View Full Version : Full timing and black tank issies
JulieLeah15
09-25-2018, 04:55 PM
I’m relatively new to full timing and I love it so far! I’ve run into a little hiccup. My black tank seems to be only draining the liquid, not the solid matter unless it is flushed out. I’ve been using the Scott RV toilet paper only. Any suggestions to fix this? Flushing the tank once a week is a little bit of a pain. The tank is closed unless I’m draining it.
KeithInUpstateNY
09-25-2018, 05:15 PM
Congratulations on becoming a full timer!
You may balk at this suggestion, but don't put any kind of toilet tissue in the holding tank. I've boondockwd five months of the year for the last three years. The best decision I've made in regard to maintaining the black tank was to quit flushing toilet tissue. I have a one pound yogurt container with a solid lid that is lined with a dollar store diaper disposal bag. Toilet tissue goes in the container. When the bag is full I remove it, tie it off, and it goes in the garbage and the garbage goes out. Your own waste will dissolve in about 24 hours, especially if you put 2 ounces of TSP in the tank after you have emptied it. Always start with about five gallons of water in the tank so solids have something to dissolve into and are not landing on the bottom of the tank.
Good luck finding a solution that works for you.
Keith
sourdough
09-25-2018, 05:46 PM
Julie - we don't full time but we do spend 5 months at a time in the RV. As was mentioned, always put water in the tank when you dump before you start using it. When using it always run PLENTY of water to make sure all solids have lots of water to support and transport them out of the drain. We've not found that the TP makes a huge difference if you have plenty of water - they don't have time to really break down in 3-4 days. We also put tank deodorant in along with a couple of healthy squirts of Dawn dishwashing liquid to "smooth" things up for draining. Dumping every week can be a pain; we dump the morning of every 4th day (I don't like navy showers) so we are used to it.
shermris
09-25-2018, 06:59 PM
One thing that seems to make a difference is how fast your tank drains. If it drains too slow some solids may settle before being washed out with the flow. The sewer hose support systems seem to help maintain a higher flow until the tank is empty, other wise you'll end up lifting the hose several times to get it to drain completely. Many black water tanks also have a flush water fitting on the opposite side of the drains, use it in addition to the gray water flush. It doesn't hurt to use extra tank treatment, this helps break down any solids. I love having a bathroom in my RV but use a public toilet for solids when available.
bobbecky
09-25-2018, 07:49 PM
I’m relatively new to full timing and I love it so far! I’ve run into a little hiccup. My black tank seems to be only draining the liquid, not the solid matter unless it is flushed out. I’ve been using the Scott RV toilet paper only. Any suggestions to fix this? Flushing the tank once a week is a little bit of a pain. The tank is closed unless I’m draining it.
Are you sure only liquid waste is being drained? It is very possible that the solids have broken down enough that what appears to be only liquid is actually everything liquified. Like was said, be sure to run plenty of water each flush, and yes, draining the black tank can be a nuisance, but that is part of the deal, and flushing the black tank just keeps things working. There are some very good tank additives that can increase the speed the waste breaks down, and we use TankTechsRx, but there are others that others swear by.
roadglide
09-25-2018, 07:59 PM
My friend where traveling with now he got the dreaded pyrdment in his holding tank it took a week to brake it loose . He now users a lot of water and dumps a lot less often ane we neither put paper into the tank . We use a lot of Wal-Mart bags. I also put a velve at the drain end and back flush with grey water .
travelin texans
09-25-2018, 08:08 PM
We've fulltimed for 10 years & NEVER had black tank issues, even flushing toilet paper. We can go 5 to 7 days before dumping & always rinse thru the black flush connection til it runs fairly clear. The key is to use plenty of water, so called tank treatments don't stay in the tanks long enough to break down solids completely.
I'm sorry Keith, but the day I start collecting used toilet paper in a yogurt tub rather than flush it down the toilet is the day I'm done rving. Draining/flushing the black tank is the worst part of rving, but I'd have to say not flushing the tp & dealing with it in a tub has to be way more disgusting to me.
ChrisM
10-23-2018, 01:33 PM
I've had no issues flushing Scott rv tp in 4 years full timing using ample water and frequent flushing of the black tank. I have read before where some foreign object has gotten in the tank during construction and can block the outlet partially or fully. Is it possible an object got flushed without your knowledge? Is it a direct handle to waste gate or a remote handle with cable in between? Could the cable be causing the gate not to open fully?
Canonman
10-23-2018, 03:50 PM
"only draining the liquid, not the solid matter unless it is flushed out."
