RV Black & Grey Tank Cleaning & Maintenance (LIES & MYTHS Exposed!)

[@johne.hilbert2046]

I've been a master plumber for decades. His advice is fantastic.

[@ScooterCounter]

I have been using the Pine-Sol/Calgon solution in my travel trailer since I bought it about 8 months ago. I couldn't be happier. No smells, no clogs, regular toilet paper from Sam's Club that is septic safe. I can't believe that people pay so much for septic chemicals and RV toilet paper. Thanks for educating me a year ago before I bought my first RV.

[@MokkiLife]

Me, too!🎉 💩

[@NDMikefromVelva]

What is the recipe?

[@BuildingByFaith]

I've been using the same solution since buying our new RV a year ago. I still get my gages giving false readings. I don't do the flush king every time, though, because I'm not always on full hookup.

[@mazzizmotoring1117]

What is the recipe?

[@theresarogerssimpson1280]

Hi what's a pine sol calgon solution?Ty

[@titanmedia3181]

Jim is the RV scene's granddad. I get excited every time I see him in a video because I know he about to hit us all with some hard-hitting truths. Thanks for another amazing video full of useful advice.

[@timcouch2037]

At the end of the season i always fill both tanks with hot water and dishwasher detergent and let it sit for a bit then drain. I had to drop my black tank so i took a look inside and it looked new. At that time the tank was 45 years old. I will try his additive this year and put a camera in the black tank to see how it looks.

[@karencandiette]

Hi! I just had Stephen come clean my tanks last week after watching Jim in an older video on this channel. I'm afraid I got a C on my tanks. No super slow sludge, but still, my bad... my boyfriend and I are full timers in Sun City, AZ, and it had been two years since my last cleaning. I used Happy Camper and Scott's RV toilet paper. I'm excited to not have to use that toilet paper anymore, and I'm glad not to have buy more Happy Camper, that stuff isn't cheap. Stephen was great! Very nice person, and very knowledgeable.

[@On-down-the-road]

I have used pine sol, and 20 mule team detergent. I have not had a problem. And I was told of this by a RV dealer about 40 yeas ago. The 20 mule team is a very slick soap, and my sensors always work.

[@JNante]

What's your recipe, as in quantity of each... Thanx in advance.

[@agfa663]

Please provide amounts of each products that you use.

[@On-down-the-road]

@@agfa663 I use a cup 20 mule team, and 3 splash, about 1/2 a cup pine sol. To 3 full bowls flush water. Then travel, and about the the second treatment the sensor will even work closer to correct.

[@myriadcorp]

This is the best advice for RV tanks. We use the Kleen Tank solution and it works excellent. I don't ever want to use a product that creates a layer of sludge on the bottom of my tank.

[@jaym4971]

Absolutely fantastic information! My wife and i are newbies to the RV world so all this is GREAT information. This gives me confidence in dealing with our black and grey tanks! thank you so much for these videos. Both the first one and this the latest version. Three A's is a pretty darn good grade, Tom!! Thanks to you and Jim! Great videos!

[@carlholttum9150]

In all of my tests with toilet paper I have found the CHARMEN ultra strong breaks down faster then the RV brands. I used to be a strong user of only RV brands, and when i ran the four sheet test in water for a week, found out with in a day the CHARMEN was breaking down in just a few hours, the RV brands did not break down fully in a week.

[@mikewatkins978]

An "Eye Opener" for me, fortunately for me I'm more of the weekend warrior so my tanks get emptied after each trip. Sometimes it's a longer trip but I have small tanks, 18gal. each, so every three or four days they get emptied. No problems yet and the sensors still work, I use "Unique" products because that seems to be working fine for now.

[@larrywilkening3475]

We recently had Kleen Tank clean the tanks on a new to us class a motorhome. The rv is four years old so we didn’t know what shape the tanks were in. We are very pleased with the results. I’ve been using the Calgon/Pine Sol solution and so far so good! I think that using a lot of water is the best advice.

[@ellenpowers8037]

Used Kleen Tank about a year ago. Terrific! Must say that the sensors worked at first but eventually stopped registering properly. Still happy with the process and the Pinesol/Calgon mix.

[@raystanton238]

Even an inexpensive ($20) bidet from amazon can save lots of tp and can actually save water because you don't have to shower as often. It simply mounts between the toilet seat and bowl where the 2 bolts are that secures the seat. Then a 1/2"x1/2"x3/8" sharkbite tee is spliced into the toilet water supply pex.

