100,000 views and 3486 likes - WOW Thanks for all the support and don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't check out more tips for RV black tanks here: ua-cam.com/video/xMHY2xKorz8/v-deo.html
For my black tank I used a couple pounds of baking soda and a half gallon of vinegar and a couple gallons of water, it foams up and I rocked the camper sloshing it inside the tank, did that a couple times. After that whenever it started to smell and at the end of the camping season.
Are you kidding? Took 1 and 1/4 minutes to get to the first step. Had to get through all the begging before the tutorial. Those who beg for subscriptions and likes, get no subscriptions and DISLIKES from me.
I couldn’t agree more!!! Right to the point! Friendly and funny! I too subscribed! Picking up the items tomorrow!!! Then looking into upgrading my vents!! Hoping he has a how to video on changing them out!
Add that GEO mixture to your black tank BEFORE you take off to your campsite and it will slosh around inside the tank on your trip and will give your sensors in the tank a good cleaning.
My husband works on the road so he basically lives in our camper through the week. Because of the long term use, the black tank odor has become quite overwhelming for the rest of the family to visit. My husband has always used the bacteria eating pouches, but they have stopped working a long time ago... I think we are going to give your method a try!! Thank you!!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and watching the video. I'm so glad that you found the information helpful... If you have a chance check out this other video for 5 tips on black tanks : ua-cam.com/video/xMHY2xKorz8/v-deo.html
There is a trick to clean the tanks really well, especially if they are older tanks. Pretty simple actually. 1. Have the camper all hooked up and ready to travel. 2. Make sure you have emptied your tank as best you can. Drain and flushed. 3. add 2 gallons of water and then add three or four 10 pound bags of ice into the tank. Drive to your next destination then drain and flush your tanks again. This will scrape up any solids that have attached to the floor of the tank. Then add water and whatever chem you use. This method will work really well if you do it 2 or 3 times in a row when you move.
Your Amazing!!! Thank you so much I am a CNA living on my job premasis as an emergency esentual worker during Covid and I live in an RV for the time being. You r a life saver BLESS YOU!
I ran out of packets and started using dawm soap and it works. 👍 I was also thing of using stick on cleaners as well next to where the water comes out.
Ok...i poured my first gallon into the tank..will see how that works tonight...was so bad last night had to sleep on the couch...fingers and toes crossed...thank you for the video post
I hope you dumped the tank first? Also do you use a flushing wand when dumping? If not you should look into getting one. It will help to move all the large deposits out of the tank.
Ok you convinced me. I'll try it out. I've read this before, but you are way more convincing. I just knew you were going to suggest installing something. LOL ❤️👍👏 Donovan & Jodi
I bought a repo, black tank read full, 2 inches off hard pack on bottom, hot water and dawn let sit then master blaster, now spotless, gauge are working again, grey tank grease on sides Guage stuck on 3/4, hot water and dawn all good now
Been living full time in our rv for 2 years, black tank will smell no matter what treatment is in it once it gets full enough to overpower the treatment used. An easy way to keep the smell where it belongs is to turn off the exhaust fan while flushing the toilet. If the fan is pulling more air out than can be replaced by what comes in under the door the negative pressure will draw the air out of the tank when the flush valve is open. Once the valve is closed and sealed with water turn fan back on. You can also avoid the negative pressure condition buy opening a window.
When travelling I use GEO Method with couple of large buckets of hot water. By the time I get to my destination it's agitated enough that when I drain and rinse the black tanks, it remains much cleaner.
Gary Kemplen , Thanks for the comment and taking the time to leave a positive comment that will help others. Have you ever tried any other products on the market? What made you try the geo method?
@@3tailsRV Tried dishwasher detergent and also works well. When stationary I use Happy Camper, tried many others before falling on this one, it really does a great job.
Excellent! If I remember correctly with my old motor home I think 🤔 I always kept water 💧 in the toilet 🚽 bowl to prevent any odors. I would close the trap and fill the bowl after use...
Thank you I have to brush my nose... Ive restored 3 RV s Now I have a 32 ft 46 year old sailboat. Boat wakes from the ICW ...stirr the pot. I just had my tank pumped. I will try your method
I can say those siphon vents work. I have a rv rental biz with 19 trailers and have them on every vent. And haven't had the odor smell. I use a hockey puck shaped blue disk for the treatment. I get them from a sewer company and they work great. Thanks for yhe video
Keep a little water in the bowl. Holds the valve closed. If the bowl doesn't hold water , you probably got a leaky valve. The leaky valve may be caused by Poop stuck to everything. Pour a little dish soap in the bowl and if it doesn't hold the soap, you have problems. If it does hold the soap, it'll probably clean off all the poop, then you can try the water again and it will probably hold the valve closed. If the valve is closed, the smell cannot get in.
I just added Calgon and Dawn, along with Borax, as is suggested in a number of other videos. I'll pull it about 100 miles tomorrow, then dump it at the campsite. Thanks for the vent cap suggestion, that's next.
You don't use chemicals like TST? I'm a newbie- the calgon/dawn mix sounds far better, easier and less expensive than the black tank chemicals. I'm using the orange TST ultra concentrated chemical- when it gets near "dump time," there is definite odor. I also have a sewer pipe vent cap that helps tremendously.