It was explained to me early in our RV life that the secret to properly maintaining the black tank is to treat it like you do the bowl. Lots of water to rinse everything down. In other words you have to flush out the tank.
When we dump the black tank we first fill it with water via the internal tank rinser. If your trailer isn't equipped with this feature then just fill the tank by holding the flush pedal down until the tank is full. When you open the dump valve you'll be flushing the tank just like when you flush the bowl. I usually do this a couple times to be sure the tank is as clean as possible.
Yes, it's a bit of a pain, but the alternative is worse. Even the city has to flush out the sewer system every so often for the same reason. Solids will build up and harden if you don't.:facepalm:
mikz86ta
10-23-2018, 08:14 PM
We full time too. I used Scott RV but found Cottonelle is softer on the booty and dissolves faster. Why pay more for a gimmick. Look for any Septic Safe logo on TP. There's a few YouTube demo videos on trying out different brands of TP and their dissolve rates.
Ours I seldom see solid paper or solid chunks of poop come out. I have a clear elbow for viewing pleasure....lol. Unless of course the toilet was just used before the dump ceremony. Most poop will start to break down as will the paper fairly fast. Test yourself like they do on the YouTube videos to see.
I also do the Geo Method. Google it. It's just a alternative to the store bought additives. Basically a water softener which will aid in the water flowing out and break down of solids....the way I read it. A detergent to clean and freshen it. I use Borax and we'll. It makes the water super slippery and cleans well also.
I tried the different additives like the TSP stuff. Didn't see much difference from using them as. not using them. Saw better performance from the Geo Method. And of course I try to do the Black Flush system that came on the RV once a month.
Hope this helps
Alpine
10-23-2018, 08:31 PM
Been fulltime for about 5.5 years.... We have always used Angel Soft TP and rarely see TP when flushing the black tank, or any solids for that matter! Oh- an occasional kernel of corn:D:D:D!!!
travelin texans
10-24-2018, 05:14 AM
In 10 years of fulltiming the DW has tried about every brand of septic safe tp on the market & when watching it drain I haven't been able to tell that a bit of difference in any brand from that end of the process. Have never had an issue & use the black tank flush every time I dump, plus I have a water softener for the 5er & add healthy squirt of Dawn soap (or a dollar store dish or laundry soap) with a couple gallons to the tank after dumping.
flybouy
10-24-2018, 05:36 AM
Personally, if your going to "save" your used tp why don't you just go in the woods and do your thing? Never had an issue using Scott brand tp in over 40 years of using the head in boats then in rv's.
Water is your friend, the more the better before draining the tank. I'm fortunate enough to have a outside to door to our bathroom. I close the door from the bathroom to the interior and leave the outside door open. Roof vent in bathroom is opened all the way but fan is off to prevent drawing fumes from toilet. The toilet has a foot flush so when I'm ready to dump I flush the toilet until the tank is nearly full. Then I take the step platform we use for that set of steps and set one corner on the foot flush. It's heavy enough to open the toilet valve and run water in. On ours, the outdoor kitchen sink empties into blank tank as well. I turn on both hot and cold water and let it run. Walk around and open black tank drain and watch the clear 45 and let it run until the water runs clear (well, clear for a black water tank). Point is, PLENTY of water = no clogs. I also use black tank deodorant and a squirt of Dawn after dumping wile adding a few gallons of water (enough to cover the bottom of the tank looking thru the toilet with a flashlight). YMMV
duker
10-24-2018, 02:44 PM
3791 RL Montana owner, so the black flush is just hook the hose up and turn water on?
What is the tank fill power fresh valve for?
Thanks, duker
JRTJH
10-24-2018, 06:40 PM
They are two different systems. The black tank flush is to rinse out the "poo tank" and the fresh fill valve is to add fresh water to your drinking water tank.... Don't use the same hose and don't "mix them up".... YIKES !!!!!:banghead:
Oh, and don't leave the valve on the black tank closed and turn on the black tank flush (unless you're "anally attentive" about watching it) If you "turn it on and forget, you stand a great chance of rupturing your black tank and flooding your underbelly with "poo" or, if the tank holds, possibly flooding the inside of the trailer, if the tank contents backflow through the toilet flush valve and overflow inside..... PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU"RE DOING or you could make a "crappy mess".......
notanlines
10-25-2018, 02:15 AM
I could not agree with Danny (Traveling Texan) more. Saving the TP in a yogurt container is NOT the way to go through life. Your TP breaks down faster than the waste. Scott is our brand of choice, simply because it is always available and it has a comfortable texture.
