CALGON for Black water Tank??

[fawnhaven]

I have run into some RVers that use CALGON in their Black Water Tanks? Any Thoughts.

[1retired06]

Tried it for almost a year. Does not hurt I guess, but didn't make any difference re dump valve operation, at least for us.

[jameswbarton]

The GEO method "get everything out" works well for cleaning tanks and getting sensors working. It has been around for a long time google the GEO method for info. I had sensors that had not worked and could not be cleaned with any other RV chemical. GEO worked and got rid of the smells.

[Phil P]

Hi

We have been using Calgon about 2 caps full every time after we dump and 2 cups of Lysol. So far so good.

Phil P

[Clemson1881]

The Calgon keeps the valve working smoothly. It can even restore valves that will not close although it takes 15-20 dumps for the restoration.

[Rondo]

I use it normally when I have dumped the tanks and have a long distance before the next stop. I use about a cup of the powdered Calgon and also use some Cascade with Dawn in the tank too. The Calgon makes the tank sides a little slick so things don't stick to them and the sensors. The Cascade with Dawn cleans the tanks similar to what it does while in the dishwasher. I use Happy Camper while sitting at sites for any amount of time and sometimes even put a couple of scoops of it in the black tank when running down the road. I've had no problems with the black tank or it's slide dump valve.

[Eagleback]

Where do you find Calgon?. I have looked at Walmart but maybe i am looking in the wrong area.

[Hogfan]

In the detergent aisle with fabric softners, normally on a bottom shelf. Have to look really hard.

[Mark N.]

Being as "hard water" is NOT the cause for black tank sensor failure, I have always doubted this additive having any positive benefits at all. Folks like to use it, for the same reason they believe in taking vitamin supplements: They are taking a preventive approach to problems, though there is no evidence at all it helps in any way. I DO use dishwasher detergent, as the surfactants in it bind together the water and grease and "stuff" molecules, helping to make them less "sticky" and keeping them in suspension until drained. (That is how all detergents work)
Once a year, after flushing the tanks, I add a citric acid solution and let it soak against the valves overnight to help de-scale them, just like one would clean one's coffee pot. It is non-toxic and safe to use, and very effective for de-scaling. I believe this helps keep valves and seals "smooth" and working properly. Just my opinion on the matter.

[Former StClairSailor]

The "GEO" method has kept our sensors operating properly in both gray tanks and the black tank for the first year and a half.

[PackerFan]

Have been using Calgon along with Happy Camper for about 5 years now and it works great as far as I'm concerned. All valves work great, no odors and the tanks clean out easily on each dump. I follow the GEO method.

Eagleback: You find the Calgon in the laundry softener/detergent aisle in Wal-Mart or any grocery store. White bottle about 1 quart size. Sometime you have to really look for it as it blends in with the stuff there.

DO NOT USE THE BATH CALGON - If you do you will have bubbles coming out of your roof vent as you go down the road looking like a "Circus Wagon".

[Rondo]

Second suggestion on this subject-- If you REALLY want to get your tanks clean, go to Ace Hardware or any large hardware store and pickup a package of PTS90 in the cleaners isle. I was given this tip by a very knowledgeable individual I the cleaner profession. You take about two cups of it and put it down in the toilet after dumping and rinsing the tank. Add about 5 gallons of water to the tank and then roll out down the road. While going over our highways and biways this solution will scrub the tank and probes also. I've done this twice now and I actually got my probes to work again as they should.

[Lenny K]

Rondo do you mean TSP?

[Rondo]

Yup, Lenny! The fingers got carried away there faster than the mind.

[offroad71]

When your using CALGON, are you traveling with it in the tank only or with chemical with it?

[MP1]

I read through the messages in this thread. We are in our 3rd year of full timing and have tried several solutions. In the last 6 months...two "super techs" one in Rapid City and the other one in Tucson recommended, TankTechRx. This is the only solution on the market specifically formulated for RV black tanks. ...And its the only solution on the market that is an all natural probiotic treatment. Essentially, it has enzymes in it that clean the...bottom...of the tank. It was originally designed for owners of home septic tanks and now has been reformulated and packaged for RV owners. Please go to www.tanktechsrx.com and read the story of this product's development. Also, please go to YouTube and search for documentation on this product. Essentially, most other products deal with the fluids in the tank ...leaving the sludge at the bottom of the tank. The enzymes in this product address the bottom of the tank. You will notice a difference when you empty your tank. After trying several different amounts and talking with the techs...we drop two capfuls (1 oz) into our tank after flushing it. We have been very happy with the results. The other item I might mention is that I heartily recommend using Scotts RV toilet tissue which you can purchase at Walmart in the RV isle. Do yourself a favor and try a toilet paper test. Take some of whatever product you are using and an equal amount of Scotts. Put water on both of them and you will see that the Scotts product completely dissolves. Good luck.