Black tank dump question.

[Rgpracer]

I installed this, that work ok?

QUOTE=harryc;366964]Another tip while you are sitting with the dump valves closed and hooked up to the sewer: Leave a dip in your hose like a trap to keep odors from the sewer system from coming back. Undip when you drain tanks.[/QUOTE]

[harryc]

I installed this, that work ok?

QUOTE=harryc;366964]Another tip while you are sitting with the dump valves closed and hooked up to the sewer: Leave a dip in your hose like a trap to keep odors from the sewer system from coming back. Undip when you drain tanks.

[/QUOTE]

This is a nice piece to add to your drain because you can connect a flush hose and back flush your tank from the bottom. And, disconnecting the drain hose is a good idea anyway. I remember camping at the Grand Canyon and they warned us at the gate to pull and store your drain hose when not in use because the black birds would peck holes in them.

[Jwalthall]

Ok, something I haven't even thought of......we have only used our camper once, just a shake down, and it was only for a few days.
We did not have sewage at our site, but after the trip, went to dump station to empty tank.

We are going for a week this coming Monday and will have sewage at our site. Do we leave the tank open to flow as we use it, or keep it shut and empty now and again?

I am embarrassed to ask, but I really just don't know.
Thanks

What I usually do is keep the black valve closed until it is about ¾ full. Then I will close the grey tank for at least one day/night to get it about ½ full. Then the next morning I will dump the black tank and when it appears to be finished draining, close the black-valve and open the grey-valve to flush out the hoses, etc. I have not had any problem with this procedure. The last time I dump (which is in my case, at home) I will hook up a fresh water hose and flush out the back tank.

Texas
Imagine 2021 2600RB
2021 Tundra

[JohnSWood]

This is the recipe we use for the geo method. https://kleentank.com/the-geo-method/
Oh and don't be embarrassed to ask any questions. There's a lot to learn when starting off and we're more then happy help out. That is what makes this place great[/QUOTE]

I'd much rather learn from the experience of others than from mistakes of my own!!!

[chuckwilcox]

Ditto on that Rgpracer!

[mbergthold]

I’ve heard stories of people leaving their black connected & open longterm and ending up with a pyramid of solids reaching up to the toilet. Perhaps an urban legend, but possible.

[FT4NOW]

I’ve heard stories of people leaving their black connected & open longterm and ending up with a pyramid of solids reaching up to the toilet. Perhaps an urban legend, but possible.

Not an urban legend. We went camping with my wife's cousin, they rented a camper. Their toilet wouldn't let anything down the flush hole, so he tried dumping the tank, no change. I found a small branch and held the toilet flusher down and stuck the branch in it....sure enough poop pyramid! It was my first experiment seeing one in person, good reason not to rent out your RV.

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[KennyF]

Always close the tank valve and let the tank fill. This allows the chems to break down waste. I empty mine when full or near full using the gray water tanks to flush the hose. Over time a build up of waste material can cover the indicators within the tank and cause incorrect readings. I was once advised to dump in a 10# bag of ice cubes just before travel. The ice then washes around the tank and cleans things up. It works!!!

[RV Sailor]

We employ the let it get to a 3/4 tank then release the black first, then before closing and letting out the grays we hook up the black tank sprayer and wash until it runs clear. Then close the tank add some borax and treated er and flush 10 times with clear water from the toilet. Then open the grays (2) to evacuate the rest .

[mdwilliams44]

Whittle.....what kinda mix ratio on borax/fab softner.......cup borax/cap fab?
Thanks

QUOTE=WhittleBurner;366536]Another reason to leave the black tank closed is those little sewer flies will take the opportunity to set up a home in your trailer.

Also after you dump and flush leave about 5 to 10 gallons of water in the tank with some borax and water softener added. This will slosh around during travel and help keep things clean inside the tank. With the added bonus of it being ready for the next outing. Don't ever leave the tank empty to dry out, as good as that may sound it is not a good idea, it's one way on how those dreaded mounds get started. As other have said (it can't ever be stressed enough to new to rving people) water is your friend.

[/QUOTE]

Check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyzGKE6ZPIU&t=41s

This is a great idea, and has worked for us. I use a five gal. bucket. Half a cup each (usually more as I don't measure) and mix well. then make sure you use a full 5 gallons to start the process. it is also great to use after flushing, as while you drive, you mix and clean. Cheap, easy, reliable.