Tina we all start some where.. We had no idea either and the reason for this video and my channel to help others along the way. TST is a great product , but I think you will be happier with the GEO Method. thanks for watching and leaving such a great comment..
For some reason, we knew about the Calgon and Dawn treatment, but haven’t used it in a while. We need to start again. Have never heard of the exhaust fan. We’ll look it up and see if it’ll work for an Airstream.
Thank you for this video, I've been living in my rv for 6 months now and have that stinky smell when I flush. Didn't know how to get rid of it. I'll be heading to the store this morning to get the calgon and Dawn and trying this asap.
First off thanks for watching. Damn is a dish soap and Calvin is a water softener. After looking on amazon.uk I would try ecover fabrics softener and fairy liquid washing up. I hope that help. If it does please respond to this post to help others. Thanks
Great video! I’m going to try that geo treatment on my black tank. I have the vent caps just whiting for it to stop raining to put them on. Thanks for the info.
@@3tailsRV well my wife and I are new to RVing. So new that we just got a first RV yesterday. So I'm trying to get all the info in can take in even if it is Navy training videos. LOL
I already put the vent caps on the RV and they are definitely a big help. Appreciate the information on the fabric softener and Dawn dish soap. My only question is is there anything that Dawn dish soap can't do? It is the duct tape of the liquid world. LOL
Grand mother taught me long ago no poop in RV , had to bag and tag a few times and a couple of times with flu I had to but it was flush and fill with water re dump and borax and baking soda. I'll try the Dawn and I have never seen the calgon
Dawn S, first off thanks for watching and leave such a good question. Next time you dump your tanks add the Dawn and Calgon with the water. It stays in there until you dump the tanks the next time. if you havent check out this video for 5 tips for RV tanks: ua-cam.com/video/xMHY2xKorz8/v-deo.html
We use over the counter rv tank products but we may be swapping to this method for sure. I have never been able to smell...I can't even smell a skunk...really....before you ask yes I can taste. lol ! But !! My wife can smell and you all know...a happy wife makes for a happy life !! Love the video ! Thanks for sharing !! By the way I found you on @Pawz and Effect.
We get that smell alot when having heavy winds blowing while camping. Could that be the problem meaning winds blowing air into the vent instead of the odor being released through the vent?
That is why we installed the 360 vents. They remove the negative air flow and help to designate the orders from inside the black tank out thru the top of the RV. Hope that helps
Thank you for a great video. I am now a new subscriber to your channel. I have black tank odor more so in the upstairs bedroom after a flush and few minutes after. Is that more of an issue with needing a vent on roof or will your method take care of this? Thank you
I know your post was a year ago but in my 5th wheel bedroom is where the smell is the worse. A guy told me that it’s from the pipes going through the walls and vented out the roof in my closet of the bedroom. Almost unbearable especially in the Texas heat. I will try the geo method. I religiously do the happy campers in the toilet after I drain the black tank but every now and again I get the stank and it’s nasty.
I saw ye at Pawz and Effect a few minutes agoI added this video to me library of stuff I will be needing to know. I rang ye wee bell as well and will be watching more!! Thank you!. Fair Winds, Smiles and May God Bless !!
Use geo method and a battery drill to get a wirpool effect. Use a extension small paddle a straight wooden spoon is perfect make sure tank is over half full
Thank you for the great tip. What do you recommend to get rid of flies in the black tank? I have read a few different things. Love to hear your recommendation.
Because of the heat in west Texas the gases from the black water tank are bad. What's better to use the 360 siphon vent cap or the Camco rv sewer vent cap or just remove the factory vent cap?
Aaron Jemison, my husband ans I are bew to RVing. Our class A smells only when we are on the road but not when we are parked. I will try your advice and give you a holler after.
Ok. I tried your technique, since we're Canadians we don't have Calgon. But what I used was 2cups of Palmolive brand instead of Dawn. And Downy Unstoppable 1 cup. And works perfectly. We traveled in peace today. Thanx
Same way he's telling you to hun. Empty the tank. You're not supposed to keep the black tank open full time. When you empty it, do his method, then do it again after you empty it again ..
How often do you need to do the dawn calgon rinse? Surely not after each time my tank is emptied. I mean if could be everytime my tank gets emptied. I get mine emptied once a month. I live k. My daughters property since covid so I am not hooked up to the sewage. I I have a company that comes every r weeks. So I would do this when he has just emptied it, right? Thank you, your video was the first method I clicked on and it sounds easy enough.
Flush out the tank as best you can.. Add the mixture or maybe even a double dose and 1/2 to 2/3 tank of clean water. Drive around (with your camper attached of course 😉 ) to slosh the mixture well and return to your dump site to flush it again. Add it again if needed and on to your next destination to dump and flush again. This should help remove the debris causing your sensor issues.
MIne worked great, but after time they get clogged. You can buy replacement ones that are guaranteed not to get gummed up! I have them just have not installed them yet.. Hope that helps?
I'm getting the sewer smell only from the kitchen sink every time I turn on the faucet, how is sewer air coming up from the black tank, I didn't see any air vent caps on my travel trailer, do all trailers have them and can they get clogged up? I hope you can give some good advice on this problem.