[@kathydavis5085]

Do you have any problems with your tank sensors anymore? Are they more accurate since doing this method?

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

We have an elongated porcelain toilet with a bidet. We love it. It makes a difference.

[@longgone2023]

I’ve wondered about if getting one of those would save on TP but you still need to pat dry so what’s the point. I sure as heck am not using towels. Yuck!

[@philipbuzzanca8450]

Just met Jim and His wife from kleen tank at splash RV resort in milton Florida.. very nice people. We have been using the Black tank Mixture since the last video too!!!

[@tracygeise7933]

I am definitely using this solution in my tanks from day one when we pick up our new rv. We used drop in chemicals in our previous rig. No major problems, but I'm sure it would be a grade of F if we would have been had it professionally cleaned. I do have a question, what about an rv with a maserator? Does the maceration get clogged easier?

[@ericjohnson6437]

We will be attending the Grand Design rally in March at Myrtle Beach. And we have an appointment with Kleen Tank while we are there.

[@marianopuente3454]

Being new to RVing this was the most helpful video I have seen in dealing with black and gray tanks.

[@BajaGirl302]

I always wanted to know about where to get the Calgon. There are different kinds.

[@gaylegaston5110]

I found the bath pearls on Amazon

[@Shawna_Howie]

After seeing your tanks Tom we are convinced to give regular toilet paper a try. We were avid believers in RV toilet paper and we always have been good about using lots of water. But after 4 years of use and doing regular black tank flushes and using toilet chemicals our sensors are no longer correct. We’re about to get a new RV and we’re going to give this a go, regular toilet paper, lots of water as we always have, and we’re going to use Jim’s recipe for solution and get a flush king and see how we do. Question, after reading the recipe on the website it says to use 4-8 oz each time you empty them but it doesn’t say if that’s based on tank size. We have a 53 gallon black tank and 2 53 gallon grey tanks. Great video and great info. How nice of Jim to share that recipe, it’s gonna save us a ton of money making his solution and using regular toilet paper! Side note - we are in Canada and calgon bath pearls are easy to find on Amazon, even next day delivery.

[@arcanetraditions]

Ive been living in my travel trailer across the US full time for 8 years. All you need is plenty of water with each dump and once a month or so just " flush" it by filling and dumping a ciuple times with just fresh water. I have used regukar toilet paper every day for 8 years. Quilted northern to be specific. Never had a single issue. People dont let their tanks drain long wnough for those floating solids to make their way out, then afterwards they dont put enough fresh water in there. A black tank is mean to always have about 1/4 tank of liquid in it. I dont use tank treatmenta or those silly garden hose "tank rinsers" they literally just fill your black tank, you can do that with your toilet.

[@kar-r5i4f]

When where done emptying the black tank we just put a few gallon of water back in black tank, then i put in 4 oz of RV digestive and were good for 10 days. one rinse and water is clear. so maybe we spent 10 bucks a month, we also pour about a cup full of pine Sol as well been using this process for years no problem. i have a 40 ft class A with 55 gallon black tank.

[@dustistreet5108]

I wish I had know this 2 years ago! I bought a 2001 5th wheel from a coworker for $2,000. He didn’t know anything about RVs and neither did I so I didn’t know about the valves on the tanks. When I decided to buy a new travel trailer I started watching all these videos and just found out about a week ago about having to keep the valves closed. Now I’m extremely worried about how much damage has been done. I ordered the Unique RV Digest-it plus and I’m hoping it works by Saturday (5 days) so the man who bought it (same $2,000 I paid) will not have a huge mess to deal with. Of course I’m going to tell him how ignorant I was about the tanks. He’s buying it to basically remodify it as a project. Wish me luck. I’m definitely more knowledgeable now and have learned a major lesson. Always research about what you don’t know, first.

[@kenhelmers2603]

Thanks Tom for sharing Jim and his work with us again!

[@65Max]

Not afraid of my tanks and tip for RV travelers! Maybe because #1, I started by using Pine Sol in both and 5 gal water in the black tank. And #2, I avoid all solids in the black tank. Since I use my 21DS mostly for traveling and visiting I decided to not put ANY solids into the black tank. I use campground facilities, rest stops, gas stations and restaurants as well as occasional boon and mooch-docking opportunities. Both tanks have a pleasant fragrance when dumping. Nos I use the Calgon/PineSol/Water mix recommended here.