Use lots of water, dump every fourth day, and use the rinse every second or third dump.
A yogurt container?:eek:
jsmith948
10-25-2018, 05:17 AM
I'm all for recycling...but saving used TP? Is there a recycle market for this? Relative of mine says they save the used TP until the container is full and then burn it in the campfire! One would have to wonder what THAT might do for the CG ambiance?...not to mention the flavor of the hot dogs?
Geesh!:nonono:
travelin texans
10-25-2018, 07:04 AM
Saving used to is absolutely gross, burning it in a camp fire is down right sickening. I HOPE I NEVER park next to that person!!!
Fishsizzle
10-31-2018, 05:52 AM
Off topic, but a question to those who boondock, is there a “service” that will come out and collect waste water? IE pumper Truck? Also another potable water truck to come out and fill you up?
JRTJH
10-31-2018, 07:16 AM
Off topic, but a question to those who boondock, is there a “service” that will come out and collect waste water? IE pumper Truck? Also another potable water truck to come out and fill you up?
EVERY campground and EVERY location have different services available. Many 'full time campgrounds" in cold weather states have "pump out services" available. Some do not. I've never heard of or seen a "dry camping only area" in any state forest or state park campground" that provides that service. I know that you'll not find "comprehensive waste fluid support" as a matter of fact upon which you could depend. Just because one campground in Arizona has a contract with a "pump out service" doesn't mean that all the campgrounds in Michigan's State Park system will provide that same service.
It depends more on whether the contractor can make enough money to justify the cost of equipment and "turn a profit". In some areas, maybe he can, in some areas, maybe he can't, in some areas, he'll "clean up" (pun intended) and in some areas, no way he'd ever get a return on his investment.
Short answer: Every campground and every camping region will be different based on supply and demand, local regulations and availability of contractors who can offer the service.
Fishsizzle
10-31-2018, 09:43 PM
EVERY campground and EVERY location have different services available. Many 'full time campgrounds" in cold weather states have "pump out services" available. Some do not. I've never heard of or seen a "dry camping only area" in any state forest or state park campground" that provides that service. I know that you'll not find "comprehensive waste fluid support" as a matter of fact upon which you could depend. Just because one campground in Arizona has a contract with a "pump out service" doesn't mean that all the campgrounds in Michigan's State Park system will provide that same service.
It depends more on whether the contractor can make enough money to justify the cost of equipment and "turn a profit". In some areas, maybe he can, in some areas, maybe he can't, in some areas, he'll "clean up" (pun intended) and in some areas, no way he'd ever get a return on his investment.
Short answer: Every campground and every camping region will be different based on supply and demand, local regulations and availability of contractors who can offer the service.
I was fishing for a biz idea for a friend of mine that moved to Yuma. Wasn’t sure if it was something already out there or not. We were dry camping in a NF campground for 2 weeks last summer and portable toilet company went through the camp ground and offered pump outs. Seemed like a good but smelly way to earn some cash.
JRTJH
11-01-2018, 07:50 AM
I was fishing for a biz idea for a friend of mine that moved to Yuma. Wasn’t sure if it was something already out there or not. We were dry camping in a NF campground for 2 weeks last summer and portable toilet company went through the camp ground and offered pump outs. Seemed like a good but smelly way to earn some cash.
The first step would be for your friend to contact the National Forest Ranger's Office that's responsible for that campground or that NF region and ask whether there are regulations that allow/prohibit such business enterprise. The federal government works in "strange and mysterious ways" in many areas. He may find that there are no restrictions and he can "set up business" with no NF oversight. On the other hand, he may find that he has to be a "licensed, federal contractor" to even bid on getting permission for such services. Then again, he may find that there are laws prohibiting any and all "sewage liquids" in that "Federally managed area"..... Anyway, the first step would be contacting the NF management for that area.
Jonnyjuno
12-01-2018, 11:10 PM
We full time too. I used Scott RV but found Cottonelle is softer on the booty and dissolves faster. Why pay more for a gimmick. Look for any Septic Safe logo on TP. There's a few YouTube demo videos on trying out different brands of TP and their dissolve rates.
Ours I seldom see solid paper or solid chunks of poop come out. I have a clear elbow for viewing pleasure....lol. Unless of course the toilet was just used before the dump ceremony. Most poop will start to break down as will the paper fairly fast. Test yourself like they do on the YouTube videos to see.
