BLACK/GREY water sensors

[TheCoachPotatoes]

When we had our very 1st RV, back in 1993 we had never heard of the "white mountain". We thought it was best to leave our valves open. We soon learned the hard way that all the liquid ran off and the white mountain just grew. It took a while to get everything back to normal. Al really had to work at it until things started running smoothly again. I will add my advice to all the others.
DO NOT LEAVE THE BLACK TANK VALVE OPEN!

AL and Nita
2003 Chevy Dually
2005 3670RL

[sreigle]

Rich, that was my thinking, also.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

[zteg]

Last year at an rv park in arizona the owners insisted on dawn liquid detergent ONLY because chemicals would do harm to their septic system. They also said that the product worked on their marine system when they had it. Kept tanks and sensors clean. Used it for the rest of the season until our return home. Did not notice any negative effect. Does anyone have any knowlege regarding dawn or its use in systems?

[jpkelpe]

We use Dawn soap--this was what they used to clean up the Valdez tanker spill. cuts grease real good and there are oils and grease in all of the tanks. I put dawn down the toilet every once in a while--I don't really know if it helps any but makes me feel good about doing it. Our sensor's (especially the black tank) still don't always work well. It was explained to me that Dawn (regular) is good because the soaps that have antibacterial stuff in them will counteract any chemicals that you have in your tanks.

Paul and Jan Kelpe
Omaha, NE
2005 Mountaineer 298RLS
2005 Chevy Silverado HD 2500 4x4 ext cab with Duramax/Allison

[rickety]

Any type of anti-bacterial soap is not good for any type of system, Including the human one. Anti bacteial soaps do not have enough antibacterial product in them to do an effective job of killing bacteria on the hands or any surface. Much more effective is one capful of 5.25% sodium hypo chloride (bleach) in one gallon of water. this mixture is safe for just about any surface and will kill 99% of surface born bacteria. If you are really worried about bacteria on the hands, then use an alcohol based hand wipe like you get in some rib places, or dilute alcohol by 30% and use as a rinse for the hands. It may leave your hands smelly for about 30seconds until it flashes off, but it is effective.
If bleach is used, use pretty warm water, that way ikt will kill the bacteria and the smell will flash off very quickly.
Another and probably the best bacterial control agent is a Quaternary Sanitzer. This product will kill all know surface bacteria and with proper use can be used as a dish rinse agent.

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Rick and Phyllis Trent,
2004 Chevrolet 2500HD/Duramax/Allison,exhaust brake.
2004 Monty 3280RL/slide toppers,sleep comfort bed. Full Timers since January 2006!
Gizmo the dog who thinks he's a Great Dane