Community Forums

rktdr · 05-24-2012, 12:21 PM

Hi first time on here and am searching for help. I emptied the black water tank when it was about 95% full according to the digital readout. It now shows that it is empty. Immediately after flushing the tank, I went up and put the deodorizer in the as normal. I have had pull types and 5th wheels before so I am no stranger to emptying the tanks.

I am wondering if the liquid deodorizer and chemicals are not working. Everytime we now flush the sewer gas fumes rush back into the home and it is very irritating. It not just rushes back in, it lingers as well.

Can anyone offer suggestions that I might not be aware of? One other question is there any other additive that I am required to use in the Motorhome tanks as compared to any other other black water tank.

wildtoad · 05-24-2012, 12:36 PM

Most people that I know don't use chemicals. If your vents are working then there shouldn't be any odors in the mh. Check you roof vents to make sure they are not clogged. If you're getting a rush of air/gas when you flush then the chems/bacteria are doing their job and breaking down waste and the gas is a byproduct of the process. Just like in humans....

Wanabee FTer · 05-24-2012, 03:17 PM

I've found that if I have the dining area fantastic fan on while I'm charging the toilet, it will draw excessive odors out of the tank into the MH. When I charge the toilet I now make sure there are no other vent fans running, including the bathroom roof fan.

I also occasionally clean out the holding tank vent line by running a water hose full blast through the top roof vent line.

HHIDan · 05-24-2012, 03:36 PM

Some motorhomes drain tanks so quick that they suck the P-traps dry. Most people drain tanks before they hit the road and the draft from an open window (when travelling) pulls air from the dirty tanks and that smells bad.... Everytime I drain the tanks I fill the P-traps again by running a little bit of water in the kitchen and bathroom sinks. A defective automatic air vent could also cause your problem (if stuck open). Watch this video for more info:

Old plumber talks about an automatic air vent. Venting plumbing fixtures. - YouTube

bsirby · 05-24-2012, 08:34 PM

Hi welcome to IRV2. We also do not use chemicals. After DH empties the tanks, I go in and hold the flush lever down to allow some water into the tank. We don't have any odors. Hope you enjoy this site. Safe travels.

SarahW · 05-24-2012, 08:50 PM

Howdy and welcome!

rktdr · 05-25-2012, 07:58 AM

Many thanks for all of the tips and advice. One question I do have. I have been camping for many years probably 25 or so. I read where some of you don't use chemicals in your black water tank. I assume then that you use nothing for deodorization. Are you saying that you use nothing for that purpose? If that is the case, are you using another method of breakdown, if so what may I ask is it?

HHIDan · 05-25-2012, 08:23 AM

I use nothing. Have never had any problems. And I don't use the expensive RV toilet paper either!

RickO · 05-25-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rktdr

Many thanks for all of the tips and advice. One question I do have. I have been camping for many years probably 25 or so. I read where some of you don't use chemicals in your black water tank. I assume then that you use nothing for deodorization. Are you saying that you use nothing for that purpose? If that is the case, are you using another method of breakdown, if what may I ask is it?

Welcome to the forum!

Feel free to use our search function and you'll find week's worth of reading on this topic and there is far from consensus on the topic.

We've tried many different methods and came to the conclusion that we don't need chemicals. Instead, we flush the tank very well... add several gallons of fresh water after dumping and flushing... and I add about a cup of Dawn dishwashing liquid.

You can search for "geo method" and find an outstanding write up on one very popular way to maintain your tanks.

Best of luck.

Rick

John H... · 05-25-2012, 08:34 AM

Welcome to the forum. I use laundry detergent and nothing else. Have been for 3 motorhomes and never any problems...

az bound · 05-25-2012, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rktdr

Many thanks for all of the tips and advice. One question I do have. I have been camping for many years probably 25 or so. I read where some of you don't use chemicals in your black water tank. I assume then that you use nothing for deodorization. Are you saying that you use nothing for that purpose? If that is the case, are you using another method of breakdown, if so what may I ask is it?

We do not use any chemicals or deodorizers We do use Eco-Save which is an enzyme to help break down solids. Works for us.