✨*Here are links to all the products in this video:* ✨ ✅ Flow Meter amzn.to/3znoxVD ✅ UPDATE - USE THIS TREATMENT: Liquified amzn.to/3IwNpjL ✅ Thetford Aqua Kem Treatment amzn.to/3znoQ2J ✅ Borax amzn.to/3wijFiF ✅ Dawn Dish Soap amzn.to/3gnwbYC ✅ 7th Generation Dish Soap amzn.to/3vmLDsi ✅ Rubber Gloves 6 Mil amzn.to/3XNo7Dc ✅ Camco Clear Elbow amzn.to/3wpJkpw ✅ Camco Rhino Flex Sewer Hose & Clear Elbow Full Kit amzn.to/3wmDWUo ✅ Camco Sidewinder Sewer Hose Support ✅ Hose Nozzle amzn.to/3vnTbe8 ✅ Cleaning Wand amzn.to/3cAM2kn ✅ Valterra Clog Cleaning Attachment amzn.to/3pRtDF9 ✅ Thetford Toilet Seal Conditioner amzn.to/3pUBToa ✅ Thetford Drain Valve Conditioner amzn.to/35jW7hq ✅ PB Blaster amzn.to/3cHkyJP This video is a complete guide for cleaning, maintaining, & using your RV black tank. Key Points: -Keep water (along with treatment) in your black tank. Around 10% of your black tank capacity should be filled with water, always. -Be generous with water you use to flush & try to use the least amount of toilet paper as you can. -Wait until your black tank is about 2/3 to 3/4 full to dump. The fuller the tank, the more diluted it is & the better the flush you will get. -After dumping the black tank, fill the tank to 10-20% capacity, and dump again. *BE COURTEOUS! If you are using a shared dump station and there is a line of RV'ers behind you, find another time & place to repeat the dumping process a 2nd or 3rd time.* 🎥Toilet Paper Comparison: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ceCdXandlLU.html 🎥Clear a Pipe Clog: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BUmPMGDEKxY.html #rvblacktank #blacktank #rvtips #blacktankmasterclass ✨⭐ *OUR FAVORITE RV ACCESSORIES* ⭐✨ *ESSENTIALS:* ✅ Camco Rhino Flex Sewer Hose & Elbow Kit amzn.to/3wxaiyG ✅ Camco 90 Degree Clear Sewer Elbow amzn.to/3eezBe7 ✅ Camco RV Water Filter amzn.to/3VzcMqi ✅ Rubber Wheel Chocks amzn.to/3v0lL5I ✅ Hughes Watchdog 30 Amp Surge Protector/EMS amzn.to/3hAmgCy ✅ Hughes Watchdog 50 Amp Surge Protector/EMS amzn.to/3HKrpm1 ✅ Liquified RV Tank Treatment amzn.to/3ksg1Ck ✅ Tire Minder TPMS amzn.to/3mjuBg0 ✅ Water Pressure Regulator amzn.to/3m3ZFzZ ✅ Rubber Gloves 6 Mil amzn.to/3XNo7Dc ✅ Collapsible Water Hose amzn.to/3SvNubw *MAINTENANCE:* ✅ Boeshield T-9 Rust Preventative & Lubrication amzn.to/3sjcjMx ✅ Eternabond Roof Tape amzn.to/3Ad290J ✅ Geocell Proflex Sealer amzn.to/3KGMOyb ✅ Road Tool Kit amzn.to/41NIQKj *INTERIOR:* ✅ Camco Cross Bar Door Handle amzn.to/3o8WWS5 ✅ Shower Caddy amzn.to/3bdU80W ✅ Soap Dish amzn.to/3pKheSn ✅ Oxygenics Shower Head (White) amzn.to/3nhDMYW ✅ Oxygenics Shower Head (Brushed Nickel) amzn.to/2O8YcYC ✅ Perfect RV Paper Towel Holder amzn.to/3tZxd1K ✅ Dimmer Switch amzn.to/3rQdfFD ✅ Sliding Door Latch amzn.to/3EkpTT0 ✅ Puppy Paw Hook amzn.to/2N9JaRV ✅ Foldable Storage Bins amzn.to/3tIp01f *EXTERIOR:* ✅ X Chocks amzn.to/3m3ck2i ✅ Carmtek 10 Digit Keyless Entry System amzn.to/3t4IMpB (see the video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KcEUgsDw6kk.html) ✅ Low Point Drain Valves amzn.to/3Jd6adb *OUTDOOR GEAR:* ✅ Blackstone Griddle 22” amzn.to/3MDDiL0 ✅ Blackstone Griddle 28" amzn.to/3eBnOuD ✅ Outdoor Gravity Chairs amzn.to/3Sb1p4M ✅ Ground Mat amzn.to/41u3wXg 💥 Sign up for our FREE Newsletter: view.flodesk.com/pages/6497c6a9d1998fa8c7623e9f ✨⭐ *MORE RV ACCESSORIES ON AMAZON* ⭐✨ www.amazon.com/shop/rvtipstravels 💥 *NEW TO OUR CHANNEL?* Check out our catalog: ru-vid.complaylists 🙏 *If you want to help support our channel* you can donate here: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=J2KKM9NR3BJJA ✨⭐ *DISCOUNT CODES TO SAVE MONEY* ⭐✨ 🔨 Learn how to *repair & maintain your RV* like I did w/ this COMPREHENSIVE training course: rvtechcourse.com/?ref=rvtips&travels 🚐 *10% off RV Snappads!* rvsnappad.com/discount/RVTT10 🛌 Get *25% off your RV Mattress* by Brooklyn Bedding at rvmattress.com/rvtips Use discount code: rvtips 📡 *GPS Tracking for your RV!* www.wheresafe.com/rvtipsandtravels Get 10% off by using discount code: RVTIPS10 If you find a dead link, let us know & we’ll send you an RVTT sticker! 📺 Want to see more RV videos? Please *SUBSCRIBE & CLICK THE BELL ICON* 🔔 so you're notified when we release new videos! *Follow us* on social media: 📸 Instagram instagram.com/RVTipsAndTravels 🕺 Facebook facebook.com/RVTipsAndTravels We may receive a small commission for purchases made through the affiliate links above. There is NO additional cost to you when purchasing from our links. *We GREATLY appreciate your support!*
