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gwsullivan · 08-06-2002, 03:05 PM

I am looking for suggestions on toilet chemicals. I have tried several brands and have yet to find anything that works great. I've heard that chemicals that contain formaldehyde work best but that many camp grounds forbid them? What is everyone out there using?
Thanks for your suggestions,

Chuck · 08-06-2002, 03:29 PM

Quote:

I have tried several brands and have yet to find anything that works great

What is it that you're trying to do? What do you mean by "works"?

From what I've read (and experienced), if there's a bad odor, its because the tank isn't vented properly. OR there was something in the tank that killed off the naturally occuring bacteria that is breaking down the material in the tank. If you kill those bugs, (aerobic bacteria, which need oxygen to live), "anerobic bacteria" will take over. These bugs are less aggressive, but do not need disolved oxygen to live; they get their oxygen by removing it chemically from the compounds in the tank, and in the process, give off sulphur and other odiferous gasses.

Formeldahyde will kill the good bugs in the tank. The chemical deoderants might cover up the smell, but there shouldn't be much of any there to begin with. These chems turn your tank into a toxic waste dump. Poop is the most biodegradable material out there...it shouldn't need much help. the chems just preserve it for all posterity, and poison the environment in the process. (and damage the balance in the dump station's system, too, which is why they don't want you putting it in there). If you're having a big problem, I'd consider thoroughly flushing out the tank multiple times to get rid of any toxic residue, make sure the vents aren't clogged, then don't put anything in the tank that hasn't first been eaten. (with the exception of TP). There are enzyme based products that will (allegedly) help speed up the natural process. Most of the stuff I see on the shelves is some sort of poisonous stuff. Even stuff labelled "formeldahyde free" has a skull-and-crossbones on it...same difference.

**jcanavera** · 08-06-2002, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gwsullivan
I have tried several brands and have yet to find anything that works great. I've heard that chemicals that contain formaldehyde work best but that many camp grounds forbid them?

I usually do not use products with formaldehyde either. I probably haven't found the perfect one yet. I usually make sure that whatever I use states that it liquifies whatever is in the holding tank. That's an important part of the equation. I know my wife used to use Borateem power (Borax) along with the environmentally friendly holding tank chemical. She said it kept the toilet smelling better. Whether it did or not, it didn't seem to have any adverse affect upon the tank or valves.

One thing I do notice is that heat takes its toll upon the odor masking properties of the environmentally friendly products. In hot weather we usually have to add a second dose to the tank dependent upon how long we go before dumping. Many of the brands will state that on their labels.

Jack

gwsullivan · 08-06-2002, 03:58 PM

I don't have a problem with odors but I guess I expected the chemicals to break down the solids faster. I flush the black tank with the Flush King after every outing. It has a clear section of pipe so you can see when your tank is clean and I am seeing 'solids' remaining after treating the tank and driving some distance. I guess this is normal and I should just live with it.

davidz71 · 08-06-2002, 04:03 PM

One forum member said they used liquid bacteria under the Crestline name and have been happy with the results. Check www.rvchem.com for explanation of liquid bacteria and deoderizers. I have been contemplating using this stuff when I finish my Camco products I buy at Walmart.

**jcanavera** · 08-06-2002, 04:11 PM

I've not seen anything liquify quickly so I'm not sure if there is anything out there that really does the job to the point we want. It probably is a matter of how long the waste stays in the tank.

I'm pretty particular regarding emptying the tank so I make sure it is full before dumping. Never have had a clog or problem up to this point.

Jack

thenewkid64 · 08-06-2002, 05:17 PM

I have used the RV Trine brand powder that is available from CW. It is safe for tanks, valves and all dump stations will be fine with it. It has a lemon scent and is a natrual enzyme that supercharges the normal bacteria in the tank. In regards to getting a more complete flush or getting the solids to liquify there is another way to hasten the process. Prior to leaving the campground put 5 lbs of ice in the black tank and drive 10-25 miles to the dump station. The hard ice will scour the tank, grind up solids, and then melt.

This also works in lieu of flushing the tank by pulling a hose in thru the window to flush from the inside.