Awesome tip Aron, I'll to start the GEO Method once I have exhausted my Happy Camper Products. This appears to be an economical efficient way to go. Thanks for sharing!
Tim hanks for the continued support and the Geo method is the only way to go.. You have to upgrade your vent covers it is well worth the time and effort. Thanks again..
Do you get black tank odors in the RV using Happy Camper? I don't recall what it is that we use but we still occasionally get black tank odor. I don't ever know what to believe in these videos because if you watch other ones they'll tell you that the Geo method is worth as much as the contents of your black tank.
@@1100wing ,I live in my RV, and I use Happy Camper. I think it's the best thing out there. The only time I get odors is when I dump the tank, but the odor goes away fairly quickly. I always dump and put in the Happy Camper before I leave for work, and there is not an odor when I get back.
Jamie Jones - Looks like Fleecy is a Delicate knitwear detergent. Natural fiber detergent.and not a fabric softener. I would try Comfort Concentrated Fabric Conditioner.
This is the first video I've seen about bad black tank smells that makes sense. We have our camper parked on a small lake and a holding tank. When the black tank gets full we empty into the holding tank. We may not go down for a week or two and the toilet smells horrible. I can't stand it and have to leave the camper until it clears out. Will this work if I put the Dawn a Calgon in before we leave for the week? Also we have a Dometic 300 toilet and I just purchased a Dometic 320 to be installed.
First off thank you for watching and leaving a great comment. Add 5 gallons of water and 1 cup of the dawn and Calgon to the tank after dumping and it should keep the tank fresh until you return. We love our 320 domestic toilets. thanks again AJ
Hi Aron! Thank you for posting these helpful videos. Does water softener cause any harm to the septic system over time? Can this be used every time I dump from here on out or is it only occasionally. Thank you
Hi there,we met on The Art of RVing's live stream. No like to talk about the black tank and black tank maintenance. We use Dawn by itself and had never heard of mixing it with Calgon before. Going to try that because Dawn by itself does not completely eliminate the odor. Great video, thanks for the tips!
I’m new to the rv world just bought my first rv my question to you is when you deodorize the tank how long do you let it sit inside the tank before you can use restroom again
Congrats on your new RV. First off thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a question. There is no set of time to wait. Pour in the calgon/dish soap and water, and it's ready to use.. Hope that answers your question. If not please let me know. Live simply live free and enjoy your new RV...
Great tips! We're having trouble with a strong smell coming from the black tank that we can smell when we're outside. Is that possibly just build up that we're smelling through the piping or a bigger issue?
Great information! But I have a follow up question. We get a bad smell outside when someone flushes the toilet inside. Any thoughts on what is causing this There are no apparent leaks.
Thanks for posting this. However, I’m having hard time finding Colgon at brick and mortar. Any other alternative? What does Colgon have or doesn’t have that is good for the black tank? Thanks!
@@3tailsRVAll Walmart near where I'm staying in NorCal are out of stock. Not a single bottle in any of the stores. I just ordered it online, along with Dawn, should be here by Friday. Thanks again!
On the back of the toilet in our trailer. A mouse has chewed through the fresh water hose that connects right to the toilet. Any ideas how to replace this would e appreciated
Go to your favorite big box store got to the pluming section and get and a SharkBite connector the same diameter as you hose. trim off the rough edge on the house on the area that was mouse- afied and connect the 2 ends in the shark bite connector reconnect to the toilet. start the water and BAM you just fixed it yourself.!!! Hope that helps! If you have more questions hit me up On our facebook page: facebook.com/groups/918004458223949/
No, This is nothing new in the RV Community and has been around since the early 60's. Like everything in the industry people market products to the consumer with $$$$$ in there eyes. This is a simple and easy way to keep your black tank smelling fresh with tanking you to the Bank. Thank @maxum330 for the question and I hope to see you in the comments again soon.
I am living in an RV after Hurricane Harvey destroyed our house. (New one starting soon!) I am using my original Septic Tank. I live in South Texas and the temps are now in the high 90’s, so it starts to smell FAST. Question: Will this method be detrimental to my septic’s biome? Will it hurt the natural bacteria in the system? I use no chemicals other than a natural enzyme to promote solids decay.
Are you dumping your tanks into your septic system at the house? This method in the video should not affect it. Others have said to use bleach, but that will kill the Biome and decay the seals in the RV system.
My wife and i have been Ring for 30+ years , we empty our black tank at 1/2 full (Its hot in Australia and man the smells in other peoples vans stink bad , we have never stayed in a RV park ( well Once for 2 hours and left HATED IT ) we just use the dometic products and use exactaly as stated ,,, No dramas ever ,, one thing we do is CHANGE THE SEAL ! cheap as chips and takes 10 minuets .
Hi B.J. I am very interested in what you are referring to by "the seal". My RV smells like mildew while driving. I think it is a moldy seal. I don't know where to look. I would like to know what seal you are talking about. thanks.
Thanks I really did find this helpful! Great video I appreciate the information! I’m knew to ur channel an I’m guessing you have animals frm ur channel name! Anybody that loves animals gets my attention 😂 gotta luv them fur babies! Thanks I’ll be checking out more video’s I’m learning everything I can so thanks so much for the info! ❤️
100,000 views and 3486 likes - WOW Thanks for all the support and don't forget to subscribe and if you haven't check out more tips for RV black tanks here: ua-cam.com/video/xMHY2xKorz8/v-deo.html
Best solution ever works like a charm bern doing for three years now never had an issue
I've used everything except that, I been using baking soda and vinegar and that eliminated the smell for me and I've been real happy with that.
thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
How much vinegar to baking soda.