After hooking up the sewer hose to dump, I ALWAYS open the grey tank for a few seconds first to ensure that the connections are good and the sewer hose hasn't sprung any leaks or deteriorated. I'd much rather have the grey tank contents on the ground unexpectedly than black tank contents. After a few seconds, I close the grey tank valve and open the black tank valve. When the black tank us empty, I finish emptying the grey tank to flush the hose.
@@rickjones2534 here's how you would do it.... first you would need a gate valve installed at the end of your sewer pipe. with gray closed, open black tank factory valve and the aftermarket valve at the end of the pipe. then close black and end valve, open gray, it will flow back up into the black to flush a bit more, then open end valve to dump everything.
I don't know if I would ever make that claim, but I definitely appreciate the generous comment Ryan. I'm happy you enjoyed it, and thanks for commenting!
I installed a bidet on my commode. Just like in the house 🤗. Minimizes the need for toilet tissue. Helps to keep the black tank hydrated. And, it keeps keeps my bootie happy 😉
I am a new, first time travel trailer owner at 64 and I cannot adequately express how helpful your videos have been for me. A simple thank you seems trite... but sincerely thank you very much.
When I dump I put a few 2x6 planks under the passenger side trailer tire. Gives it a good lean. The higher angle helps the waste water flow more than you would expect. I did it today without them. Then added them and probably got another 2-5 gallons out of it.
I agree with you on TP! I worked in a pulp & paper mill for 30 years. Our converting plant made toilet paper under numerous brand names, including specialty RV toilet papers. The rolls of toilet tissue coming off the paper machines were as much as 10 foot wide and 6-9 foot in diameter. The rolls weighed as much as 15,000 pounds before going on a winder to make the smaller rolls you see in stores! The only real difference in consumer/commercial TP was the packaging, the same tissue paper went in them all!
@@TexasTornado66 All are not created equal. More importantly you may have a hemorrhoid or anal fissure(s) requiring treatment. No toilet tissue should cause one to bleed under normal use.
When we are going a good distance we fill the tank with enough water to cover the bottom of the tank. We then dump a bag of ice in. The ice sloshes around as u drive down the road cleaning the tank. Works really well!
@@Sunny-kn6th yeah here in Texas I would have to dump the ice with the truck running, jump in and go. Even then I doubt it would do anything in the 5 minutes before it melted.
Adding ice is a great way to clean the tank. I put in 40lbs without any water. Even if it’s hot, it’s gonna slosh around for a while. My gauges still don’t work :(
One of the tricks I use to clean my black tank after dumping is to leave the black valve open, raise the sewer hose about 2 ft near the valve and then open the gray tank valve. I leave it open for about 30 seconds to allow 10-15 gallons of soapy gray water to run into the black tank, loosening up any stuck deposits. I then close the gray valve and lower the sewer hose, allowing the soapy gray water to drain out of the black tank taking any remaining deposits with it. Then I shut the black valve and drain the rest of the water in my gray tank normally. I'm a full-timer who boondocks most of the time, so I don't use as much water in the black tank as I should. I've found this method cleans the black tank quickly and effectively so I haven't had any problems with waste accumulation for the last 3 years since I've been using this technique. BTW I use Blue Power in my black tank and wash my dishes with Dawn, squirting a little extra down the sink about once a week to help keep the gray tank clean and grease free too.