[@gallixymike1530]

Did he check the water heater diode rod ? Just curious what it looked like after a year. Thanks for all the videos with Jim

[@raystanton238]

Sacrificial anoid.

[@Spenttheirinheritance]

We had some try to clean our tanks they could not get into the grey tank because of the turn that our tanks has. We have an Arctic Fox. We did find some who did get into the grey tank I was amazed the amount of hair the came out of the tank. So glad I has someone eles do our tanks.

[@susanstephon5284]

When you are at an electric only site like I mostly am, putting the tp in a trash can saves tons of water. My freshwater tank is only 38 gallons, so I cannot flush with plenty of water. You have to adapt to your situation.

[@irenehinojosa6629]

We had Kleen Tank clean our tanks a year ago but within 3 months our sensors were already not reading again. We also used the Pine Sol/Calhoun mixture and it hasn’t kept things clean. We also use the fFush King system every few cleanings. I just don’t understand why it works for some RV’s and not for others. I know we have some weird angles for the hook ups for the Flush King. The Kleen Tank gentleman had a hard time hooking up all his equipment because of our set up. 😂

[@SonarTravels]

What is the make an d model of your rv

[@Captndarty]

What’s the consensus on a combined black/gray tank? That’s what we have although we haven’t used it yet. It seems like it would keep the solids much more emulsified with sink and shower soaps

[@user-01Bigmac50]

Geo method half cup borax half cup of blue dawn

[@johndrenning5453]

The black tank in our trailer holds only 20 gallons. Jim is saying put 5-10 gallons of water in the tank for travel days. If we put 10 gallons in that is 50% of our capacity. That seems excessive. We have been putting 2-3 gallons in after we dump. Your thoughts?

[@rnordquest]

I think he’s assuming at the end of your travel day you will dump that since it’s only meant for cleaning. Then you reload with 3-5 gal. Those numbers really should be related to tank size and shape. I think the idea is that everything you put in later will float.

[@MushyFunguy]

In the first he said 5-10g. On 20s I'd maybe bump that 3 to 5. Compare it and see if you're having cleaner tanks when you get to a site and dump the initial 3g and then compare to 5g.

[@allenhaney9439]

We have a 1998 pace arrow vision and have had two problems in all that time. We use them to boon dock the only times we had problems was when staying in camp grounds. We do not use additives and we use regular tp

[@frankscherping]

Does Kleen Tanks have service in Quartzsite, Arizona?

[@bounderchris]

If I ever flush a toilet and it blows up and sends sewage all over the bathroom and me I’m going back to pull-ups 😂😂

[@benjamintucker9829]

We had a cassette toilet in a previous camper. Worked good but it was small and had to dump every day. Handy though if there's no dump station you can dump it into a toilet or a portapotti.

[@mazzizmotoring1117]

So, what is the recipe? How much Pinesol and how much Calgon?

[@MushyFunguy]

We just found this ch and watched this master series for black tanks. We just got our new tt and we will be doing all of his mentions. Thank you for this awesome info and you got a new sub!

[@ourvlife1]

Unless I missed it which I may have. Were the sensors still working after close to a year using the Calgon/Pine sol solution.

[@kathybrown2126]

What is the Calgon Pine-Sol ratio

[@46fd04]

The distraction lesson also applies to filling your Fresh Water Tank.

[@gmo9834]

Wow! Funny enough...but we enjoyed this episode lol! He makes so much sense & is sooo logical TY❤

[@DreamIt_PlanIt_DoIt]

Hey Tom, I was just wondering with your tanks being this clean after a year of use... did the tank sensors continue working accurately throughout this entire period?

[@unclewaynosworkshop8458]

I use the Flush King every time!

[@wandadruhan9935]

I had no problem finding Calgon in Canada.

[@GTPCarpy]

I run the One Control app and watch the tank level when flushing

[@JustinHallowesOutdoors]

I love this. people have always said you need to dissolve and I thought that was stupid and this proves me right. makes sense, holding tanks. not. septic tanks. when I leave a full service. I fill and dump the black 5 times. why not? lol.grey twice. mabey 3 time until I see no soap suds keep these coming. most people don't understand plumbing is the number 1 luxury of rving

[@oldbiker57]

Why not? Because of water shortages in many areas.

