It’s hard to beat the RV lifestyle, but there are certain chores that don’t get many “likes.” Probably, dumping the holding tanks ranks right up there with things we’d rather not be doing. But it comes with the territory. Contrary to public opinion, especially from non-owners, dumping the holding tanks does not have to be a nasty job.
Following prescribed maintenance procedures will circumvent the dreaded maladies associated with dumping holding tanks, especially the black tank. While it may seem like an incongruity, keeping the tanks clean is paramount. Start by using toilet chemicals on a regular basis. It’s amazing how many owners neglect this step. Toilet chemicals, specifically designed for RV holding tanks, break down the solids properly, eliminate nasty odors and lubricate the valve seals. Toilet chemicals should be added after the tank is dumped, “recharging” it for the next use.
Proper management of the holding tanks is vital to service longevity. The dumping procedure must be methodical to prevent adverse build up of toilet paper and waste on the sidewalls of the tank and to make sure the tank has been vacated thoroughly. The black tank valve(s) should not be opened for dumping until it’s at least half full. For those who spend time hooked up in one place, the gray water valve(s) can be left open, but must be closed in advance of dumping the black tank to prevent contamination of the gray-water tank and to provide some soapy water to rinse the piping and dump hose.
While owners follow individually-devised dumping protocol, it’s best to rinse the black tank using a built-in flushing device until the contents are clear. Holding tanks without such a device can be cleaned by routing a hose into the bathroom (via the entry door or window) and filling the tank through the toilet valve using a wand designed for this purpose. Back filling through the flushing device is risky business, but can be done as long as the user is careful and does not become distracted during the process – which can lead to a damaging flood inside the RV and blown seals. Owners should refrain from traveling with full or nearly full holding tanks; tanks secured with less-than-robust straps and anemic mounting systems can dislodge and break, creating a nasty mess. In some cases, manufacturers recommend against traveling with full holding tanks and will even void the warranty if noncompliance is discovered.
Obviously, holding tank cleaning is not a perfect science. Even the most judicious maintenance can lead to problems down the road. Contents, including toilet paper, can become stuck to the sidewalls of the tank and affect monitor sensors. Thetford’s relatively new Tank Blaster can help mitigate problems and is easy to use. It dissolves caked-on contents and most likely will remove the crud that impacts the performance of the monitor panel, which the majority of owners struggle with. To use, the tank is dumped and flushed thoroughly. The contents of one package (for every 50 gallons of tank size) are emptied through the toilet valve and the tank is filled completely with water. After sitting for eight hours without using the toilet, the tank is drained, flushed, and it’s ready to go. We start the process in the morning and use the RV park’s facilities during the day, or it can be done overnight.
Those who spend a great amount of time in their RVs should considering the Tank Blaster treatment at least every six months. And this type of cleaning should be done before putting the RV in storage.
It’s probably fair to say that most owners pay little attention to the gray-water tank. Flushing devices for the gray tanks are starting to show up on new RVs, and it’s always possible to install a system if there’s access to the side of the tank. Tank Blaster, and other commercial RV products designed for this purpose, can also be used to clean gray tanks, but preemptive dish/pan-washing practices will help prevent adverse build-up. It’s best to pre-clean all cookware and dishes using paper towels (or your dog, if allowed to eat people food), prior to washing in the sink. Pouring solids and other plate remains down the sink is counterproductive to keeping the gray-tank(s) clean and stink-free.
Outside RV circles, people don’t talk about toilet paper. But during social hours, discussions on whether RV toilet paper is really necessary sparks plenty of opinions. In a nutshell, using RV toilet paper is best practice, and yes, there are a few brands on the general-use market that will dissolve in water adequately enough to be called “RV safe.” Toilet paper formulated for RV holding tanks breaks down most effectively, and prevents build up, which can restrict flow when it comes time to dump the tank. At the risk of spurring disagreement, conventional wisdom and science suggest that adding anything to a holding tank not designed for RV use is dicey, especially household cleaners that can react dangerously with RV toilet chemicals.
Dumping holding tanks makes endless fodder for jokes, and sometimes provides dubious qualifications for earning a Darwin Award. While potty talk may not be socially acceptable, it’s important for RV owners to know how to handle their sanitation systems for cleanliness and health safety – and keep from becoming the brunt of those campfire jokes.
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Bob Livingston recently retired as the group publisher and senior VP for GS Media and Events, publishers of Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines and their respective websites. Bob has written technical and lifestyle articles and books for 45 years, and penned the popular technical question and answer monthly column, Tech Topics, in Highways magazine, the 1.5-million-member Good Sam Club’s official publication, for more than 20 years.
He created and appeared on the weekly television show, RVtoday, and directed the programing and production during its five-year run on cable TV. Bob was inducted into the RV/MH Hall of Fame in 2014. He keeps his hand in the RV industry as a consultant to a number of companies working on product development and marketing projects. Bob and his wife, Lynne, live full time in their fifth wheel.