We do the same, but using a flush elbow with an additional slide valve. As long as the gray tank is near full the pressure will be one way toward the black tank. Pull gray, backflush for about 10 seconds, shut down gray, then dump black again.
@@glfredrick1 We do something similar, but as you said, only when the gray tank is full. You never want any backflow from the black tankgoing into the gray tank!
A tank cleaning service recommended a Calgon/Pine Sol blend for our black tank. We’ve never had an issue with odors and the Calgon makes the water slippery so less waste/debris sticks to the tank. Also, when we empty the black tank, we always put a bucket or two of HOT water down the toilet while the gate valve is open which really helps loosen and immediately discard anything that might be stuck.
we use a borax and soap mixture for treating our black tank. Much to what you said about putting water in the tank, we make sure there is a few gallons in the tank then pour 1/4 cup of borax and 1/4 cup of dawn dish soap before hitting the road. Then when on the road it all sloshes around in the tank and coats the walls and actually can break down any debris that is stuck to the walls and even stuck to the sensors. We have yet to have a single bit of smell from our tank using this method. excellent video for newbies like us, this is our first year with a toy hauler and have taken many tips from pros like you!
Great video. After I dump the dump, I add a cap full of Calgon water softener, a half of Calgon cap of blue Dawn dish soap, and mix that with a gallon and a half of warm water. With the black tank closed, I dump the mixture into the toilet and brush the toilet clean. Then I drop it into the tank, and fill the toilet bowl full of water 2x as you described in the video. I do this process every time I dump the black. It doesn't matter if I'm traveling or still at the camp site. I can honestly say I've never had a sewage smell come into the trailer. The only difference I do is on travel day, at the water connection I squirt more Dawn down into my black tank flush hose. Also on travel day, I do my above process to the gray tank. The only tip I would add is that when I arrive at a new camp site, even if it's been a few weeks, even after I hook up, I do not dump either tank at all until it's necessary. This keeps that same water softener and Dawn in the tanks as long as possible.
Great video! My husband and I have only been full-time RVers for 4 months, and we got a serious clog at the bottom of the toilet pipe. We tried everything to get it unstuck with no success. We could even see our toilet paper (Scott for RVs) sitting there not dissolving. After watching this video, we went and bought the cleaning wand and it worked beautifully! We also went and bought cheap Walmart toilet paper for septic tanks, and nonmore clogs! And we make sure to put water in the tank now after each cleaning. Thanks so much for saving our toilet!
Grant, she’s saying that the Scot’s RV branded TP is what clogged her toilet. I would respectfully disagree that you can use whatever TP you want. There’s quite a few comments on this video about people using “Rv TP” and getting clogs. What you should be using is septic safe TP, because it is designed to break down and dissolve in standing water.
Ross, this is a very well chronologically order video on the RV black tank system maintenance and care. After almost 2 years of off-and-on RV Travel Trailer use, I have watched dozens of videos learning proper use of my black tank. I will agree with Ryan that this is possibly the best black tank management video on RU-vid. Really like your channel. Safe travels and happy camping.
The ice does work, my last trip the black tank sensor was stuck at 3/4 full. I dumped the ice down in the black tank for the trip home and when I got home, the sensor was back to empty. It’s the only way you can basically get any type of scrubbing inside the tank, then it just melts away.
He does a great job explaining all your options for cleaning and the importance of keeping liquids in your black tank. I usually will drive around the campground to allow the pyramid to break up by sloshing the liquid around in tank. We also have a lined garbage can that the TP can be put into versus in the tank. The paper absorbs the liquid which if there is a quanity it can also cause pyramids. So just alot easier to dispose of it daily by garbage.
My wife has a toilet paper fetish and tosses wads down the toilet. Needless to say, the exit passage was blocked badly. I poured about a cup of Dawn dishwashing detergent down the toilet and drove home, and used the local dump station where it flushed like a tidal wave. Downside was driving with a full black tank which caused a little sway, so I drove a little slower. Btw, Thetford RV toilet paper has given me blockage problems. I prefer Scott's RV toilet paper.
As an individual moving from years of having a pop-up to a new 2022 travel trailer, this video has greatly upped my knowledge as to just HOW to maintain my tanks. THANK YOU
This is a great video. I would only add that in some smaller RVs, the bathroom sink drains into the black tank, not the gray. This is actually a good thing, both for keeping water in the black tank and extending the time between trips to the dump station. Here is one hint: When I dump while winterizing, I pull onto leveling blocks in a way that angles my tanks down toward the valves. That way, I get every bit of water out. Because of the design of my rig, it's the only time my black tank is ever truly empty, since gravity works against fully dumping the rest of the time.
