RV Black Tank Cleaning, Maintenance, Tips & Tricks - The Original Black Tank Master Class
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- Опубликовано: 31 май 2024
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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.
-After dumping the black tank, fill the tank to 25% 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: • RV/ Marine Toilet Pape...
🎥Clear a Pipe Clog: • How to: Clogged black ...
#rvblacktank #blacktank #rvtips #blacktankmasterclass
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ESSENTIALS:
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✅ Camco 90 Degree Clear Sewer Elbow amzn.to/3eezBe7
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✅ Hughes Watchdog 30 Amp Surge Protector/EMS amzn.to/3hAmgCy
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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: ruclips.net/video/ceCdXandlLU/видео.html
🎥Clear a Pipe Clog: ruclips.net/video/BUmPMGDEKxY/видео.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: ruclips.net/video/KcEUgsDw6kk/видео.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
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I believe the storage pipe diameter is two big and it curls up and gets stuck that way. They couldn’t get a short section of it in.
Just before a decent drive i put 5 gallons of water a 20# bag of ice and a bottle of dawn dishsoap. Works awesome
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.
Excellent tip Doug, thanks for adding!
Hopefully you're allowing the grey tank to empty into the black to get the solids out better?
@@rolloverriderpgr Grey tank does not go into black tank.
that's why there is two tanks.
@@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.
Newbie 5th wheel owner here... so does the grey tank empty into the black tank or empty into it's own exit hose? Thanks!
Just bought my rv.....I'm a 67 y/o single woman, I was very concerned about black tank duties!! Now I feel it will be a breeze! Thank you!!
That’s awesome Loretta! Safe travels to you my friend!!!
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.
this is mentioned in the video description
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 😉
thanks for the comment!
Pretty sure I just found RV Jesus! 😮 Thank you, new trailer owner.
Our pleasure!
Driving with water in the tank is a great idea, the sloshing is truly a great way to help clean that thing.
thanks for watching and commenting!
Quite possibly the best black tank management video on RUclips.
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 would agree.
@@ericknowles1637 thank you!
I WILL SECOND THAT!
Quite possibly Ryan is correct.
Who watches this FREE video with tons of excellent, FREE advice and has the nerve to give it a thumbs down? Amazingly informative video Ross & Tara!
Thanks for the nice comment!
Are the people who watch this also smart enough to get a driver's license?
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.
thanks Peter, safe travels!
Hello Peter! All the BEST! ☺
Me, too. 63, and first travel trailer this week
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!
Good idea. Doesn’t work in the summer
@@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 :(
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!
Thanks for the info Steve.
How come Scott makes me bleed when I wipe, but Northern doesn’t (and Charmin has so much dust it makes me sneeze?)
@@JesusismyLifeCoach 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.
@@JesusismyLifeCoachthat Scott guy sounds really abusive.
@@oni_goroshi 🙃
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.
Great tip to save water Chip! Thanks for watching!
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!
Genious
Wouldn’t that contaminate gray tank possibly?
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.
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 for watching and commenting!
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.
Thanks for commenting!
I've heard of using the ice in an empty tank just as your leaving so it can kinda move around and Scrape the bottom of the tank 👍
This is definitely the best video I’ve seen on black tanks and maintenance and I’ve watched quite a few, thank you
Thank you Alton, I appreciate the kind comment. I’m glad you liked it and thanks for watching!
sooo true
I agree!
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 RUclips. Really like your channel. Safe travels and happy camping.
happy you liked it and glad to have you on board!
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.
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.
Great tips! Thanks for watching and adding to the information in this video!
What amounts do you use for Calvin/PineSol together?
Ancient Chinese Secret?
@@margepinkowski2797 hi Marge. What is the recipe?
