Do You Use Holding Tank Chemicals?

[SilverGate]

That question was first asked four years ago in the sub-forum, "Waste Systems, Tanks & Totes":
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444/do-you-use-holding-tank-chemicals-7694.html

That thread was active for 2 hrs. & 2 min. before it quickly succumbed in the murky depths by other threads. I revived it today and 2air’ & others also brought some "fresh air" to the subject.

It’s about time this question be put in the Community Polls format and join its companion question, "Which Chemicals Do You Prefer?" (started one year ago):
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f232/chemicals-do-you-prefer-21998.html

After taking the poll, please take a moment to comment.

If yes, why and what do you use?

If no, why?

SilverGate

[azflycaster]

We have used a product from CW called orderize (sp) for a couple of years now and have been happy with the results. We just started useing another product in the grey tank to help eliminate oders. When the grey backs into the shower, it can be a little nasty.

[SilverGate]

As I mentioned yesterday in the four-year-old thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444/do-you-use-holding-tank-chemicals-7694.html…
Our Safari is our first RV and when we received our dealer walk-through and orientation last January, we were given a complimentary trailer starter kit, which included some holding tank treatment samples. We were told that it is a good idea to add the treatment with a gallon or so of water to each tank. We then picked up a 68-oz. jug of the highly recommended Odorlos (Non-formaldehyde, Holding Tank Treatment) from Camping World and have been using it after each dump of the tanks (black and gray).

It seems to be working just fine. We have never had any trouble with odors. And we liked the idea that this product breaks down waste/tissue and lubricates valves.

As others have said in the older thread, the value and use of chemicals depends on how often you use your trailer. Those "on the go", full-timers, etc., probably do not need to use chemicals. But for those whose trailer sits for awhile between trips, such as ours, it is probably wise to use, what 2air’ would say, a top tier holding tank treatment product.

SilverGate

[Royce]

Unique RV Digest It, In both gray and black tank. Cleaned the 30 year old black tank in one treatment. Also made the valves operate freely and still seal. Unique is a mix of enzymes and non pathogenic bacteria. The enzyme breaks down the stuff and the bacteria eats it releasing more enzyme and CO2.

[TBRich]

We are currently experimenting with various types to find the one that works best for us...we had/have an odor problem (addressed in aanother thread)...the dealer replaced the vent under the vanity, but I'm not totally convinced the problem's solved...I'm beginning to feel it's a combination of temperature and types of chemicals...

Pretty bad when your main concern on a trip is what you smell in the bathroom.

TB

[crazylev]

We used to use holding tank chemicals. The stuff we used was Campa-chem or something like that. It came in foil packets and had this blue powder in it.

We decided to try without a few times, and in hot weather and made the decision to never to use them again. We found that just keeping the bowl clean was really enough, and we were not pouring chemicals into the dump catch basin thing.

Jonathan