We store the rv at my dad's. He had the forsite to install a drain to city sewer at the right spot for the campers. We wash out the tank each trip. We live in a freeze zone so we can't leave water in the tank in winter. Winter camping we have insulated skirt and heaters. Try to park over the drain at the winter site so hose is in the non-freezing part of the camper. Water is heated hose. No problems down to -20°F. Need a dehumidifier for the camper to prevent condensation.
31yrs old female here and just getting into the rv life. I was so paranoid about this part cause everyone was saying if you don’t do it right it’s definitely going to cause you problems but this video helped out a lot and makes me feel better about handling my maintenance of my black and gray tank. Thank you so much for taking your time to include the equipments and where to buy it🙏🏾. To all the people that also commented suggestions thank you so much🙏🏾🙏🏾
Bucket "cover" on electric tongue jack is an awesome idea. we always carry a bucket for firepit safety, filling black tank after emptying, quick wash, etc. I hadn't seen that tip yet.
Someone stole my bucket so I got a bicycle cable lock and drilled a hole at the top of the bucket because someone else pried the handle off and took that bucket that was locked on! Damn campground thieves are getting thick! Is it legal to catch them and duct tape them to a tree with honey poured on their heads to see how friendly the native species play!
We have a wacky black tank setup, where the toilet is offset from the tank a lot, so there is a long 45-degree angle pipe from the toilet to the tank. This is the first RV where we've had terrible smells from the black tank coming back up the toilet when we flush. So far, we've had reasonable luck using the tank back flush to try to thoroughly clean the tank when draining, but we've not tried leaving a few gallons and treatment in the tank during the season between camping trips. I've watched a few RV videos and some of them are based on pure fantasy, yours is the first one (besides ones done by the manufacturer) that seem grounded in real information, not just stuff made up off the top of your head. Subscribed.
Dave, appreciate the kind comment. Never heard of an offset tank, and not sure why any manufacturer would build it that way. But yes, keep water in there, always! Welcome to the channel bud!
Our camper has a 45 going into the black tank as well…..mobile suite air…and we’ve had some clogs…what I use is a 4’ long piece of 1/2” PEX with a ball valve on the end and hose adapter..it snakes thru the elbows and does a great job of cleaning the tank…all parts available from Lowe’s!! Also use the borax dawn solution in black tank and borax-citrus in gray tanks every once in a while and got some ugly stuff out of the gray!!
Great video! So appreciative for such high quality content. One tip I'll add: for a cheap, more effective, rigid sewer hose runner, I use an aluminum gutter. It stores away in the bumper and keeps the hose perfectly straight. You can prop up one end and run it a long distance safely. Keeps your hose clean as well.
Guys, I've gotta mention, when you're at a campground dump site with people waiting in line, please be considerate. Don't be doing multiple dumps with 5gal of water in the toilet between dumps, as instructed in this video. It's too time consuming. This process is only appropriate when you are dumping at your home or at your campsite, and there is nobody waiting for you to finish.
We just went from a pop up camper to a travel trailer, which we haven't even picked up yet at the dealership, and I have been learning so much from your videos. Plan on continuing to watch more for sure. Thank you for taking the time to do stuff like this for newbies like us!
We've been tent campers for years. Now that kiddos are grown, we just purchased our first travel trailer. Hubby grew up travel trailer camping and knows a lot, but even he enjoyed watching and learning about new techniques and tricks. The black tank has been the one thing that troubles me the most...so this video really set my mind at ease that it's not as big of a deal as I was making it out to be. Knowledge is power!
Wow! Excellent information. I didn't know. Had my first black tank clog in 8 years using my RV. Added more water using the black tank sprinkler and nothing. What cleared the clog for me was to leave the black tank valve open and open the grey water valve. This must have caused a suction and pulled the black water clog. Lucky for me I went through this process the day before leaving the camp site. FYI - I did not know about adding 5 gallons of water to a black tank once it is cleaned. I would add a little water but in the future I will start adding 5 gallons to the black tank. Gus.
Clear, concise, and full of common sense. Wish I'd been able to access your videos when I first started RVing, but even after 20+ years, I never fail to learn something from them. Well done.
My dad flew his planes hundreds of hours. He once told me that when I didn’t learn something new every time he flew his plane it was time to stop flying. Same with RVs. The bucket tip is excellent! I have a one gallon bucket in my storage compartment, now will get a five gallon jack cover/black tank bucket and free up a bit of space in my storage area. Thanks!