@@margepinkowski2797 what is your recipe for this cleaner?? Tnx
I’ve watched several black tank videos in preparation for my 1st RV trip. This is the best video I’ve seen so far. Thank you
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this informative video! I've been full-time for 10 years, my black tank has an external flush but it doesn't agitate the tank, so I also use a wand every month just to help keep it cleaner. I've used the Pure Power Blue product for a while and have had good results in both tanks. I dump both tanks before traveling, and leave a few gallons of water in each and add Dawn dish liquid now and then to help loosen things up. I flush both as quickly as possible once I settle in to my campsite... I find doing this helps keep the little flies from breading in the tank. Also if you don't want to deal with flies keep your valves closed and get into the habit of dumping gray water as needed. Keeping valves open also allows the tank to dry out and then the sensors start having issues and gunk cakes up creating bad odors. It's a dirty job but it's an unavoidable necessity 😅 happy travels!
hope it helped!
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🙏🏾🙏🏾
hope it helps!
The 5 Gallon Bucket is like the Swiss Army Knife of RVing!!!
It really is!
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!
That’s awesome! I’m happy to know the video helped. Safe travels!
What Walmart septic tp do you use, please? Ty
@christinazuehl9045
You can use any kind of toilet paper don't believe that you have to use certain kind
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.
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.
Good info thanks!
2 words...FABRIC SOFTENER
First time setting up and bringing out our RV next weekend. Watching all I can. Your video was so helpful to understand.
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!!
Campco makes a flexible black tank cleaning wand for angled toilet pipes.
You made the mysterious black tank so logical, great presentation. Top tip however, the bucket over the tongue jack - love it. Thanks!
Glad you enjoy, and thanks for commenting Curt.
I have a 2016 travel trailer and don't have a built in black tank flush. I have a clear 45 deg elbow fitting with a valved hose connection that shoots water up the black tank drain up into the tank. I use this to back flush and fill the black tank several times each time I dump until the water comes out clear. Have never had a black tank problem or a level sensor problem in six years of use. I use Happy Camper and am happy with it.
I do have a pretty direct and short pipe from my dump valve back into the black tank. I do believe the key is to dump and flush thoroughly and often.
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.
Great tips, thanks for sharing Richard!
EXCELLENT VIDEO! Soaking the black tank overnight, genius. It fixed the issue we had with our grey tanks. Well done and thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jake, appreciate the comment and thanks for watching.
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.
glad you liked, thanks for watching Andre!
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!
@@rolloverriderpgr I won’t tell anyone if you don’t!
Thanks for this video! We have been weekend warriors for 7+ years, I definitely learned some things from your video! 🙌🏽
thats awesome, we are weekend warriors for 5 years, and still loving it! glad you enjoyed, and welcome to the channel!
Yours is the best tutorial on black tank maintenance anywhere out there. Thank you, Ross.
Thanks Richard!
Excellent video. Finally a video that states exactly what’s needed without all the other bs. Thanks
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.
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
Thanks for commenting Bubba!
I agree. This is the most clear and comprehensive video I have viewed. Thank you.
Thank you Ian.
Juan.....READ THIS! N WATCH THIS! GREAT channel!!!
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 are learning so much as we go with using our RV… this video was SO HELPFUL!!!! Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
I've already forwarded this vid to a few family members 'cuz found it so useful. Thanks for the effort in putting it together.
Glad you liked, and thanks for sharing!!!
I have a tip to share with your viewers since my 2010 does not have a flush valve fitting.
I added another waste valve to the end of my dump pipe. The reason I did this is so that after I dump my black tank completely, I close the extra valve and pull my gray tank open. Since water can't escape down the drain it has nowhere to go but up into the black tank. I run about 10 seconds then close the gray valve and open the extra valve and watch more crud be flushed away. I typically do this 2 times, then dump the remainder of the gray tank the normal way to flush out the drain hose. Also it prevents any smelly leak surprises when you remove the end cap.
This has worked very well for me in helping to keep the black tank as crud free as I can during normal use.
Thanks for a comprehensive video.
Excellent idea, thanks for sharing Paul.