How often do you do this?
For my black tank I used a couple pounds of baking soda and a half gallon of vinegar and a couple gallons of water, it foams up and I rocked the camper sloshing it inside the tank, did that a couple times. After that whenever it started to smell and at the end of the camping season.
@@ronaldsahn9649 doesn't the vinegar have acidic compounds and can it mess up the tank down the road?
@@3tailsRVcan't the vinegar mess up the black tank down the road?
Being using the Geo for a couple years. The best way to go!
Between cleaning tanks and in a pinch...one cap full of mint mouthwash poured into toilet,,(don't flush) is a great air freshener
Thanks for watching and for the comment
Good to know!
Just subscribed. We like how you get to the point without a lot of chatter... And your sense of humor. Thanks for the tips!
Chelle first off thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a great comment. Glad you liked the video
Are you kidding? Took 1 and 1/4 minutes to get to the first step. Had to get through all the begging before the tutorial. Those who beg for subscriptions and likes, get no subscriptions and DISLIKES from me.
I couldn’t agree more!!! Right to the point! Friendly and funny! I too subscribed! Picking up the items tomorrow!!! Then looking into upgrading my vents!!
Hoping he has a how to video on changing them out!
Add that GEO mixture to your black tank BEFORE you take off to your campsite and it will slosh around inside the tank on your trip and will give your sensors in the tank a good cleaning.
Thank for taking the time to stop over watch a video, leave a comment, and supporting my channel
We add the MIxture and a bag of ice to the mix. The ice shifts around and help to break it up even more
My husband works on the road so he basically lives in our camper through the week. Because of the long term use, the black tank odor has become quite overwhelming for the rest of the family to visit. My husband has always used the bacteria eating pouches, but they have stopped working a long time ago... I think we are going to give your method a try!! Thank you!!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and watching the video. I'm so glad that you found the information helpful... If you have a chance check out this other video for 5 tips on black tanks : ua-cam.com/video/xMHY2xKorz8/v-deo.html
@@3tailsRV Thanks! We will do that! 😁
There is a trick to clean the tanks really well, especially if they are older tanks. Pretty simple actually. 1. Have the camper all hooked up and ready to travel. 2. Make sure you have emptied your tank as best you can. Drain and flushed. 3. add 2 gallons of water and then add three or four 10 pound bags of ice into the tank. Drive to your next destination then drain and flush your tanks again. This will scrape up any solids that have attached to the floor of the tank. Then add water and whatever chem you use. This method will work really well if you do it 2 or 3 times in a row when you move.
Your Amazing!!! Thank you so much I am a CNA living on my job premasis as an emergency esentual worker during Covid and I live in an RV for the time being. You r a life saver BLESS YOU!
Beautiful Vermillion, WOW thanks for the great comment, You are so welcome!
Thank you for what you do!!!!
Vermillion
I use the GEO method I add a cup of Borax 50 mules to the mixture
I ran out of packets and started using dawm soap and it works. 👍 I was also thing of using stick on cleaners as well next to where the water comes out.
Thanks for the comment. That is a great tip..
Ok...i poured my first gallon into the tank..will see how that works tonight...was so bad last night had to sleep on the couch...fingers and toes crossed...thank you for the video post
I hope you dumped the tank first? Also do you use a flushing wand when dumping? If not you should look into getting one. It will help to move all the large deposits out of the tank.
Any feedback on how it went?
Great tips, but man I'm glad we don't have a black tank to worry about. If we ever do have one, I'll have to remember this.
Thank you for stopping over and leaving a comment
i live in my 24/7 and i have tried everything but this method. Sure hope it works. all i have is a ceiling fan, didn't see a vent for the bathroom.
Please see your other comment. Thanks
The Calgon and dawn works really well. Thanks.
+ddye011 thank you for stopping over and watching the video. I’m so glad that you found it useful
Ok you convinced me. I'll try it out. I've read this before, but you are way more convincing. I just knew you were going to suggest installing something. LOL ❤️👍👏 Donovan & Jodi
I use tanktechs probiotics and have never had a problem with odors or sensors in over a year
thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
We're new to RVing. Where do we install the vent caps you mentioned? We'll definitely try the GEO method.
Located on the roof of your rv
I bought a repo, black tank read full, 2 inches off hard pack on bottom, hot water and dawn let sit then master blaster, now spotless, gauge are working again, grey tank grease on sides Guage stuck on 3/4, hot water and dawn all good now
Master blaster?
Aster blaster fits to a power washer and is used to clean out black tanks
Been living full time in our rv for 2 years, black tank will smell no matter what treatment is in it once it gets full enough to overpower the treatment used. An easy way to keep the smell where it belongs is to turn off the exhaust fan while flushing the toilet. If the fan is pulling more air out than can be replaced by what comes in under the door the negative pressure will draw the air out of the tank when the flush valve is open. Once the valve is closed and sealed with water turn fan back on. You can also avoid the negative pressure condition buy opening a window.