Great video! I watched it less to learn and more to judge. Zero complaints! 40 years rv-ing and you're spot on. As for tips not mentioned, once or twice a year I drop a non-bleach/all natural laundry detergent tab into the half or more full blackwater tank before a drive. The laundry detergent keeps the entire tank slick and stick-proof for several dump cycles and doesn't mess with the toilet chemicals.
I'm a weekend warrior. After I dump I pull off to the side of the road and dump a bag of ice down into the tank. The ice chunks help clean the tank when driving and gives you a little big of starting water
Great job on the video. There's nothing to be afraid of here - it just takes some getting used to. I bought my trailer used (8 yrs/old)- the black tank indicator was stuck on 2/3 from the get go. 1) I tried partially filling, adding treatment, allowing to sit for 24 hrs and then travelling the rv before dumping the tank. 2) Fill and dump repeatedly - nothing seemed to work. Before our third trip I purchased a Camco 40074 RV Flexible Swivel Stik with Shutoff Valve at Walmart. You mentioned something similar in the video. After dumping/rinsing the tank I ran the swivel stik for 5-10 mins - the flexible hose allows you to move it around different sections of the tank - and voila our sensors give accurate readings! Ever since - following many of your tips - keeping the tank wet, using a treatment, and occasionally running the swivel stik, we've had no issues at all. Happy camping!
I hooked up a water hose to the black tank flush and forgot it. My wife screamed that it was overflowing in the trailer. It took a week of Pinesol washing every corner, pipe and furnace vent to get rid of most of the smell. I bought the small flow meter and now add 4 gallons after I dump the tank.
Hey there everyone, our family has been pop-up camping for many years. In fact my in-laws still have a 1960 something “tradewinds” pop-up and still use it occasionally. The wife and I decided to take the leap and purchase a Forest River Salem Cruise Lite this spring as we’ve had a seasonal site at our local campground. Eve though we have had our “first time travel trailer owner issues” and are still working out the kinks we are loving the camper. We have had a couple of issues with clogging the black tank. We use “RV” toilet paper and had absolutely no clue that regular old 2-ply is just fine to use. Every time we have clogged up the black tank, the owner / maintenance guy lets us do a complete flush of the tank while doing a pump-out. If it’s really plugged up good I take the handle of a broom and break everything up along with the (5-10) 5-gallon buckets I dump through the toilet bowl while opening and closing the dump valve each time. As long as we catch it early enough we can usually avoid a MAJOR PROBLEM. In between pump outs we use Camco black water treatment and an enzymatic liquid if we know it’s going to have a couple weeks to work before the next pump out. Great video and awesome suggestions and tips from everyone out there!! Thanks a million for a great video! I too subscribed and will definitely follow your channel. AWESOME!!!!
GREAT VIDEO! I have been RVing myself for about 20 years and I just learned some good, new tips. On top of 5 gallons of water after dumping I will split a gallon of Simple Green between the black and the grey tank. It helps with any possible odors and it is a great natural degreaser keeping your tanks slippery while in your tanks. This is an old trick my grandparents used for many years.
I’m so glad I found your channel! I’ll be sharing this video with my brother in law because he calls us all the time for RV tips and help. We also use Happy Camper to keep the odors away and always recommend to all the rvers we meet.
Great vid! I leave my flush hose connected at the site. After cleaning black tank, I turn on the flush hose for 30 to 40 seconds (5/8" max is 9.8 GPM) to put aout 5 gallons back in. Better for me than lugging a sloshing bucket. You can quickly look up max flow for varying hose sizes instead of buying a flow sensor.
My travel trailer is my "summer home" for nine or ten weeks of visiting family up North. I use the home remedy, 1 cup Dawn/1 cup fabric softener. It cleans the tanks and any odor is that of a laundromat. Other than the ~weekly dump (ie. Moving to a new location or end of season) I empty the tank and fill it full with water two or three times. Usually, this is enough to clear the tank level sensors. Then I add a couple gallons of water and the dawn/ laundry detergent to slosh around while going down the road. Sensors are delicate and need to be clean to work.
Thanks for all the great easy to understand videos. We are retirees and rented an rv once. We are considering buying a small unit and just hit the road. So I’m taking the winter to watch videos and learn, learn, learn. 😊
Very well organized, without frills or drama. Thank you! We'll be changing our routine a bit, given that this is our first year with a travel trailer with a toilet.
But NOT full. Some of these tanks and the way their mounted...I wouldn't want 4-500 pounds of black (or even gray) water bouncing around driving down the road.
