Black Tank...

[grammynmaggie]

I was wondering how often you but "stuff" in
your black tank ? Now remember I am not
camped anywhere...just using it maybe a
few times a week...for #1 only...but sometimes
it still gets smelly. Thanks donna

[VickieP]

I always go with one bottle (40 gal. Tank) after each dump, along with some water.

[cpatinjones]

I always add new "chemical" to black tank with water after emptying.

[grammynmaggie]

like I said I don't use this like most of you all do
either full time of traveling a lot...so I wonder
if I should not use it ...unless I am camping
any ideas ....

[monik7]

I think I read somewhere that a small amount of water (1/2 inch) left in the bowl will provide a barrier for any bad odors to get into the coach. Don't know if it works or not but I've done it with success. I don't use the toilet, however, except when camping so don't really know the answer to your second question. You might try the little bit of water and see if it helps.
Sandi

[avalen]

I did not use chemicals when I lived in mine for those 4 years, and I always kept an inch of water in the bowl to block any sewer gases coming in. I also kept water in the p-traps of the sinks as well. I don't remember ever having any sewer smell in the rig.

[JoanE]

Don't have your vent fan on when you flush. That will suck odors right into the rig.

[JudyJB]

The problem might be not enough water when it is not being used very much. You might want to add extra when you flush to make up for the water that is evaporating. I seldom use chemicals, but I do add a lot of water each time I flush and even between flushes when I think of it. Sometimes I just stand on that pedal for a while.

Adding water to the sink if it drains into the black tank as mine does might also help. That can evaporate also and cause odors to back up.

[Bethers]

Rarely put anything in my tank .... only time I do is on occasion when I'm boondocking for long periods of time and using less water - just to help things dissolve - as I do much more than just pee - (TMI).

[grammynmaggie]

Thanks for all the great info...I think I will check
the water...and use more ..put some in even
when I am not using it...like now I don't use it
because it is to hot to go anywhere...
thanks again girls...

[MelissaD]

Remember your black tank is nothing but a hold tank. There are chemicals to help fight the smell and help things break down but most are only good for about a week. We get these little packets at Walmart that are already proportioned http://www.walmart.com/ip/Porta-Pak-Portion-Control-RV-Marine-Holding-Tank-Deodorizer-Packets/16783721 and just drop a packet in after I flush tanks with a gallon or so of water in the tank. Don't want dry tanks as they will stink more. If we go longer than the week sometime I drop an extra packet in and it seems to help. There are different versions of Porta-Paks and we use the orange.

The other point is dealing with any gasses. Keeping a little water in the bowl will help keep the seals sealed and from drying out. Since the gas has to go somewhere it should go up your vent to the roof. Ensure your vent line is clear. You can remove the cover on the roof and run a garden hose down it without water unsure its not clogged. Wasps and other insects build nests in them and clog the vents. Once you know its clear you can run some water down it to ensure its cleaned out. There are new vent covers which are designed to help vent the tank outdoors like https://360productsnorthamerica.com/site/. Flushing the toilet with the vent fan on will suck gasses from the tank into the camper.

I have added water softener (not fabric softener) to the tanks when traveling. It seems to help loosen the stuff that wants to stick and stink up the tanks. Newer RV's appear to come with a black tank flush system which really helps flush the nasty bits from the tank. A clear elbow http://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-RhinoFLEX-90-Degree-RV-Sewer-Hose-Swivel-Fitting/23636867 between the RV sewer connection and sewer hose will let you see what's coming out. They come in straight, 45 and 90 degree elbows. I prefer the 45 degree one. I flush my black tanks until I get clean water and no chunks. Also waiting until you have 2/3 or 3/4 full tank will unsure a good flow to move the nasty bits out of the tank.

If you flush black tank(s) before the grey tank(s) the gray water will help rinse your sewer hose.

Hope that helps.