I'm curious if the gray water goes up into the black tank of some of the black water goes back into the gray tank.. if there is more water in the black tank than gray wouldn't the pressure do the opposite and push black water up into the gray tank? Even empty eventually the pressure would level and allow black tank germs into gray tank? I'm new to owning an RV and doing my best to learn from different perspectives
@@amybowling266 I was wondering the same thing. I hope someone replies
Hi Ross- this was one for the best how to on Black Tank maintenance we have watch.. Chasing RV Sunshine ☀️ Joel, Deb & 🐕 Maya
Thank you guys, really appreciate it! Hope you are both doing well.
Excellent tips and straightforward methods to maintain the black tank. Not yet an RV'r, but feel like I'll be well informed when the day comes with videos like this. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!
Thanks for the nice comment Ed.
Great stuff! We our picking up our first on Monday and this answered a lot of questions I had already so thank you
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.
Thanks for the nice comment Jeff. Welcome aboard!
Outstanding detail! You have a new subscriber, and I’ll be getting a bucket tonight.
Thanks Shawn! Glad you enjoyed!
Finally, a video that seems to be detailed about steps in order .. will be watching as I still don't have the hang of this!!
thank you for the nice comment!
This video will be my black tank checklist. All of your videos are going to make my first purchase so much easier!
thanks again, hope our videos are helping my friend.
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!
glad it helped, and thanks for watching and commenting Joy!
Great job! You got it all covered in this video Ross. 👍🏼
Thanks Chris, I haven’t gotten to your new one yet. Been really busy editing this video along with a new one coming out this weekend. I’d like to be able to sit down and watch the whole video at once. Safe travels my friend.
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.
Thank you so much for such a well organized, easy to understand tutorial. I learned so much!
You’re quite welcome!
Great video. I've been pulling a trailer for 15 years, and this is the type of info I share with friends who are new to RVing. Nice job.
Thanks Jeff.
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.
Thanks guys, glad you commented, checking out your channel now and subbed. Very impressed! Appreciate the support of our new channel too!
Thank you for a clear, concise video without unecessary info. Subscribed.
Thank you for the nice comment Tara!
After you drain the black water tank, close the valve and dump a bag of two of ice into it. It will slush around while driving and scrape off any debris stuck to the walls or the bottom of the tank. No damage, and no chemicals. Clean tank every time!!!
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.
Glad you enjoyed, appreciate you watching Ron.
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.
thanks for stopping by and commenting Rick.
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.
The most comprehensive and well scaffolded presentation on Rv black tank operation I’ve seen. Thanks
Thanks for the nice comment! Glad you enjoyed.
THANK YOUUUUU SO MUCH. We are newbies and you are so easy to listen too very easy to understand and thank you to the other commenters. Yall are life savers!!!!
No problem!
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.
Thank you Judith! Welcome to the channel!
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.
Thanks for watching Bill!
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’ve always had good luck storing my RV in the summertime with full tank of water and a little bit of bleach. Just soaking them keeps them smell free and clean. I’ve been doing this for seven years and have not had any problems whatsoever. I just stick a hose down my toilet hole and keep an eye on it the whole time it’s filling. I also stick the hose right in the drain of the sink and watch the shower drain. As soon as I see water come up it, I know the gray water tank is full. Knowing the tanks are sterilized in between my camping trips keeps a smile on my face..
Best I have seen so far! I'm 71 and new to having a black tank (had a popup prior). Very helpful.
thank you for watching and commenting!
Great video and very useful tips , Thank you for all the links to help newbies in the covid upsurge of camping and learning a new love for what history and places to explore in their own back yard !!!
Our pleasure, thanks for the comment Steven!
I have been having problems with my black tank and while watching a lot of videos this is the one that helped me the most.
Glad it helped John. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The best video I have found on caring for the black tank on RV's. Many thanks
Thank you!
This was the best video I have seen on emptying the tanks.its my first rv...thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful!
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.
Awesome presentation! Very thorough and easy to listen to and follow! Very logically organized. Some great ideas that I never thought of and some very important things not to do! Thank you so much! -RV Newbie (previously very anxious about making my first dump)👌👍
Thank you for the nice comment!
