Users with big RVs that have storage for tanks are familiar with the most important three: the fresh, the gray and the black water tanks. The black tank is the one that stores human waste and toilet paper from an RV’s toilet. Treating it properly will keep your RV without foul odors and take care of your plumbing system. Here are some basics about black tank treatment.
When should I do it?
Depending on how updated your RV is, you may have a panel with indicators showing how full the tanks are. If not, you must be aware of the times you or your companions used it.
How often should you apply treatments to your black water tank? It depends on your trip length and how many people you travel with. If you are by yourself, a whole week can pass without you emptying the tank and cleaning it. But it can become a daily task if you’re with your family and friends.
Also, bad odors appear faster and more intensely when traveling to places with high heat, so you’ll need to clean it more often and with double products.
How to dump, flush and treat
The first thing you need to do before applying the treatment is dump all the waste. A black tank flush system will boost this process; it rinses your black tank well after you’ve dumped the contents of it. A full flush is important so the waste deposits and odor-causing particles disappear.
Once you think it’s all gone, fill ¾ the tank with fresh water. Now, there are three choices for treatment products: liquid, powder and pods or tablets. Liquids are the most common; you can simply pour the amount you need into your toilet bowl. You can scoop the needed amount of powder and flush it away. Or a single look-alike laundry detergent pod.
Benefits of taking care of your black tank
Getting the correct treatment will give you three benefits: get rid of odors, avoid clogs and take care of your tanks and plumbing system.
If you are looking to buy black tank treatment, there are non-chemical, organic treatments like the ones from the Happy Campers line. Or if you’re looking for something with a heavy ocean breeze scent, there’s the Campa-Fresh products.
The great thing about toilet treatment products is that they are affordable. Powder, liquid and pods cleaners go from $10 to $20. If you want bigger portions, the prices go from $20 to $30.
Yes, caring for your black tank may be the most uncomfortable thing about having an RV. But there’s nothing better than having a nice bathroom inside your vehicle, so there’s nice pay for this hard work.
–
Written by Geraldine Orentas in partnership with Fed Steel piping distributors.
