Comments on: Gray and Black water tank cleaning.

By: C. Howell

C. Howell — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:36:37 +0000

Since staying in an RV that we have rented, we are experiencing dizziness and headaches. Checked for carbon dioxide and clear on that. Also sensor is not registering any propane leaks. Could it be the black water tank? We are not experiencing any foul odors from the tank.

By: bbwolf

bbwolf — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:45:36 +0000

We just took a trip after putting the new vent cap on, and even with the fantastic fan running, or just open while driving (and covered by the MaxxAir cover), we had NO MORE sewer gases coming inside the coach. We had windows open, vents open, driving down the freeway and it actually worked.

The product is a 360 vent. (I am just an RVer, so I have no affiliation with these folks, but I really am sold on it).

Watch the video demonstration in the center of the page: (inside the white strip of words)

http://360productsinc.com/RV360-home/rv360-home.htm

By: bbwolf

bbwolf — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:41:34 +0000

We found an interesting product for eliminating the black water gases and smell. It turns out that the MaxxAir covers we installed allow us to keep the vent in the roof open, even when we drive. That, and anytime we partially open a window and drive, was the reason we were ending up sucking the black water tank gases into the RV through the toilet venting inside the bathroom. Something to do with low pressure caused by the air we were bringing into the coach?

Well anyway, after researching for a solution we found one that did not require any moving parts and would cause a constant “draw” pulling the black water gases out of the vent on the roof, like it should!

By: YUCKIE

YUCKIE — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:12:21 +0000

We always have used the drop ins with our pop up…well when we upgraded to a travel trailer we continued the same process. We use public facilities for all BM. We have screen catches in the bath and sinks. Every now and then the black water would just trickle out. The sensors kept telling us it was 2/3 or full and at that point the water should gust out. We did the ice and that helped a bit, but the problem continued. Finally I said forget it, I am using the liquid we have for the gray water tank to see if that helps. Almost immediatley the sensors went from reading 2/3 to 1/3. On departure however, when we opened black water valve…notta. We took out the water hose shoved it up as far as it could go, turned on the water, and opened the valve. The hose went in, we then knew it wasn’t the valve. Well out started coming the toilet paper (which is only one ply camping paper) and with it the drop in packs. Its like they got stuck and clogged everything up. I will NEVER use drop ins again.

By: Breeze

Breeze — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 04:40:48 +0000

We just got our 06 Fleetwood prowler regal 5th wheel. We are living in it for now and are new to the R.V. life. Our problem is gnats. I think they are coming from the toilet when flushed. They are annoying . Has anyone had this problem before and how do we deal with it ? We would welcome any tips too. Thank you from El Paso, Tx.

By: Don Zimmermann

Don Zimmermann — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:08:03 +0000

All the suggestions certainly will help, but in inspecting thousands of holding tanks with a fiber optic camera I have discovered that the major problem of odors and build up is mineral deposits from the water and urine. Cleansers will not remove it. The only proven way all foreign matter can be removed is by high pressure hydrojetting. I question the wisdom of the enzyme treatments also. The do break the solids down, but they turn into a paste that is heavier than water and ends up drying out in the bottom of the tank. How does that help? My camera reveals that once a tank starts to clog, pumping and roto rooter only break a pathway through the sludge and it just clogs again. Hydrojetting will correct sensors and throughly clean the tanks.

By: Dan LIlis

Dan LIlis — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:17:14 +0000

Hello,
My wife and recently moved into our 5th wheel trailer so pay debt. So, my problem is the solid waste in the black water tank is building up. I have had to have a septic tank company come and pump out the tank. How can I keep the solids from building up in the tank?
Thank you very much

By: stephen

stephen — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:05:11 +0000

I bought a 40 sierra cbra 2 years ago it sits in a aprk. I have no mannual how do I nd clese levers for black and grey water no one told me how to do correctly??? Help

By: Tom Bender

Tom Bender — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:31:27 +0000

I always install a tank rinser in my black water tank. About $30 and an hour labor if you can read and follow directions. Need drill and drill bits, and a screwdriver.
Good luck

By: TommyT

TommyT — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:33:59 +0000

Linda, you may have to get one of the clear plastic elbow fittings that connects to the sewer outlet (between the outlet and the hose) and includes a fitting to attach a garden hose to in order to backflush the system. They have a fitting that prevents any backflushing into the gray hose. If there’s much build up at the black water valve, you might need the reverse pressure to “shake” everything loose. I’ve only had to do it once, but it sure made life easier, and cleaner.
Are you sure that the valve’s shaft hasn’t disconnected from the valve plate? I just replaced the valve on mine because the shaft pulled loose from the valve plate (door). I got it open by removing the “T” handle from the shaft, reversing the shaft (so that the threads went into the valve housing first), and , using pressure and pliers, managed to screw the shaft into the plastic plate. Then, I was able to get the valve open so that I could drain and flush the tank and replace the valve assembly. But, I’d recommend trying everything else before removing the valve!! The entire process was very unpleasant.