This is a often discussed topic at rallies, and for some reason always comes up after a meal.

gwsullivan · 08-06-2002, 05:48 PM

Thanks guys, I ordered some of the Crestline products from rvchem.com and I will try the ice next time. I really don't have a problem, I'm just anal about having a clean tank.

thenewkid64 · 08-06-2002, 06:21 PM

your a punny guy!!

Pahaska · 08-06-2002, 06:50 PM

These seem to work well for me. If I am only out for a night or two, I toss in half a tab. If longer, then a full tab. I never have had any odor or clogs. I have been working on a bottle of 50 tablets for ages now.

I like them because they are not messy and the bottle can't leak. I had a bottle of liquid chafe through from vibration in a previous trailer and what a mess that was! I didn't find it till days after the trip when I went back to the trailer in storage. By then, the bottle was empty and the carpet destroyed.

thenewkid64 · 08-06-2002, 07:33 PM

John,

The liquid has never worked well for us. The stuff we use comes in a pre-measured packet and is a powder. We buy it in a box and have no storage issues.

JW84345 · 08-06-2002, 07:35 PM

I use whatever I have in the coach when I dump. Usually buy what is on sale. I've used the aqua-chem formulas with and without formaldehyde in the past. I look for the formaldehyde free formulas. I am not real particular about brand.

Secrete to keeping the tank clean is flushing it. As noted, let it fill up before dumping. Fill it with fresh water and dump when storing the coach between uses.

Jim

**jcanavera** · 08-07-2002, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JW84345
Secrete to keeping the tank clean is flushing it. As noted, let it fill up before dumping. Fill it with fresh water and dump when storing the coach between uses.

Type of toilet paper has a bearing also. I remember a thread on the RV forum on Compuserve a year or so back. Everybody did a test on the brand of toilet paper that they use by putting a sheet in a bowl of water and seeing how long it took to disintagrate. I think the winner in the consumer/home division was Northern Quilted and Scott Tissue.

Do we dare try to resurrect this test here????

Regards,

Jack

gwsullivan · 08-07-2002, 08:44 AM

I performed the tp test and determined Scott single-ply to be as good or better than the others. When I lived back East and had a septic tank I was told to use Scott.

Dwight · 08-07-2002, 09:12 AM

We tried the powder and tablets in the past and last year we decided to try something else. We have been using the Crestline liquid product this summer in the Texas heat and there is no smell what so ever. As to TP, we use the same 2-ply toilet paper that we do at home, we just put it in a trash container after each use and dump it in the campsite trashcans each day.

**jcanavera** · 08-07-2002, 09:15 AM

We used Scott up until the Compuserve TP test. My wife likes the Northern Quilted better than the Scott. Personally I think the Scott does liquify better but we have had no problems with the Northern. Again the key being I always dump the tank full. If it isn't full at departure time I stay with the foot on the pedal filling it up. No exceptions.

Jack

JW84345 · 08-07-2002, 07:54 PM

Darn, we've been buying the expensive RV brand TP. I know the Coleman brand will disintegrate, as it barely makes it off the roll. The Thetford stuff is real nice, but as I ponder this thread, I bet it is nothing but repackaged home product.

thenewkid64 · 08-07-2002, 08:40 PM

Everthing that I have heard and experienced is the cheapest stuff that you can stand is fine. It ALL dissolves about the same. And if you do a good flush you should not have any problems.

davidz71 · 08-26-2002, 09:47 AM

I purchased a Flush King last week from Camping World in Nashville. It was the last box on the shelf. I also bought the adapter converting the Thetford system to the smaller system so that it would connect to the Flush King. I found that the underside of the trailer/bumper did not allow the Flush King to connect. I went back to Camping World and bought a 45 degree clear elbow which allowed me to clear the bumper. The Flush King was connected to it so that the hose connection was on the left side and the valve discharge was pointed to the right. I haven't had a chance to backflush my tanks with this device yet but it sure beats dragging a hose through the door, down the length of the trailer and sticking it in the toilet and bathtub.

Pahaska · 08-26-2002, 10:48 AM

I use a single-ply generic paper from the generic section of the supermarket. It is labelled in both English and Spanish and I think it is made in Mexico. Dirt cheap and works as well as the expensive RV stuff.