Very good video ... I can't say it enough: "Never walk away when you are filling with the internal spray working!! I have seen a brand new 5th wheel that flooded for 30 minutes and cost $13000 to fix. I am thinking of using (in addition to the digital flow meter) a hose garden timer in line that will turn the water off after 5 to 10 minutes as a back up ... yes that is experience talking and it is after I came within about 4 gallons of the same flooding - it is so easy to get distracted! Another suggestion if your tank is not directly under the toilet is to carry a short handle plunger with an almost football sized bulb on the end. It is the only thing that has cleared a stoppage and works every time. Slow steady pressure will blow it free... and we do everything in the video ... just STUFF happens....
Great info! We bought a used travel trailer and will be taking our maiden voyage next week. There is so much to know, and this video was so informative and easy to follow.
I use a Rhino Blaster to back flush my tanks. It has a clear portion so you see what was not dumped the first time. I've been impressed by how much comes out after a couple back flushes.
This is THE BEST video I've watched regarding black tank maintenance. We pick up our Grand Design this weekend and I've been binge watching so many videos. Subscribed!!
Thanks for the nice comment David, we put a lot of research and personal experiences into this video so others can be properly educated. Congrats on the new camper! What model did you get?
First time rv’er. First long weekend “try out” trip in a couple of weeks. Invaluable video, very well explained and covered everything I need to know. Thanks a million!
I always check the dump valves before we leave, last year I went to dump one of our Frey tanks and someone had opened the gate and stole the handle. Fortunately it was a grey tank and I was able to force the cap back on until I could close the valve. Now I carry spare handles but ALWAYS check the handles and make sure the gate is closed before every dump. The other thing I carry is an oil filter pliers. It helps with the cap. I actually carry several and I’m always giving them away. They run $5 at harbor freight. Good video. Thanka
Our SOP was to pull over at a Convenience store get a 10 lbs bag of ice, dump it in the black tank and get rollin. The ice would slosh back and forth scrubbing the tank
Thanks Troy, I like keeping my how to videos short and to the point for my viewers, and glad it is appreciated. Thank you for watching and commenting sir.
As someone that has just entered this lifestyle, this has been a very useful and well explained lesson. Have had a septic system my entire life and think of the Black tank as the same.
It is not a septic system. Well maybe. Septic tanks hold water continuously. That is where the microbes take time to grow and digest your waste. Black tanks typically do not hold water long enough to achieve this effect. But maybe yours does hold waste long enough.
I lived full time for years, now will be traveling about 10 times a year in a restored rare classic motorhome. Thanks for the refresher course. I subscribed because you explain simple enough so that even I can understand😎, and no b.s. to it. Thanks again!
I have the black tank flush but still use the "wand" once or twice a season, works great and is the only way to truly spray rinse all four walls and sensors.
Keith, the more comments I see like yours makes me think I might get one and spray the tank a couple times a year too. I agree the factory flush port isn’t hitting the entire inside of the tank. Thanks for watching and adding to the discussion!
I just started the RV living life. Greatly enjoying but just dealt with my first BT flush. I had my tank open into the park pipe, and thankfully learned before it was too late to close my tank before my pyramid got to big. I also have the Camco 45 clear with the water flush nozzle and that helped so much flushing the tank out. Thanks for this great video!
This is, by far, the most informative and best explained video I have found so far...my family's first time rving and we are doing it semi long-term, so we are trying to get what information we can.
If I have been on the road and both tanks are closed off, I first empty the black with water going into the flush tank inlet. This way I am flooding the black tank while emptying the black tank. Then I close the black tank valve while leaving the flush water going. I have measured water and find that about 1 minute of water is about 5 gallons of water. Then I open the grey tank valve to use the soapy water to "clean" the hose while emptying the gray tank. This process works well for us. While camping I leave the gray tank open and close it the day before we leave so I have water to flush the drain hose with soapy water.
This was a very well done video with a bunch of tips and recommendations on maintaining our black tank. I already do a couple of the things you mentioned, but not all. Now I have a better understanding of how the system works and how to keep it cleaner, if that’s even possible given what it contains, during our travels. I tried to visualize how to cover our jack stand and then I remembered that we have a fifth-wheel RV and it doesn’t have a jack stand…LOL. Regardless, having a spare 5 gal bucket is a great tip that has multiple uses in maintaining an RV.
Very informative video. I have been camping since 1965. First growing up with my parents, then I got my own. First rv we had with a bathroom was a 21' Norris TT in 1969, then had 5th wheels and Class As. All of the tips I was taught by my father and it's always hard to get new rv guest to understand why you always put @2" of water over the flush valve after using the john. Never had a flush valve seal dry out.
I know you said to always have some water in the black tank. Most RVers know not to leave the black tank valve open while parked in a full hook up site. It would be good advice to highlight this for the new RVers. Don't leave the black tank valve open while connected to the sewer unless you are dumping the tank !
