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Topic: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free (Read 1031 times) previous topic - next topic

Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

A gem of a product with an answer to many RV'er's black water tank prayers.

Odorlos Holding Tank Treatment Yara North America, Inc. Home
1-800-869-8764

No masking odor and works great at neutralizing black water tank odor via enzyme action.

Picked up a 68 oz container for around $20.00 Has an internal measuring cup built into the bottle
and 1/2 cup per 40 gallons of tank size.

No formaldehyde and 100% Biodegradable.

We are between motorhomes now but have a Theford Electric Porta-potty in our 2000 Chevy
Express conversion van.

Every thing we tried before got quite ripe smelling within 3 weeks in the hot, summer Florida heat.

Then we came upon this jewel of a tank treatment at West Marine.  For this we are most grateful and
wish to spread the good news to fellow RV'ers.

Happy odorless motoring!

------------------------
Robert

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #1 –
I haven't used a tank additive regularly in years. I keep some powdered Rid-X in a cupboard, and did add a bit when we boon docked in Yuma and Quartzsite for 3 weeks, but I really don't think I needed it. ... but other than that I just try to use a good amount of water.  When we had to change out a toilet and I wanted to neutralize any stinky stuff in the tank because the outlet was going to be open, I flushed the tank well and then added about a pint of plain white vinegar to the tank.  Even the guy working on the toilet said he had never been near anything so odor free.  Solids are an issue when you are sitting still ... odor is an issue in hot weather.  Vinegar is really cheap, and neutralizes the ammonia/stink in higher temps.  It has been working for me. 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #2 –
Odorlos (the powder version in packets) has been our black tank "chemical" from the beginning.  We used to buy it at Camping World, but they no longer sell it (fortunately, I stocked up a year or so ago ::)  ).  We'll have to check the local boating suppliers. 

Even with our 50+ gallon black tank, 1 packet does fine (supposedly each treats 40 gallons).  I like the powder since there's no risk of a liquid spill, freezing in the winter during storage, and the boxes store neatly in the shallow cabinet next to the toilet.

Michelle

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #3 –
Guess I'll express a different take on this:

Nothing you do will make a black or gray tank "smell good".  And particularly the way Foretravel designed the tank vent system, there is not need for it to.

The objective is to keep the tank odors out of the coach, not make them smell good.  If you have tank odors inside the coach, you need to investigate the SOURCE of the odor and remedy it.

Start with P traps, including wash machine if so equipped.  Also check the under-sink one way valves.  They  can be cleaned and if necessary, replaced at any box store.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #4 –
All of our use is weekends only at the racetrack and it sits in the shop during the week.  For 3 of us, we never use the blacktank much so we often go 3-4 weeks before dumping.  I typically don't use products except some bleach now and then to clean the bowl and it keeps the ball seal watertight.  What works best is lots of water (always put about 10 gal back in the tank after a dump) AND not using the fantastic while running the toilet.  Once in awhile while traveling, it can get ripe if flushed during travel, and, I've smelled the tank outside the coach during a flush if its getting full.

I like the vinegar idea-- it works good?  I've always been nervous about getting too crazy with the bleach but its always worked good as a deodorizer . 
Mike
2002 U270 36'

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #5 –
Years and years ago when I had babies in diapers ... and before disposable diapers, really ... when you got a little guy up first thing in the morning the soggy diaper would reek of ammonia.  That can be very caustic to little fannies!  I was told that if I put a bit of white vinegar on the outside of the diaper when I put the baby to bed, it would neutralize the ammonia.  Presto!  It worked.  The acid of the vinegar totally does the job. I clean the motor home regularly with not much more than vinegar, baking soda, salt (as a heavy abrasive) and Dawn.  I do use a bit of bleach & water as a sanitizing spray in the kitchen & bath, but very little.  I don't like to put bleach into a campground's septic system, especially if it is not on a public sewer. We live in our coach full time, so stuff never sits for very long. 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #6 –
Carol, your tips on efficiently running the inside of a Foretravel have been invaluable to us.  Thanks, and Karma to you!

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #7 –
12 years and nothing in the tank other than the first year.  Ran out of the stuffs noticed  and noticed no difference on the trip home so never put any back in. Use plenty of water and run water thru when you dump.  You will be fine. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #8 –
When we did have an issue of "stinky coach syndrome" in our '95, it was because the P-traps had become old and were allowing whiffs of nasty to filter into the coach. Worst was in the closet with the Splendide (grey water is often stinkier than black). Replacements can be had, as Brett Wolfe said, in a Lowe's or Home Depot, as they are a standard size. We follow the same procedure as John S, use plenty of water and often dump our tanks when we first arrive at a campground because things are nicely stirred up.  Tankwashers help me feel confident that the sludge is washed out ... the transparent elbow that is available is a real help, as well. 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #9 –
Have been wondering if one could use the waste grinder pump, reversing the DC leads and connect to water supply, could back flush the black tank and grey tank ?
Some times you read about the tank being blocked/stopped up, just wondering as I have been thinking of getting a pump, problem, need to change the connector on discharge bib.
Just seems to make it easy to really flush the tanks.
Just too much free time I guess here.
Just need opinions, ideas
Thanks
Dave M
 

Re: Keeping that Blackwater Tank Odor Free

Reply #10 –
I have Jeff & Carol Savournin's old coach and Carol sure is fastidious.  I have followed their advise and never had a problem with tank odors.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159