I'm still nervous
I haven't even picked up my little RV yet and the black tank has probably had me the most nervous, aside from learning how to drive and park the new Little Guy Max. I'm a solo traveler....fingers crossed! I'm loving all the advice!!
Excellent video. Clear, concise, and common sense tips. Thank you.
Thanks Jim, I appreciate that.
Just checked in on this video again. So proud at how well it's doing. It's by far the best Black Tank management video out there. Awesome!
thanks guys. Hope you 2 are doing well. Let's get a britney sometime!
Thank you very much for this video. I just initiated myself to this wonderful world of RV. It was extremely important for me
Glad it was helpful!
me too
@@sandygeorge-manning7906 glad you enjoyed!
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.
Thanks for sharing your experience with everybody Gus. Glad you enjoyed the video.
This was SOOO helpful, and reassuring. I’m experienced in my profession, but totally NOT in my travel trailer. Thank you!!!
You are so welcome!
Our summer RV is in a nice park so permanence. Because the bathrooms are professionally maintained we use them to pinch loaves - feed the bears etc.
RV for draining the lizard or Venus fountain etc. Unless intestinal emergency of course.
Accordion poo hoses for travellers are cheap so don’t wait til they’re dry and sketchy! Also very important spray lube your knife valves inside and the handle shafts. I was in the RV industry and a jammed or broken knife valve can cause you a mess, stink and misery. Happy camping!
Thanks for adding to the video!
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.
Glad it was helpful!
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?
@@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS We ended up getting a 265bh. Perfect layout for us and the little one.
@@davidandbrandee very nice, have fun my friend!
We have a GD 337RLS. There are some great Facebook GD groups with lots of good info.
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 !
You won’t be able to keep water in the tank if the drain is open. Thanks for watching and commenting Roger! We appreciate it!
@@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?
@@fkiehner That is correct.
Thank You, Ross!!! I am new to RVing and you answered all of my questions! Awesome job and fantastic video!!!
Thanks for the nice comment!
I’m considering an RV and found this video exceptional. Clear and concise delivery.
Thanks for watching and the kind response Bob.
Thanks for the great information I am always willing to learn new things and I am quite the do-it-yourselfer type of guy
You’re welcome Kerry, thanks for commenting!
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!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
I use Unique products and have been totally and completely satisfied. I've RV'd for more than 40 years and just discovered Unique last year. Wish I'd discovered it sooner. Try it. You'll like it. Blessings to you and your channel.
ive heard good things about Unique, thanks for watching and sharing Dan!
thanks again Dan!
Love your video just became a 2023 owner of a new RV this has showed me so much and i saved the video. thanks
Glad it helped Fred!
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.
That means a lot coming from a 20 year veteran. Thank you!
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.
Thanks Mike!
Thank you my friend,you have done an amazing job explaining the cleaning process and now l can do it myself. Please keep me updated!!!
glad it helped!
The bucket over the tongue jack is genius. Thanks for the tip!
Welcome!
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!
Our pleasure!
SAME! We were teardrop campers for 5 years and just ordered a GeoPro that we'll get soon. Watching these videos really helps and I'm very grateful!
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!
same!
Same here Travis. Can't wait and also nervous at the same time.
Best video I have seen on black tanks. You have a new subscriber! thanks!
I agree.
Thanks for the compliment, I’m glad you liked it. Also happy to have you on board my friend!
Absolutely THE BEST educational video I've watched. Thank you so much. I now feel confident in knowing the right things to do.
glad to help
This is such an informative video. It makes perfect sense. 💯
Thanks Karen
This is an awesome video. You are doing a great job explaining how the process works for newbies :-)
Thanks for watching and commenting Linda!
Excellent video... straight up no frills
Appreciate the help you give.
Thanks for commenting Christopher!
This is, without a doubt, is the best, most informative video on Black tank maintenance I've ever seen! Outstanding!
Thank you sir, the comment is appreciated. Glad you liked!