Ronald wheeler - what a great comment 👍
so this dawn calgon didn't work for you?
I had to subscribe! My husband and I live in RV full time and I love your tips!!!!
+Dionne Harrell wow thanks for subscribing and leaving such a great comment. Thank you
My pleasure!
When travelling I use GEO Method with couple of large buckets of hot water. By the time I get to my destination it's agitated enough that when I drain and rinse the black tanks, it remains much cleaner.
Gary Kemplen , Thanks for the comment and taking the time to leave a positive comment that will help others. Have you ever tried any other products on the market? What made you try the geo method?
@@3tailsRV Tried dishwasher detergent and also works well. When stationary I use Happy Camper, tried many others before falling on this one, it really does a great job.
Excellent! If I remember correctly with my old motor home I think 🤔 I always kept water 💧 in the toilet 🚽 bowl to prevent any odors. I would close the trap and fill the bowl after use...
Close the trap? How?
that is a good tip thanks for leaveing a comment.
Thank you I have to brush my nose...
Ive restored 3 RV s
Now I have a 32 ft 46 year old sailboat.
Boat wakes from the ICW
...stirr the pot.
I just had my tank pumped.
I will try your method
thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
I can say those siphon vents work. I have a rv rental biz with 19 trailers and have them on every vent. And haven't had the odor smell. I use a hockey puck shaped blue disk for the treatment. I get them from a sewer company and they work great. Thanks for yhe video
Will Ezzell, WOW thanks for the comment one question What is the brand name of the Hockey pucks?
Keep a little water in the bowl. Holds the valve closed. If the bowl doesn't hold water , you probably got a leaky valve. The leaky valve may be caused by Poop stuck to everything. Pour a little dish soap in the bowl and if it doesn't hold the soap, you have problems. If it does hold the soap, it'll probably clean off all the poop, then you can try the water again and it will probably hold the valve closed.
If the valve is closed, the smell cannot get in.
+oicub2 wow great information thank you for sharing. Have you used the geo method or the 360 cent caps?
thanks for the reply. I haven't needed to try anything. Except salt once in awhile in the grey tank. Helps pull the particles off
@@oicub2 Hi, can you tell me how you use the sale in the grey tank? TY
Sorry, I meant salt!
Can i substitute the Calgon with another fabric softner? Where i live they don’t have Calgon.
Thank you for all the helpful videos I will give your geo method a try and holler back at you
Let us know if it really works.
So it has been 3 months what do you think of the geo method?
I use Borax and Tide detergent pod. Way less foam.
I just added Calgon and Dawn, along with Borax, as is suggested in a number of other videos. I'll pull it about 100 miles tomorrow, then dump it at the campsite. Thanks for the vent cap suggestion, that's next.
WOW!! Glad to help. Thanks for watching and leaving a great comment!
Nice voice to listen to.
Thanks, it think.. LOL! thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment
I use Boraxo, & Dawn....it works wonders
WOW @Marcus Lane thanks for that info!!
@@3tailsRV its another method I learned...just ADD WATER ..lol...like 3 gallons...
Half a cup Boraxo, Half cup Dawn...ADD WATER
I use Tank Tech for about 2 years replaced flooring in rv a few months back pulled toilet no smell at all from black tank
Thanks for taking the time to comment and watching the video. HAppy trails
Maybe your s....don't stink?
You don't use chemicals like TST? I'm a newbie- the calgon/dawn mix sounds far better, easier and less expensive than the black tank chemicals. I'm using the orange TST ultra concentrated chemical- when it gets near "dump time," there is definite odor. I also have a sewer pipe vent cap that helps tremendously.
Tina we all start some where.. We had no idea either and the reason for this video and my channel to help others along the way. TST is a great product , but I think you will be happier with the GEO Method. thanks for watching and leaving such a great comment..
I dont think they sell calgon water softener in stores near me is there a substitute. ?
Where are you located? In the US they sell it at Wally and also on Amazon. Hope that helps?
For some reason, we knew about the Calgon and Dawn treatment, but haven’t used it in a while. We need to start again. Have never heard of the exhaust fan. We’ll look it up and see if it’ll work for an Airstream.
So this was a month ago how did it work for you?
Aron - Should we still use any chemicals or chemical packets with this method?
Great question… the quick answer is no
We add one cup each of Calgon bath oil beads and Pine-Sol each time we dump the black water tank. then we put in 2 to 3 gallons of water.
Thanks for watching Jack. We never tried the Pine-sol may have to try that. Thanks for watching...
oooo, not Pine Sol, I can't stand the smell of Pine-Sol, each to their own. I will stick with Dawn and Calgon.
Held my breath (not a pun) when I heard the first tip. But, you sold me when I saw the "NAVY" on your ballcap.
thanks for your support.
Can't seem to find calgon. What else can you use?
What country are you in? Check Walmart in the fabric clean section or order it on amazon if in the US. Hope that helps
When storing my rv for 5 summer months should my black tanks be empty or three gallons of water sitting in it?
If at all possible as Empty as you can get it.
Thank you!!!! Heading to the store to get the calgon and the blue Dawn! Liked and subscribed!
Dawn, Thanks!!! for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Glad to have helped.
