I remember reading something that if the tank really smells bad, you may be stuck with the smell. It's very difficult go get the smell out.
I guess the plastic absorbes the stench.
Five years is a long time to sit with a tank full of ______
Hopefully someone has an idea that will help.
I use the Geo Method in my holding tanks.
therink wrote: For me, no chemicals ever. Lots of water, water, water. The geo method. Never any odors.
X2 on the geo method since it keeps the sides of the tank clean and slick and everything in solution and with lots of WATER, WATER does a great job for us.
5 years with a full tank???? Man, that's tough to fix. Gotta find something that will eat into that pile of s___ that has settled on the bottom.
I'd either try some septic tank enhancers (bacteria type) & let it sit for a long time or the ice cube method & shake it up real well. In either case, I suspect it will take multipe efforts.
Might even consider replacing the tank.
BTW, I use cheapest, stinkiest liquid laundry fabric softener routinely in mine. Put in about a cup after each dump. Works great for me.
jim330rifle wrote: I have tried used many chemicals for my black water holding tank and have not had good luck.What is the best to use that will clean it out and kill the smell?
First flush your tank with water several times. And after each dump if you can, fill with water and dump again. Always add water to an empty tank and use plenty of water when flushing. Water is your friend to keep the tank working as it should so it dumps cleanly.
I use Thetford Aqua Kem. Have for over 10 years now and have never had an odor in my MH or around the sewage bay. Marine and RV'ers have successfully been using this for years.
Be sure the label says 'liquefies waste' and 'breaks down tissue'. Many deodorants on the market are nothing more than perfumes and can not claim this and this is what is needed in a holding tank.
Remember it is a 'holding' tank not a septic and IMHO digesters, geo, water softeners where never meant for holding tanks.
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us".
I usually add about a 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent and about 3 gal of water when I move, while traveling the detergent will help clean out the caked on matter, normally, but you have an unusual situation which may need more than a cleaning, but you may try a method I have seen some talk about, never tried, just before departing add ICE, Cubes along with the detergent, the Ice will help knock the stuff loose., Maybe, Good Luck
2007 Country Coach, Allure 470, 42',ISL Cummins 400, TV- 2011 Chevy Silverado, Blackhawk and Brakemaster.
Use the Geo method, just double up on the water softener. If you are using water softener the goo at the bottom of the tank will soften easier so it will flush out easier. The Geo method really helps eliminating the odors.
To kill the smell... Close the valve.. Yes, CLOSE the dump valve (Both black and gray) the smell is not coming from the black tank, it's the gray, and/or the sewer.
To clean it.. Dump, then add 1/2 cup Dawn Dishwashing liquid 1/2 cup Calgon water softener (liquid or powder) and about 1/6 to 1/3 tank plain water. DRIVE, At least 50miles, sloshing it around well.
Then dump again. Use "the Flusher" (whatever they put on it) to pop the bubbles (or just wait)
Short of power washing, that's about as good as you will get.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
septic tank enzyme, digester, from home depot or lowes.
i add a shake after each dump. for the long term storage, dried up solids. they have to be digested, before they will flow out.
water and enzymes are your 1st choice, after your finished camping..
dump and flush.
fill with fresh water add a couple shakes of enzyme and leave.
add water as required to keep from drying out, until next trip.
when getting ready for next trip, dump and flush, add 4-5 bags of ice cubes into the tank. with some dawn dish soap, to remove any grease that may of been dumped into the tank..
have fun camping..
when you dump the next time add water and enzyme again.
when you return from camping, if you still have solids that won't leave, do the soak again..
2nd option, replace holding tank.. :-(
good luck..
somewhere in the texas 'lost pines'
'08' Dodge mega limo-cab, 409, kelderman rear air ride, max brake controller.
'02' 34' Holiday Rambler TT, the Gypsy Wagon.
'83' Ford Ranger with a 2.2 Diesel, little smoke
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