[@Flashracer1]

Will using Calgon water softener in liquid laundry section okay to use instead of bath beads?

[@carolynkinnaird701]

We want to know if your sensors have been working well please

[@Trupp42]

Thanks for the training video. I will watch it again but you said that the owner will need to have to clean the black/gray tanks again. Is this determined by gallons per tank, hours/mileage after the initial cleaning was done ?

[@gstev1]

Hey Guys, Not sure when you will see Jim again, what about long-term storage? (8 months over the summer in FL)

[@Scoffman0]

So he said to put in 3 to 5 gal after flushing the tanks so that it primes them. Is that for both the gray and the black? Also if you are winterizing the plumbing system and don't put that three to five gallons of water in there is that best or should you still put it in for the winter time as well?

[@thumperpaul]

Judging from the damage on your wheel skirt, I am assuming that you had a tire blowout?

[@jackhouran8851]

Malarkey complete Malarkey. 05 32W Bounder full time 21 years mostly boondocking.

[@Steelerfan820]

noy a septic tank is a good point. But what if your connected to a campground that uses a septic system and not a city system. wont the normal paper etc damage their system.

[@johnb5501]

The tanks in an RV are just that, (holding) tanks. They are not a septic "system. The septic/sewer system, either a city system or a system at a campground is designed to biologically break down the waste. That results in that sludge you saw come out of the black tank the first time it was cleaned! Even septic tanks must be "sucked-clean" after a long period to get rid of that sediment/sludge. You don't want that "breakdown" process starting in the tank. So, the paper that comes out of the RV tank is normal for a septic tank/system to handle but just the holding tank of the RV is not.

[@critmyster7492]

What recommendations do you have for winter storage?

[@shannonyork5300]

It would be really helpful if Jim (or you) could use a % of tank capacity (Black and Grey) for how much water to travel with in each tank and also % of tank capacity for how much to "Prime" (using the PineSol/Cagon/Water solution) the tanks with. At one point Jim mentions 5 - 10 gallons for "traveling" and 3 -5 gallons for "Priming", but there's a wide range of tank capacities in modern trailer models. So, a % would be most helpful Thank you.

[@agfa663]

If I connect the city water hose dupply, open the shower and watch the E-1/4-1/2-3/4-F meter and stop it at 3/4 would it be as good. At least I eon't have to buy the valve and water flow meter.

[@gonecampin11]

How do you handle cleaning on campers that do not travel

[@longgone2023]

I’ve used nothing by Cottonelle for 10 yrs. No problems ever. We use a Sewer Solution at home after every trip. We dump at parks before we leave, and put a bit of water in the black. Occasionally we’ve dumped in a bottle of Calgon and a cup of Dawn and 20 lbs ice. Nary a clog or smell. But the grey ! Watch out for garlic. Don’t wash dishes without wiping off any alliums.

[@countryflyer4536]

We put 10 gallons of water in our tank, we only boomdock.. a little chemical and our tanks are clear and in good shape.. this guy is right on!!!!!!!

[@rickcollins4762]

Has anyone mentioned using borax, dawn, and 5 gallons of water before you travel so all the sloshing loosens everything.

[@timtrammell3971]

What about using a macerator?

[@GTPCarpy]

Thought you guys were using Liquified

[@jefflanz1906]

thank you so much for making this video, I`m new to camping and am going to take all the advice you gave. Great job!

[@kathybrown2126]

Thank you so much your videos are always so educational

[@sloanschwindt9718]

Do you put your tank solution in the gray tank too?

[@debbiewebber1582]

Will a white vinegar rinse from time to time be helpful or harmful?

[@jasondarla]

Kleen Tank solution recipe: Use a clean, empty one-gallon plastic jug or bottle Measure 40 ounces of Pine-Sol (or similar pine oil cleaner) into the jug or bottle Add eight ounces of Calgon Bath Pearls to the jug or bottle Slowly add water to the jug or bottle. The contents will foam, so be patient. Put the cap on the jug or bottle and shake Every time you’ve emptied your holding tanks, add 1/2 cup of this solution (to both tanks)

[@thomasmcgraw5899]

Can you use the concentrated pine sol?

[@mrsmatt2010]

Question, We live in TX and our HEB does not carry Calgon. Will other brands work?