I also do the Geo Method. Google it. It's just a alternative to the store bought additives. Basically a water softener which will aid in the water flowing out and break down of solids....the way I read it. A detergent to clean and freshen it. I use Borax and we'll. It makes the water super slippery and cleans well also.
I tried the different additives like the TSP stuff. Didn't see much difference from using them as. not using them. Saw better performance from the Geo Method. And of course I try to do the Black Flush system that came on the RV once a month.
Hope this helps
What is the recipe for your geo method I’m interested in using something less expensive than standard blue liquid from walmart
rhagfo
12-02-2018, 06:24 AM
Well time to add our two cents to this we have been only ful timing about 18 months, but also full timed for summers for three years before that. The only time we have had issues is when DD grind would visit. She tended to use too much paper and not enough water. So we wold need to do a deep flush. I have noticed that since we have gotten our Dometic 320, we fill the black tanks faster as the larger bowl means you naturally use more water.
kjohn
12-04-2018, 08:44 PM
I am not a fulltimer, but read this thread with great interest. I also enjoyed the humor!
FWIW, I dump a good amount of cheap laundry soap (maybe a quart or so) into the black tank after dumping, along with a fair guzzle of water. My good cousin clued me in on the flush system on our 21RBS, so now, with a spanking new 22RBS, I will be sure to keep flushing.
We use a pickup with a cap to pull the trailer. I keep a 45 gal. DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank in the back for black water and carry a macerator. I also keep a 25 gal clean water tank in the back and use a small "whizzer" 12V pump to water the trailer, if necessary.
We made 5000 miles last summer and only had to use the macerator but once. Darn handy setup to have and costs very little weight. I usually carry some water in the truck tank, maybe 10-15 gallons. I have the clean water tank in the truck set up so I can hook a garden hose off a hydrant to fill it and with a couple of valves, can fill the trailer from the tank with no fuss.
CampNBrew2
01-11-2019, 07:28 AM
I keep a 45 gal. DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank in the back for black water
Could you please elaborate? Do you use DEF in your RV black tank? I know its urea based. Is this some science I'm missing out on?:cool:
Thanks for any info.
ctbruce
01-11-2019, 07:45 AM
They can verify but I read this as it is used to dump black tank into then drag to the sewer dump. JM2C.
CampNBrew2
01-11-2019, 07:55 AM
Ahh a port-a-dump. That makes complete sense. My brain went to chemical reactions haha.
Thanks,
Willie & Bev
01-11-2019, 08:36 AM
I am not a fulltimer, but read this thread with great interest. I also enjoyed the humor!
FWIW, I dump a good amount of cheap laundry soap (maybe a quart or so) into the black tank after dumping, along with a fair guzzle of water. My good cousin clued me in on the flush system on our 21RBS, so now, with a spanking new 22RBS, I will be sure to keep flushing.
We use a pickup with a cap to pull the trailer. I keep a 45 gal. DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) tank in the back for black water and carry a macerator. I also keep a 25 gal clean water tank in the back and use a small "whizzer" 12V pump to water the trailer, if necessary.
We made 5000 miles last summer and only had to use the macerator but once. Darn handy setup to have and costs very little weight. I usually carry some water in the truck tank, maybe 10-15 gallons. I have the clean water tank in the truck set up so I can hook a garden hose off a hydrant to fill it and with a couple of valves, can fill the trailer from the tank with no fuss.
I have a similar setup. We like to camp at state parks and most of those only have electrical hookups. We can fill our fresh water tank and dump our grey water tank using our macerator pump and the barrel in the truck. Using the macerator pump I can also dump my tanks at home.
Willie
kjohn
01-16-2019, 06:49 PM
Could you please elaborate? Do you use DEF in your RV black tank? I know its urea based. Is this some science I'm missing out on?:cool:
Thanks for any info.
Ah. :facepalm: Not very well written, was it. DEF barrel is for dumping black & grey water into. Barrel came free from the Co-op farm store next door to my little shop. In fact, the manager gave me two of them! :)
I keep the barrel strapped laying on its side. The barrel came with provision for a fitting, so I installed a ball valve and fitting that I hook a garden hose to for filling and dumping. I drilled a wee hole at the top to allow for draining and for expansion. Our truck and cap are black, so it gets warm on a hot day. I only carry the contents of the barrel to the nearest dump, which can be some miles away!