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS So the only advantage to using a full hookup site it that I can "dump" the black tank when ever it is needed without driving to the dump station or getting an auxiliary tank on wheels to do it. Still have to use the tank as if I were boondocking and pull the black valve only when needed, correct?
I use a bucket to fill. Usually put in 5 gallons. The treatment I use is Unique RV Digest - IT. It really breaks down the waste and the toilet paper. 2 ounces treats 40 gallons and so you get 16 treatments out of a bottle. This stuff actually liquefies the waste.
I use this also with 5 gallons of water in between trips. Eliminates the odor and breaks down the solids. I also use the elbow attachment that has the water hose connection and flush out that way. Good video and good info.
Wow! Thank you so much for this comprehensive video! I have really screwed up my black water tank over time by being toooo conservative with water. Mainly because in a camper van a few years ago the black water overflowed into the shower! disgusting! So I have this ongoing fear, but now that I understand the need for water, and have created the poop pyramid in my tank, I am ready to manage this issue! So, right now I believe there is NO water in my tank but a lot of waste piled up. The toilet is full to the top and I have used the swirling water snake numerous times to try to break that clogged seal somewhere in the pipe above the poop pyramid. I have broken it up somewhat, alot of TP, which, thanks to you, I now know not o use the RV kind - you are so correct, it doesn’t disintigrate for a long time! I have also purchased and used the back flow water pressure system at the tank discharge valve, drawing some waste out but I have not yet cleared the clog. Watching your superb video has given me an idea, now that I understand the configuration of the tank itself. If I raise the rig on the left side, to tilt the discharge valve higher I can get some water in that tank to stay. If I mix a batch of waste dissolving stuff in a bucket I can use a funnel to get that into the tank also. Then if I let it sit I may begin to break up that pyramid. What do you think? I am also thinking about shoving a broomstick into the pile. Would that be wise or stupid? Is there anything in there that I could damage? I await your help with less anxiety since watching your video. Thank you so much. Meredith
try using an old broom hold with a dull edge to break it up. wear gloves and dispose of the broom hand after. also, you can dump your solution right down the toilet. no need to go through the valve. thanks for the nice comment, let me know if you have any more questions.
Good Tips! Thank you. This is what has worked for us: After the dumping the black waste and use the sprayer till the "see through elbow" appears clear... Close the black tank valve. I use the tank sprayer to fill up the black tank, monitoring the amount with the tank level gauge, fill to 3/4 full then empty. I do this twice maybe 3 times. Again waiting to see clear water. Close the black waste valve. Then I use the inline hose sprayer to clean the black pipe and the hose. I'm always amazed by the additional "Stuff" that flushes out after the initial flush even though the water appeared "Clear". Cheers! Jeff and Sandy
I have the back flush on my elbow that hooks to the sewer dump. I shoot water back up into the tank I do this a least 3 times when dumping. Also I put a small pan head screw to hold my bumper caps on.i don't need my sewer hose waving at traffic as I go down the road. Also I dump 3 or 4 ,2 gal.pails of water down the toilet to make sure things get moved around.
Funny you mention the bumper cap, just finished filming a short video on a couple options to keep them from falling off. Thanks for watching and adding to the video Tom!
Side note on plungers that I discovered the hard way. So last June we purchased our first 38 ft fifth wheel, and it was used and in excellent shape. During one of my showers I looked down to see the water level coming up to the top of my feet. Being a regular homeowner all these years my first thought was to get out the plunger and fix it. I dope slap my forehead now when I think back about not knowing about holding tanks. But here was the problem in using that plunger. I had a HEPv0 waste valve on the shower which is simply a replacement for a p-trap. It has a long thin membrane inside that closes when no water is going through it. When I violently plunged the drain it sucked that membrane backwards up through the opening in the shower and really messed it up. Consequently I had to replace it because we were now getting odors up through the drain. So don't do that.
Great input, thanks for sharing. I probably should have been a little clear in my statement about plungers because it was meant to help unclog issues from the toilet down before they would hit the tank, a.k.a. meaning the clog was in the pipe going down into the tank and not necessarily in the tank itself. Also you’re not gonna get any pressure Using a plunger if the tank isn’t filled past the vent pipe and all the pressure will go out through that vent pipe.