[@Art-nh8wf]

Just to add a footnote. It may be safe to use regular toilet paper, but some campgrounds require RV toilet paper.

[@Chuck-ht6jm]

Question any of the calgon bath beads I can only find the lavender moisturizing kind

[@RobertMcDowell-y3h]

What about the incinerate toilet, they used them in Eroupe.

[@4doorxj]

can calgon laundry detergent be used? I thought it had to be a water softener?

[@just.bob.j]

Can't ya use some dove liquid soap at all times to keep it nice and soapy and cleanish?

[@longgone2023]

One thing we do when we are boondocking / dry camping at sporting events is to save space in gray tank is dump our dishwashing water down the toilet. There’s always lots of soap in that water and an occasional noodle or string bean. Not putting cooking related water in the gray but only using that tank to hold shower, bathing, etc, means no bad smells in gray.

[@danielfisher1204]

Could ask him about the remote dump valve maintenance. Ours has been replaced and worked very well for about 5-6 months but now you think the handle will pull off trying to open it. Any tips ? Thanks

[@tommyhorne1039]

How much water to use when you flush?

[@robertoliver6980]

of course it is a fresh clean tank you had the tank power cleaned a year ago. Keep using his method but also keep paying to come out and keep your tanks clear at least once a year.

[@andreap2244]

That toilet paper picture is the best.😅😅

[@toddkiernan]

What's the pine sol, calgon, water ratio?

[@billysprague6219]

How did you break your fender flair?

[@kristinmcgregor1866]

Well crap (no pun intended!) I bought and used the Calgon beads instead of the pearls. Will it not be as effective? I hate to throw out a whole gallon! Guess I could use it to clean other things!

[@BadDadio]

What is the proportion of Calgon/Pine Sol/Water?

[@jakefriesenjake]

It's like 40 oz of pine Sol, and 8 oz of calgon, put it in a gal jug. Fill the rest of the jug with warm water, put a lid on it and shake. After you dump your tanks, add 3 to 5 gallons of water in your tanks. Then, add 4 to 8 oz of your mixture into each tank.

[@BadDadio]

@@jakefriesenjake thanks!

[@TracysJourneys]

We have had our Rv for about 3 months but the smell is so bad when the air conditioner is running… I’ve changed the air admittance and flush the roof vent I don’t know what else to try

[@jasondarla]

Check the toilet below the bowl flap for a buildup of the brown stuff. We had this issue..... really bad smell. I used a toilet brush with string attached and tied to my wrist so it didn't drop into the tank. Also used household toilet bowl cleaner.

[@hodlmama6729]

Has anyone used the Great Value 2X Multi Purpose Cleaner in place of the Pine Sol. Saves a lot of money. I was the one using the RV chemicals and not flushing toilet paper. I hated it. So I’m changing. I live on Social Security in my 39’ 5th wheel. So saving money is a goal.

[@jaredbengford6251]

Can dude wipes be put down into the tank? They say they are Rv safe.

[@WildLilac01]

No

[@ConsultantMerciaMur-SAY]

He is like the prep & the colonoscopy Doctor all in one!😂

[@Mr.SuperDuper-idk]

I don’t think my RV can handle my TURDS 💩 There are MASSIVE logs 🪵 What to do?

[@The_Blessed_Cowboy]

Thanks for talkin S#!t Good info. Been having these debates for some time.

[@tarpanc34]

if an rv had a marine boat toilet it would grind every thing up and add water at same time.. question is... Why dont they go that route ??????

[@sgtfully]

I really missing the videos on your journeys. This info is great, but the pretty much the same stuff for the last 3 to 4 weeks.

[@Retired5oh]

NRVTA says use treatments, maybe do a video with them explaining which is the correct way. Getting two different stories here.

[@thousel9325]

Exactly what I was thinking!!

[@petec8157]

I’d say A

[@robbs96]

This doesn't look like the same RV as in the first video.

[@coronakang]

I used kleen tank because of your video so thank you

[@minirunt]

Toilet paper. I have seen many dump stations drain inlets/plugs clogged with toilet paper. If not caught early on, the waste will back up and flood the site, making it unusable. So I am not sure if toilet paper that disoles or not to put toilet paper in black tank is the answer.

[@carlbeaver7112]

Holy crap! Simple things for simple minds, eh?

[@Chuck-ht6jm]

Oops found my answer