CampNBrew2
01-21-2019, 07:32 AM
Thanks kjohn,
I should have caught that you said it was a 45gal barrel and then it would have clicked. Thought I was missing out on something :)
kjohn
01-26-2019, 05:49 PM
Thanks kjohn,
I should have caught that you said it was a 45gal barrel and then it would have clicked. Thought I was missing out on something :)
You are welcome. I got cornered one time and had to pack up, move the trailer about thirty miles to a dump, then back to the campsite and spread out again. I really don't want to do that again. With my trusty dump barrel, I can always talk a town foreman into lifting a manhole cover in a quiet place and dump the barrel, if there is no proper dump. Water is no problem. One place I camp every year has water available, so I only need to fill the truck tank and pump it off into the trailer.
Cracker
02-13-2019, 06:44 AM
We’ll be camping this summer for two weeks in a national park that has water and electric - but no sewer hookups. I’d like to think that we would only have to dump the black tank once, but, truth is, 5 days seems to the safe limit for our 27’ Cougar. As such, I’ll break camp every 5 days, take a short trip to stir things up in the black tank, visit the dump station, and return to our campsite. It’s a bit of a bother, but it solves the problem. As for the gray water, I usually dump that every other day (depending on shower usage, since the campground does not have showers) using the 35 gal towable blue tank. I use the Thetford additive every time I dump the black tank. Works for me!
Steveo57
02-13-2019, 10:08 AM
We’ll be camping this summer for two weeks in a national park that has water and electric - but no sewer hookups. I’d like to think that we would only have to dump the black tank once, but, truth is, 5 days seems to the safe limit for our 27’ Cougar. As such, I’ll break camp every 5 days, take a short trip to stir things up in the black tank, visit the dump station, and return to our campsite. It’s a bit of a bother, but it solves the problem. As for the gray water, I usually dump that every other day (depending on shower usage, since the campground does not have showers) using the 35 gal towable blue tank. I use the Thetford additive every time I dump the black tank. Works for me!Why wouldn't you just use the tote to dump your black tank also? If your using the tote to drain the gray tank every other day just make an extra trip when your black tank needs dumping. I would hate to have to break camp and pull the trailer out just to dump it.
travelin texans
02-13-2019, 10:12 AM
We’ll be camping this summer for two weeks in a national park that has water and electric - but no sewer hookups. I’d like to think that we would only have to dump the black tank once, but, truth is, 5 days seems to the safe limit for our 27’ Cougar. As such, I’ll break camp every 5 days, take a short trip to stir things up in the black tank, visit the dump station, and return to our campsite. It’s a bit of a bother, but it solves the problem. As for the gray water, I usually dump that every other day (depending on shower usage, since the campground does not have showers) using the 35 gal towable blue tank. I use the Thetford additive every time I dump the black tank. Works for me!
Why not use the blue tank for the black tank every couple days while doing the grey & save having to move the rv?
Just be sure to use as short of hose as possible to connect to your little blue buddy.
CWtheMan
02-13-2019, 04:16 PM
It’s a subject that seems to work different for different reasons. We were very active full timers, racking-up 75-100 campgrounds per year. Our method seldom gave us any problems.
Our black tank valve is always closed from dump to dump. We flush and dump on every move, even if it’s just an overnighter. When necessary – black tank becomes ¾ full, we flush and dump.
We use a blue/green garden hose for flush & dump. I connect the garden hose to the garden hose flush fitting and fill the black tank until the warning light blinks. I open the black tank valve and flush & dump until I have a clear flow. I use a clear sewer fitting something like this one - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Valterra-F02-3112CL-EZ-Coupler-90-Bayonet-Sewer-Fitting-Clear/55358862?variantFieldId=actual_color.
Our gray tank valve is always open when we are connected to a sewer. I close it before we take our “nite-nite” showers and open it after I’ve completed the black tank flush & dump. It helps clear residue from the sewer hose.
At final walk-around we put in an 8 oz liquid tank treatment chemical like the one in the reference below and then add 5-10 lbs. of ice cubes/crushed ice down into the black tank and top it off with 3-5 gal of fresh water. It will help loosen up any sludge in the black tank. At the next hook-up I open the black tank valve and rinse it a little before closing it again for the stop.
Just about any biodegradable toilet paper will work. We have always used Scott regular 1000 sheet.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Campa-Chem-RV-Holding-Tank-Treatment-Deodorant-Waste-Digester-Detergent-6-x-8-oz-pack-Thetford-13288/4016
Note: We have a portable ice maker that's always making ice when we,re parked.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-ICE102C-WHITE-26-Lbs-Counter-Top-Ice-Maker-White-Manufacturer-Refurbished/420830020?athcpid=420830020&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVAV&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=6ff60ffb-13e-168e95d3fd480f&athena=true
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