Thank you for this video, I've been living in my rv for 6 months now and have that stinky smell when I flush. Didn't know how to get rid of it. I'll be heading to the store this morning to get the calgon and Dawn and trying this asap.
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment
We are in the UK and don't know what dawn and the calgon things are can you give us a rough idea of what they are so we can find next best xx
First off thanks for watching. Damn is a dish soap and Calvin is a water softener. After looking on amazon.uk I would try ecover fabrics softener and fairy liquid washing up. I hope that help. If it does please respond to this post to help others. Thanks
You can replace Calgon with Downy Unstoppable pellets. Its not a fabric softener but a perfume pellets.
Great video! I’m going to try that geo treatment on my black tank. I have the vent caps just whiting for it to stop raining to put them on. Thanks for the info.
Thanks Fred for watching another none Army Traing video... Lol and leaving another great comment...
@@3tailsRV well my wife and I are new to RVing. So new that we just got a first RV yesterday. So I'm trying to get all the info in can take in even if it is Navy training videos. LOL
Dang this one is right on. Never would have thought of the combo Dawn and calgon. Went to your kit list and will buy them when I get back. Thumbs up.
WOW.. Thanks again for your support
I already put the vent caps on the RV and they are definitely a big help. Appreciate the information on the fabric softener and Dawn dish soap. My only question is is there anything that Dawn dish soap can't do? It is the duct tape of the liquid world. LOL
Duct tape of the liquid world that made me chuckle .. Hows things been Fred?
Grand mother taught me long ago no poop in RV , had to bag and tag a few times and a couple of times with flu I had to but it was flush and fill with water re dump and borax and baking soda. I'll try the Dawn and I have never seen the calgon
Try Walmart..
www.walmart.com/ip/2-Pack-Calgon-Water-Softener-32oz-Bottle-Laundry-Detergent-Booster/865841659
And we're starting right now... at 1:40
Thanks for the comment and watching
Do you keep the mixture in the tank at all time or just when you clean the tank out? I need something to keep the smell out 24/7 thank you.
Dawn S, first off thanks for watching and leave such a good question. Next time you dump your tanks add the Dawn and Calgon with the water. It stays in there until you dump the tanks the next time. if you havent check out this video for 5 tips for RV tanks: ua-cam.com/video/xMHY2xKorz8/v-deo.html
@@3tailsRV thanks you 🙏you answered my question too
THat mixture stays in the tank until I Empty the thank. I put it in after I dump it and repeat it after it is imputed.
@@xionykareshi3024 check oout the anser abouve.
@@xionykareshi3024 any time
We use over the counter rv tank products but we may be swapping to this method for sure. I have never been able to smell...I can't even smell a skunk...really....before you ask yes I can taste. lol ! But !! My wife can smell and you all know...a happy wife makes for a happy life !! Love the video ! Thanks for sharing !! By the way I found you on @Pawz and Effect.
Did it work? let me know please. Thanks for stopping over and taking the time to leave a comment .
I'm using Dawn and Borax
How is that working for you?
We get that smell alot when having heavy winds blowing while camping. Could that be the problem meaning winds blowing air into the vent instead of the odor being released through the vent?
That is why we installed the 360 vents. They remove the negative air flow and help to designate the orders from inside the black tank out thru the top of the RV. Hope that helps
Thank you for a great video. I am now a new subscriber to your channel. I have black tank odor more so in the upstairs bedroom after a flush and few minutes after. Is that more of an issue with needing a vent on roof or will your method take care of this? Thank you
I know your post was a year ago but in my 5th wheel bedroom is where the smell is the worse. A guy told me that it’s from the pipes going through the walls and vented out the roof in my closet of the bedroom. Almost unbearable especially in the Texas heat. I will try the geo method. I religiously do the happy campers in the toilet after I drain the black tank but every now and again I get the stank and it’s nasty.
Hope it works? thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
Hope it works? thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
I saw ye at Pawz and Effect a few minutes agoI added this video to me library of stuff I will be needing to know. I rang ye wee bell as well and will be watching more!! Thank you!. Fair Winds, Smiles and May God Bless !!
Welcome Captain Jack. Thanks for coming over and leaving a comment. Enjoy
In my shopping cart!!! I’m hoping for the best!!! The smell is killing me!
Use geo method and a battery drill to get a wirpool effect. Use a extension small paddle a straight wooden spoon is perfect make sure tank is over half full
Thanks for the reply!!
So I add this after I dump the tank? Do not rinse after? Does this react with the tank drop ins when you’re ready to leave again?
Dump and rinse as normal.. Then add the dawn and calgon.. No other drop in tanks stuff needed
Thanks for the tip shipmate retired Navy here like your cover.
IM thinking I need a new one Have had that one since 2007.. Go NAVY!!! O7
Thank you for the great tip. What do you recommend to get rid of flies in the black tank?
I have read a few different things. Love to hear your recommendation.
Do you use this method in conjunction with RV toilet treatment deodorizing liqiud or drop-in's or does this method replace the need for the drop-ins?
Nothing else goes into our tanks. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment
Because of the heat in west Texas the gases from the black water tank are bad. What's better to use the 360 siphon vent cap or the Camco rv sewer vent cap or just remove the factory vent cap?
I have used both and prefer the 360 Siphon vent cap...
