Holding tanks, especially the black tank, can be the most problematic smell for RVers. These tanks can collect solids and become a strong source of unwanted odor. Water is your friend here. It, along with an effective holding tank treatment, is what allows the tank, and nature, to do their work. Too little water and solids pile up on the bottom of the tank and can accumulate to the point where they prevent complete tank flushing, which is nasty and will produce an equally nasty repair bill.
Always start with a flushed tank and add a few gallons of water along with a preferred toilet treatment. Do not be tempted to use homemade concoctions in the tank. There’s plenty of bad advice on the internet, and mixing the wrong chemicals can be damaging to some components in the waste system, such as valve seals. Using anything but chemicals designed for RV holding tanks can create hazardous and even deadly gases, which can lead to system damage—and affect septic systems tied to dump stations. Again, add plenty of water to the toilet each time solids are introduced, and make sure there is plenty of water in the black tank before dumping.
Making the system work better
I recommend the following products for the black, grey and fresh water chemicals. These are what we use in my shop.
TST probe cleaner
Camco’s TST Probe Cleaner restores accurate sensor readings with a super-concentrated formula that attacks residue on probes. For use in black and grey water tanks.
RV grey water odor control
TST RV Grey Water Odor Control removes grease buildup in your grey water tank, sink and shower drains. This grey water holding tank deodorizer comes in a fresh lemon scent. Four ounces treats a 40-gallon holding tank. It is 100 percent biodegradable, does not contain formaldehyde, is environmentally safe and is non-staining. The product is safe for septic tanks.
Camco’s TST MAX RV Toilet Treatment
Camco’s TST MAX Lavender RV Toilet Treatment helps control unwanted odors and breaks down waste and tissue in your RV or marine waste holding tank. Just 2 oz. treats up to a 40-gallon tank and stops odors for up to 7 days. This product is RV- and marine-approved and is completely biodegradable. It does not contain formaldehyde, pesticides or biocides and is safe for all septic tanks.
Spring Fresh—1 Gallon
Camco TastePURE Spring Fresh cleans and deodorizes your RV fresh water systems with a safe, biodegradable formula. Dewinterize any fresh water tank or line. Also good for periodic cleaning, freshening, and deodorizing. The one-step, no-measure solution requires no mixing or preparation. One gallon of solution cleans up to a 100-gallon tank.
TastePURE Drinking Water Freshener
Camco TastePURE Drinking Water Freshener helps to eliminate algae and slime from your drinking water tank. Just 1 ounce for every 20 gallons of water helps remove bad smells and tastes.
More from Dustin
Read more of Dustin’s articles here.
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I definitely 2nd using tank treatments. I use CampChamp in both my black and grey tanks. It’s been a proven product for more than three years now. It’s a two-step product. 1 cleans the tank – use 2-3 times a year (depending on use). The other is a routine addition (every time you empty your tank.
If you’re going to be at the Tampa RV Supershow stop by their booth, 406-407, and check it out for yourself. Tell Jason I said hi.
I found that gray water tank odors are primarily caused by the chief cook routinely washing food scraps down the drain like they do at home where it goes down the sewer or the septic tank. When these go into the gray tank they lay on the bottom and rarely get flushed out when you dump letting them rot. This causes the odor, always put food scraps into the garbage bag and dispose of them that way.
I agree! I don’t think folks realize how much stuff (food particles) goes down the kitchen sink, even after scraping off the scraps. Instead, use a green Scotch Brite pad, cut to the diameter of your sink drain, and nothing goes down the drain except water. At the end of the day, when finished cleaning up, lift the pad out of the drain, squeeze dry and place on a folded piece of paper towel overnight. In the morning, use a tooth brush to scrape off all the food particles. You’ll be surprised how much stuff that little pad collects.
Thank you, Dustin! Well, if you recommend TST tank treatment products, then I will try them. Thank you! 🙂
In the opening comments it states that a build up of solids can lead to an expensive repair…and I don’t doubt it. Or maybe not…
Many years ago I bought a small used TT for my daughter and her husband to get started. This trailer was used only at a lake side permanent lot, so was in fantastic shape as it never was subjected to travel. Bad thing was the owners just left the black tank valve open, so there was a LOT of solids buildup…about 1/3 full! After procuring it I filled the black tank with water and dumped in Travel Jon brand digester. I let it sit two weeks and flushed it out. Tank was like new!
I highly recommend Travel Jon. Great product!
We use Happy Camper for all three tanks. I also added a flush out to our galley tank when it was replaced. No odors from any tank in our RV.