Black Water Tank Cleaning/Flushing Comparison

[Larry1013]

I ran across this You-Tube video and thought would share. It is very informative about different cleaning and flushing methods. Hope it helps someone in the future. Appears the Tornado style tank rinse systems work the best or so it appears in the video.

Comparing Tank Flushers in the Clear RV Black Tank - YouTube

[tree1668]

I have seen this one and it is very informative. I am very glad I have a black tank flusher built in. Otherwise I think a wand would be the only real way of cleaning your tank.

Does anyone know what the built in one looks like? Does it just fill the tank or does it spray around the tank cleaning it?

[JRTJH]

This will give you an idea of how it performs at "normal" water pressure. I'd guess "normal water pressure" is what we get with a pressure regulator installed on a conventional 1/2" garden hose. Don't expect it to function like a "pressure washer wand" more like a "Scott's garden fertilizer jug".

[tree1668]

Thanks! Not sure why I am so curious about such things but I am

[buzzcop63]

Going to add my two cents worth. Attending a class presented by Curtis Trailer in our area the head of the repair department explained that leaving the Black tank valve open during a camping stay would allow the liquid to drain away and leave solids that will build up under the seat. While my Black tank sprayer was running I opened the toilet flush valve and shined a light down the hole, a powerful spray was hitting the area, even with the water pressure reducer attached. It looks like the designer planed on cleaning the first place people have trouble with their Black tank becoming full and not emptying. I use mine each trip to try an insure the funky sending units work to tell me how full things are and to keep the tank as fresh as one can.

[TomHaycraft]

As the Springdale doesn't have those fanch-smancy tank sprayers built in (but still love the floorplan and soul this trailer has!), for the first couple years I drug a hose through the emergency window and used a wand. Wife would watch a clear section in the sewer hose and tell me when to stop. What a mess and a hassle, time consuming too.

For the last year I've taken a less conventional approach, one I've not seen mentioned on these boards, and that is to take 5-gallon "Homer buckets" of water in and pour as fast as I can while not splashing (too much). I do this 3, maybe 4 times. My thought is to hit it with a surge of water. When content with what is seen exiting into the sewer hose, I close the black tank value and drop one more bucket of water to swish around while driving.

No chemicals, no smells, we must be doing something right!

[JRTJH]

Tom,

For many years we did exactly what you're doing, drag a hose through the window and/or dump buckets of water down the toilet. Then, in 1993 we bought the Holiday Rambler which had a flush system. After using that (and learning how to properly winterize the anti-siphon valve) we really appreciate the cleanliness and ease of operation of the flush system.

There are a couple of "add-on" kits priced less than $25 that would easily adapt to your Springdale. I installed one on our 242FWRL. With the front side of the black tank exposed, it was just a matter of getting up the "courage" to drill that 5/8" hole in the side of the tank. Otherwise, it was a 15 minute job. With the hose connection installed through the trailer skirting, it looked "factory installed" and no more buckets and dripping hoses inside.

Here's the one I installed: http://www.amazon.com/Camco-40126-To...=no+fuss+flush

[Javi]

After using the built in flush, the flush system I built for myself and the bucket/hose in the door/window thingy.. I'm convinced that while my DIY system (which closely imitates the one in the photo below) works a little better if you have the time and the inclination; I'd rather use the built in for most of my outings..

Before I store the trailer for more than a couple of weeks, I'd use mine and thoroughly clean the tank by repeated filling and flushing it until I'm satisfied that it's clean or I run out of beer..

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

Now, ... if ya want it truly clean ... here's yer guy.

http://www.allprowaterflow.com/

Pressure washes your tanks, gets'em cleaner than they were before they
were installed.

I've got no dog in this fight, just ran across the site a few years ago. He
will set you up with a franchise and a "Protected" area ...

hankaye

[TomHaycraft]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

There are a couple of "add-on" kits priced less than $25 that would easily adapt to your Springdale. I installed one on our 242FWRL. With the front side of the black tank exposed, it was just a matter of getting up the "courage" to drill that 5/8" hole in the side of the tank. Otherwise, it was a 15 minute job. With the hose connection installed through the trailer skirting, it looked "factory installed" and no more buckets and dripping hoses inside.

Here's the one I installed: http://www.amazon.com/Camco-40126-To...=no+fuss+flush

JRTJH, I like the concept! I've added it to my Amazon "wish list." Will give it a try after completing my current mods and upgrades to the trailer.

Thanks so much!

[elbyjo]

I have checked the owners book and looked all over the bottom of the trailer and I can't seem to locate anything that says it a connection to flush out the black tank. I am guessing this trailer doesn't have one. All the information I am seeing is to pack a 5-gallon bucket with us for each trip and drop about 10 gallons of water into the black tank, via the toilet, and empty it prior to leaving the camp site to make sure most of the residue is out. Is this usually a standard process for those trailers that don't have a flushing capability?

Thanks -- still learning after three years!

[Festus2]

The exterior black tank flush hose connection will likely not be found underneath or near the bottom of your trailer. It will be on one side or the other and usually at "eye or waist level". It has to be a certain distance above the tank and is often in a straight line out from the black holding tank. It looks like a regulation garden hose type connection.

You didn't mention the year of your Passport but it would help if you gave us the year and model of the Passport so that others who might have the same unit could provide you with its exact location - if it does in fact have a black tank flush.

[elbyjo]

The trailer is a 2012 Keystone Passport, Model 195RBWE. Let me tell you that if there is a water connection on the side of the trailer for a black flush -- I have totally missed it! All I see on the side are the hose connections for city water and filling the water tank!

[JodyO]

I have the auto washout on my newly purchased 2015 Hideout. Camped in it for the first time this weekend. When I hooked up the hose to the auto washout, it leaked inside the camper under the bathroom sink. I'm attaching pictures. Did I forget to do something or does this black valve need replacing? Previous owners say they never used the auto washout the two years they had it.
Please help.

[chuckster57]

Is the valve vertical or horizontal? If the top is "up" then the anti siphon valve is probably stuck from non use. Common for them to fail, easy to get another one or replace with higher grade.

[JodyO]

Thanks, it is verticle, the pictures turned on me for some reason. What would be a good upgrade replacement?

[chuckster57]

We just have the plastic ones, if I remember right you can get a good brass one at any home improvement store. Fittings are 1/2".

[JodyO]

Thanks Chuckster57! Would it be called an anti siphon valve at the home improvement store or something else. I apologize but this is my first travel trailer, was in a pop up for the last 9 seasons.
I really do appreciate your help!!

[chuckster57]

Yup! Anti siphon valve. No apology needed. We were all new at this at one time!!

[JodyO]

Thanks again!