Do you have any feedback on the 360 vents? have you install them?
Aaron Jemison, my husband ans I are bew to RVing. Our class A smells only when we are on the road but not when we are parked. I will try your advice and give you a holler after.
Ok. I tried your technique, since we're Canadians we don't have Calgon. But what I used was 2cups of Palmolive brand instead of Dawn. And Downy Unstoppable 1 cup. And works perfectly. We traveled in peace today. Thanx
Thermaline thank for the information and I’m glad it works for you. Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment.
Wow, thank you so much!!!!!
If we are living in the trailer with the sewer line hooked up, how do we utilize this method?
Same way he's telling you to hun. Empty the tank. You're not supposed to keep the black tank open full time. When you empty it, do his method, then do it again after you empty it again ..
Thank you so much!
How often do you need to do the dawn calgon rinse? Surely not after each time my tank is emptied. I mean if could be everytime my tank gets emptied. I get mine emptied once a month. I live k. My daughters property since covid so I am not hooked up to the sewage. I I have a company that comes every r weeks. So I would do this when he has just emptied it, right? Thank you, your video was the first method I clicked on and it sounds easy enough.
After you empty the tank you add 5 gallons of water 1 cup of Dawn and 1 cup of Calgon. Hope that helps
Ok if ya live in camper and it's hooked directly to septic tank how ya solve this issue?
+Shane Smith one I’m hoping that you have you’re black tank closed until it needs to be emptied.
Thanks for the no nonsense tips....Do you have any tip for getting the sensors working proper;y?
Flush out the tank as best you can.. Add the mixture or maybe even a double dose and 1/2 to 2/3 tank of clean water. Drive around (with your camper attached of course 😉 ) to slosh the mixture well and return to your dump site to flush it again. Add it again if needed and on to your next destination to dump and flush again. This should help remove the debris causing your sensor issues.
MIne worked great, but after time they get clogged. You can buy replacement ones that are guaranteed not to get gummed up! I have them just have not installed them yet.. Hope that helps?
I'm getting the sewer smell only from the kitchen sink every time I turn on the faucet, how is sewer air coming up from the black tank, I didn't see any air vent caps on my travel trailer, do all trailers have them and can they get clogged up? I hope you can give some good advice on this problem.
Fill and flush your system several times. That may help
When exactly do you add this mixture? At the beginning, end or after you dump?
After you dumb and flush you black tabk
WOW over 200+ Likes. Thanks for watching our videos
Awesome tip Aron, I'll to start the GEO Method once I have exhausted my Happy Camper Products. This appears to be an economical efficient way to go. Thanks for sharing!
Tim hanks for the continued support and the Geo method is the only way to go.. You have to upgrade your vent covers it is well worth the time and effort. Thanks again..
Will do Aron, I replaced the vent covers last year, check out my episode #45. Thanks Again.
Do you get black tank odors in the RV using Happy Camper?
I don't recall what it is that we use but we still occasionally get black tank odor. I don't ever know what to believe in these videos because if you watch other ones they'll tell you that the Geo method is worth as much as the contents of your black tank.
@@1100wing ,I live in my RV, and I use Happy Camper. I think it's the best thing out there. The only time I get odors is when I dump the tank, but the odor goes away fairly quickly. I always dump and put in the Happy Camper before I leave for work, and there is not an odor when I get back.
Hi, is it one cup (8 oz.) Of EACH or one CAP full of each. You weren't clear on that. Thanks.
first off thanks for watching !! we use the cap from the calgon and add 2 of each.
We are from Canada and don’t have Calgon fabric softener. I was wondering if you can use another type. Do you think fleecy would work. Thanks
Jamie Jones - Looks like Fleecy is a Delicate knitwear detergent. Natural fiber detergent.and not a fabric softener. I would try Comfort Concentrated Fabric Conditioner.
Hi Jamie, Calgon is water softener, not fabric softener. I do not recommend using fabric softener.
You can also use rid X on your RV black tank works really great for smell also and gets rid of any buildup because it's an enzyme
I may have to try that..
What is rid x? Where can i buy it?
This is the first video I've seen about bad black tank smells that makes sense. We have our camper parked on a small lake and a holding tank. When the black tank gets full we empty into the holding tank. We may not go down for a week or two and the toilet smells horrible. I can't stand it and have to leave the camper until it clears out. Will this work if I put the Dawn a Calgon in before we leave for the week? Also we have a Dometic 300 toilet and I just purchased a Dometic 320 to be installed.
First off thank you for watching and leaving a great comment. Add 5 gallons of water and 1 cup of the dawn and Calgon to the tank after dumping and it should keep the tank fresh until you return. We love our 320 domestic toilets. thanks again AJ
looking forward to trying the remedy
Hope you like it!
Simple green works well
thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
We use pirannah 4 capfuls
So glad I don't have a black tank. I like the Geo method. Great information to remember in the future maybe?
Thanks Dee, for stopping over and leaving a comment
Hi Aron! Thank you for posting these helpful videos.
Does water softener cause any harm to the septic system over time? Can this be used every time I dump from here on out or is it only occasionally.
Thank you
brittany first off thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. We to this every time we dump our RV black tank.
