Holding Tank Routine - Page 2

Patandlinda · 11-22-2015, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Now this is something I've never thought of. The drain pipe on my 21 is about six feet long, so according to Jon's formula it holds more than two gallons. Dang. So, how should one proceed? Use packets and hope they stay on the floor of the tank and not immediately go into the pipe?

Don't you think maybe you are overthinking this ? Pat

Mike Lewis · 11-22-2015, 05:18 PM

I overthink everything.

Mike Lewis · 11-22-2015, 05:20 PM

I haven't been happy with odor control in my trailer. I'm using the wrong stuff, but having the chemical wash into the long pipe immediately might also have something to do with it.

gbaglo · 11-22-2015, 05:46 PM

I think we should just relax and let nature take its course.
Add a half gallon of water after emptying, add Odorlos, and if it starts to smell after a couple days, add a couple ounces more.

Patandlinda · 11-22-2015, 05:49 PM

Pat

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think we should just relax and let nature take its course.
Add a half gallon of water after emptying, add Odorlos, and if it starts to smell after a couple days, add a couple ounces more.

thoer · 11-22-2015, 05:55 PM

I think that there are probably a lot of holding tank chemicals that can do a decent job. I picked this one based on Amazon feedback ratings and it has so far done a very good job for us :Camco TST The packs are sized for much larger holding tanks, so I cut them open, store in an air tight container and figured out how much was needed for our size tank.

bdornbush · 11-22-2015, 05:55 PM

The Oderlos that I get comes in a tub and is packaged as a tub of loose granules with a scoop, so there is no packet to dissolve. It's less expensive in bulk and from what I have read here, there is an advantage to not having a packet. I have also had good experience with it, although I would like to know how others measure the gallon of water. I just dump it into the toilet and hold the flush valve running for about 20 seconds.

BCnomad · 11-22-2015, 06:08 PM

"I would like to know how others measure the gallon of water."

My completely un-scientific timing of filling my 22gal black tank is 8mins on a wide open valve. So your 20secs is on track, perhaps a bit low.

float5 · 11-22-2015, 06:13 PM

We have empty gallon containers to use but I often just run the water.

Mike Lewis · 11-22-2015, 06:49 PM

Buying Odorlos in tub form and adding as needed will probably work. I will try this.

Mike Lewis · 11-22-2015, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdornbush

I would like to know how others measure the gallon of water.

I measured the capacity of the toilet bowl once and I think it was about two quarts. So if you fill the bowl then flush it twice you should get your gallon.

padlin · 11-22-2015, 07:57 PM

We carry a square 3 gallon pail, comes in handy washing the bugs off the front of the trailer and truck as well as dumping water into the black tank. Fits in the dinettes bench seat.

Dave Walter · 11-22-2015, 09:44 PM

We seldom have issues with doors. We do try to minimize going #2 in the trailer when campground facilities are available. I also will dump the tanks as often as possible, typically no more than about three days between dumps. We always try to dump before travelling, and usually put a dash of that blue stuff into the tanks after dumping. So far this strategy has worked fine for us.

cpaharley2008 · 11-23-2015, 06:18 AM

Mike,
You can always tilt your trailer forward to push the liquid back into the tank and then dump.

OneOleMan · 11-23-2015, 03:26 PM

Like Alf I use the "Geo" method and not even Gonzo th' Dawg notices any odors. I mix about 1 cup of Calgon with the same amount of liquid laundry detergent into a 1/2 gallon juice container then add another 1/2 gallon water in the tank. And so far, (knock on wood), the tank sensors seem to be working fine too.

escape artist · 11-23-2015, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneOleMan

Like Alf I use the "Geo" method and not even Gonzo th' Dawg notices any odors. I mix about 1 cup of Calgon with the same amount of liquid laundry detergent into a 1/2 gallon juice container then add another 1/2 gallon water in the tank. And so far, (knock on wood), the tank sensors seem to be working fine too.

Hi: OneOleMan... We have switched to using liquid dishwasher detergent. It's low sudsing, and contains some bleach too!!!Everything else remains the same. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

OneOleMan · 11-24-2015, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: OneOleMan... We have switched to using liquid dishwasher detergent. It's low sudsing, and contains some bleach too!!!Everything else remains the same. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Yer right, Alf. I was having one of my many Senior Moments

when I said laundry detergent.

skiman · 11-24-2015, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: OneOleMan... We have switched to using liquid dishwasher detergent. It's low sudsing, and contains some bleach too!!!Everything else remains the same. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

I like it! What brand?

escape artist · 11-24-2015, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiman

I like it! What brand?

Hi: skiman... Usually WallyMart store brand or whatever is on sale at the grocery store. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

skiman · 11-24-2015, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: skiman... Usually WallyMart store brand or whatever is on sale at the grocery store. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

I guess it won't leave spots on the dishes.

Definitely give it a try as soon as my tub of packets run out. Like that is readily available. I could never find the Calgon in store around here for the Geo.

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