type treatment on long stays because it does seem to help with odors during the actual dump. Doubt it does anything for the tank otherwise. Water is normally all we use and really all that's needed,,, unless there's a problem with the plumbing.

rarebear.nm · 02-25-2023, 05:54 PM

I'm with others. Don't use any while in their park. Never heard of this issue but understand why. No idea how they would know who of if anyone used a non-approved chemical. But I do not see any reason to upset them on such a detail.

I may or may not use any chemicals depending on my mood I guess.

hohenwald48 · 02-25-2023, 05:57 PM

Once upon a time, RV holding tank treatments contained chemicals like formaldehyde and others that would kill off the bacteria needed to make a waste treatment system work.

I think, by now, all those treatments have been banned and you can no longer purchase tank treatments with the offending chemicals. I doubt you will find any treatments that are harmful to waste treatment plants anymore.

I found this statement on the internet - "The reason for the change in RV holding tank chemicals had to do with California Senate Bill 317, which was signed into law in 2019, and went into effect in 2021. This new law prohibits the chemicals formaldehyde and bronopol, among others, in RV holding tank additives."