Hi there,we met on The Art of RVing's live stream. No like to talk about the black tank and black tank maintenance. We use Dawn by itself and had never heard of mixing it with Calgon before. Going to try that because Dawn by itself does not completely eliminate the odor. Great video, thanks for the tips!
Hey @seeouRView, thanks for stopping over and leaving a message...
Thx that will save us plenty of money. God bless you.
Jay Kane, Glad to help
I’m new to the rv world just bought my first rv my question to you is when you deodorize the tank how long do you let it sit inside the tank before you can use restroom again
Congrats on your new RV. First off thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a question. There is no set of time to wait. Pour in the calgon/dish soap and water, and it's ready to use.. Hope that answers your question. If not please let me know. Live simply live free and enjoy your new RV...
does it have to be calgon
Great tips! We're having trouble with a strong smell coming from the black tank that we can smell when we're outside. Is that possibly just build up that we're smelling through the piping or a bigger issue?
Rachel Fisher fist off thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Install the vents will help to disperse the smell. Hope that helps
Do u use probiotics also
No just the Geo method..
From Van Life with Gina's channel. Hello new friends.
Thanks for coming over and taking the time to watch a video and leave a comment
I bought a camper that a caveman must have used the restroom in. I cannot sell it due to the smell. I will try this thanks!!
Cool information thanks for sharing I don’t like stinky smells !
Thanks for watching!
One cup of each or one capful log each
Great information! But I have a follow up question. We get a bad smell outside when someone flushes the toilet inside. Any thoughts on what is causing this There are no apparent leaks.
The negative air pressure from your vents causes the air to come into the RV. With the 360 Vent covers it does away with that.
@@3tailsRV Thank you! we will give it a try!
We have never had a tank smell but thanks for the tip if we do.
Thank you for your comments on my videos I do appreciate your support.
Thanks for posting this. However, I’m having hard time finding Colgon at brick and mortar. Any other alternative? What does Colgon have or doesn’t have that is good for the black tank? Thanks!
The have it at any Walmart in the isle with all the detergents
@@3tailsRVAll Walmart near where I'm staying in NorCal are out of stock. Not a single bottle in any of the stores. I just ordered it online, along with Dawn, should be here by Friday. Thanks again!
@@mustangphil302 Call Walmart and order it have it sent to the store and go pick it up.
@@3tailsRV I just edited my earlier reply, a moment ago. Yeah, it’s getting shipped directly to me in few days
On the back of the toilet in our trailer. A mouse has chewed through the fresh water hose that connects right to the toilet. Any ideas how to replace this would e appreciated
Go to your favorite big box store got to the pluming section and get and a SharkBite connector the same diameter as you hose. trim off the rough edge on the house on the area that was mouse- afied and connect the 2 ends in the shark bite connector reconnect to the toilet. start the water and BAM you just fixed it yourself.!!! Hope that helps! If you have more questions hit me up On our facebook page: facebook.com/groups/918004458223949/
@@3tailsRV thank you.
@@janetmcevoy3228 - no problem..
So with using this method you don't use traditional black water tank treatments?
No, This is nothing new in the RV Community and has been around since the early 60's. Like everything in the industry people market products to the consumer with $$$$$ in there eyes. This is a simple and easy way to keep your black tank smelling fresh with tanking you to the Bank. Thank @maxum330 for the question and I hope to see you in the comments again soon.
I am living in an RV after Hurricane Harvey destroyed our house. (New one starting soon!) I am using my original Septic Tank. I live in South Texas and the temps are now in the high 90’s, so it starts to smell FAST. Question: Will this method be detrimental to my septic’s biome? Will it hurt the natural bacteria in the system? I use no chemicals other than a natural enzyme to promote solids decay.
thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment...
@@3tailsRV Thanks for answering my question......
Are you dumping your tanks into your septic system at the house? This method in the video should not affect it. Others have said to use bleach, but that will kill the Biome and decay the seals in the RV system.
@@3tailsRV No, our new house was completed almost 2 years ago and we sold the RV. The biggest problem I have now is "Biomat" in the field drain.
I don’t have any experience with that sorry. We are full timing in our RV
My wife and i have been Ring for 30+ years , we empty our black tank at 1/2 full (Its hot in Australia and man the smells in other peoples vans stink bad , we have never stayed in a RV park ( well Once for 2 hours and left HATED IT ) we just use the dometic products and use exactaly as stated ,,, No dramas ever ,, one thing we do is CHANGE THE SEAL ! cheap as chips and takes 10 minuets .
Oh yes I remember the heat in Australia (I visited while I was in the Navy), Allgood no worries mate you have to do what works for you. Happy travels.
Hi B.J.
I am very interested in what you are referring to by "the seal". My RV smells like mildew while driving. I think it is a moldy seal. I don't know where to look. I would like to know what seal you are talking about. thanks.
Which calgon are you using for this?
Liquid you can find it At Walmart
Aron Jemison thanks. I should have been paying attention to the video. Was only listening. I am trying this this week pray for me
Thanks I really did find this helpful! Great video I appreciate the information! I’m knew to ur channel an I’m guessing you have animals frm ur channel name! Anybody that loves animals gets my attention 😂 gotta luv them fur babies! Thanks I’ll be checking out more video’s I’m learning everything I can so thanks so much for the info! ❤️