Don't add "DAWN" or PALMOLIVE" to the black tank------why you Say ??

[Schuess]

5 lb bag of ice helps the mix too

https://youtu.be/iH6acEmqvcw


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[stroguy]

No joy on the Borax and HE treatment. Grey is still stuck at 1/2. I’ll try again on the homeward journey.

[ktwillys]

The problem with putting any "soap" or "cleaner" into a black tank will destroy the bacteria that
break down the paper and poop in the tank..
Once destroyed the bacteria can take a very long time to come back..
This is no different than putting these same products into a home septic system..
You may end up with a "clean" black tank but you are more prone to having solids remain and may not flush.
If you are not driving on a regular basis this probably not a great idea.. JMHO..

[txarsoncop]

Your black tank is NOT a septic tank, there's no bacterial breakdown of material happening in there. Plus every time you dump it all (including any bacteria) goes into the park's septic system or waste treatment.

The black tank is just a holding tank, the only breakdown happening is the TP and some of the solid waste becoming somewhat 'liquified'.

[stroguy]

We did a couple long showers and dishwashing and one of our grey tank lights went off. Maybe they are clearing with a rinse. More to come.

[Walaby]

I quit worrying about the sensor accuracy after the first camping trip. Once you know how long you can go between dumps it’s no big deal if they work or don’t.

I also just rinse with water at a full hookup site before I leave. Don’t use any chemicals between. No issues with odor.

Mike

[ktwillys]

Your black tank is NOT a septic tank, there's no bacterial breakdown of material happening in there. Plus every time you dump it all (including any bacteria) goes into the park's septic system or waste treatment.

The black tank is just a holding tank, the only breakdown happening is the TP and some of the solid waste becoming somewhat 'liquified'.

You are correct... it is a holding tank NOT a septic tank..
It is meant for temporary holding of liquid and solid waste until it can be dumped..

Until the solids dont liquefy because there is no break down of solids when you are out for a week or two or more..
Hence the need for the live bacteria in the tank. And no not all of the bacteria are removed during a "dump".
Definitely a personal preference.
All I know is when I dump my black tank (which is about ever 2 to 3 weeks) I do not have any large solids that dump.
I would rather have that than large parts or paper.
I see far too many that have to get their dump tube cleaned out due to solids plugging the pipe or outlet..
I have never had a problem doing things my way and am sure others have had no issues with the way they do theirs..

Everyone should use their own judgement on this ...
personally I will keep to the way I do it and expect others to do the same..

[ExNihilo]

the entire purpose of this post is the fact that suds is something you want to avoid ---pine-sol does suds

Thanks for the industry facts i will be happy to give it a whack. I was doing Dawn and Calgon. It’s a hard subject to be excited about but I have not really been impressed with anything I have tried.

[ForBruce]

No joy on the Borax and HE treatment. Grey is still stuck at 1/2. I’ll try again on the homeward journey.

you can add "liquid oven cleaner" to the mix. It will boost the alkalinity (raise ph ) .

of the mixture and degrease the electrodes .



if you can't find liquid oven cleaner ...google dishwashing soap companies. You might try "www.soapman.com" they have a product call grease feast.

[irqkrq67N]

let me first say that for 30 years i was a professional in the commercial detergent manufacturing industry. So my reasons are based on fact not here say.

A low alkaline soap like Dawn or Palmolive (safe on hands) will generate suds when mixed with water. By adding 3-5 gallons of water and this soap to the black tank and driving you will generate a HIGH suds level in the tank .

Suds is made up of water and soap and as the mix takes place the expanded suds will rise above the remaining level of water. The problem is suds offers no "SPLASH" or scrubbing action to clean sensors or break down poop and paper.

Ideally adding an HE-detergent like what is used in a "Front loading " washing machine offers 2 features. It produces a LOW suds level and has "Surfactants" (makes water penetrate) and has a higher ALKALINITY (not good for hands) then pot soap which break down the greasy stool better along with paper.

This way as you drive you get more splash and scrubbing action in the tank.

So, make a mixture of "BORAX" and "Tide He-Laundry Detergent " ( or any He-detergent) . The borax will soften the water, release oxygen and increase the alkalinity (ph9 ) to help bacteria break down the nasties.
(even if your water is considered soft--soil loads have the effect of increasing hardness in the water )

the photos below show examples.

The conversation degenerated, Bruce made a point, a good point based on professional experience/knowledge and others made comments based on no science just what they like.
Thank you, Bruce