I learned Black Tank Maintenance from my father. A lot of what you shared in this video. One tip from my dad was when heading home from a trip, find a dump station about 100 miles from home or on the last days travel and follow the “Dump, Flush, Dump…” until the discharge is clear. At this point fill your black tank (and gray tank as well if you want to) But add more water than you normally would. If you normally add 5 gallons, double that and add about a cup of laundry detergent to the tank. Make sure to use a detergent that is “Septic Safe” (need to protect that good bacteria) and let is slosh around for the last few miles of the trip then dump it and if not being winterized, put the correct amount of water and tank treatment recommended and you are ready for the next outing starting with a tank that has no bad smell
We always wash our dishes in a basin in the sink. When we’re done, we dump the dishwater in the toilet. It adds more water to the black tank + Dawn detergent and doesn’t put food particles in the gray tank. Since we dry camp most of the time, it also keeps our gray tank from filling up as fast. Great video!
We had an enlightening experience recently. We bought a Thor class A one year ago(first RV). Went on a dry camp for few days, so went to a dump station. I have a gate valve fitting with a hose connection since no factory internal cleaner. Started filling it and asked wife to check water level. She said no lights won’t work. Dummy me, I left hose running and went inside. It was not working. Somehow use switch changed to store. Heard a noise when I got power back on and wife screamed “Turn it off!!!!!” The water was coming into the sink in bathroom. I got the valve pulled just in time to stop from overflow! We have storage in the waste bay. So I take the slinky and compress it as short as it can and then connect both ends together. Fits on bay and no fuss, no muss. One should not use soap in an RV. Soap meaning bar soap or hard soap. Liquid soap is actually detergent. The soap scum you try to get out of the shower also builds up inside the gray tank. Very nasty stuff and can cause very large balls inside your tank. Great video!
Very informative, well organized, easily understood. I am a newbie and I have watched at least 10 different videos on black tank maintenance. This one is by far the best! Thank you. Will definitely be watching some of your other videos.
I throw about 20 lbs of ice and some dish soap or treatment into my black tank on travel days, right before we take off. Helps clean everything right out and scrape off anything that may be stuck in the tank.
Very informative! Thanks so much for posting! We bought a new trailer this year and this tutorial will ensure that we keep the black and grey tank in tip top shape and plug free.
Great video!! I will be grabbing a bucket today because NO ONE wants to stand in the bathroom lightly pressing down that flush valve for 5 minutes. Thanks for the tips!
Very good video, sir. Well presented and very informative. Using regular, septic safe toilet paper instead of RV paper was something I never would have imagined. As a new RV'er, I appreciate all of the tips and information. Thank you for the great video.
We have used regular septic safe TP for years with no problems. The key is to always keep about three gallons of water in the black tank. I also make sure there is water in the grey tank as well with the dump valve closed. That ensures that the dump valve seal remains wet. Wet tanks are happy tanks. For those who want to operate with the grey valve open all the time, just intermittently close it for a day, let some waste water go into the tank, and then reopen it for the busy times when people want longer showers etc. but dont let the valve seals dry out or you will develop leaky dump valves. No fun!
This is a great video. The clear pipe elbow is a great thing to have. I’d recommend having one at the trailer connection so you can see it right at the valve instead of walking over to the dump pipe.
Thank you so very much for this very thorough and informative video, we are going to be full time newbie rv’ers beginning in the of August, and this was the one area I was really struggling with, your video made it extremely clear and easy to comprehend! Thanks so very much!
When dumping, and the initial amount has evacuated the hose, we do what we call "power flushes". She fills the toilet with clean water, then flushes 2-4 times. I let her know when to stop on the walkie-talkie. You're right, you WILL be amazed as to the number of residual particulates that will find their way out. When it comes out clear, we're done. Good job on the video.
If you have an older RV and no auto / on board cleaning you need to have one of the cleaning sticks, I recommend Camco RV Straight Swivel Stik with Shutoff Valve. The end spins and blasts the sides of the black tank with high pressure spray.
Excellent video. We've been full timing for a bit over a month and not had any issues. We use Happy Camper powder as directed and the tethorford seal treatment periodically and love them both.
I'm surprised that you did not mention one very important method of cleaning the black tank. Pressure washing. Once a year now I use a pressure washer to clean out the inside of my black and Gray tanks. I only purchased a special high pressure hose and special spray nozzle. Then I slowly feed the hose into the tank from the drain vsorry. Not only does it thoroughly clean the inside of the tank but it also cleans the sensors. You have convinced yourself that sensors are useless, but I find they work fine with annual pressure washing. Also you have correctly pointed out that you should not keep the drain valve closed while using the black tank flush feature. But it's not just a matter keeping an eye on the level while you fill up. Actually I ruptured my black tank in this way and had to have it professionally replaced. So it should fairly be said that 1 should never fill the black tank through the flush valve. Thank you for this Very thorough and helpful video
Thanks John… never pressure washed my tank. It has no odor and sensors work so I never felt it needed it, but thanks for sharing what you did and watching! I have an update video to this one coming out in the spring.
