Black tank flush

[pchaas]

How often do you flush the tank and how long do you let the fresh water run?

[HOOK]

Every dump. Until clear.

[BB_TX]

Same as Larry, every dump and run flush until I see nothing but clear water coming out.

I have found that after the tank completely drains, if I close the valve with the flush water still flowing, letting the tank fill somewhat, then open the valve again, I will see some more solids come out. So usually on the last dump before we leave an RV park I will do the valve open, drain, valve closed, partial fill, valve open, drain, valve closed, partial fill, etc. routine several times to get as good total flush as I can.

[Rondo]

Paul and Carol-- As Larry and Bill have said everytime you dump the black tank. As one of our members stresses "Use plenty of water when using or filling the black tank and it helps
When we dump, I flush the black tank at least three times OR until the water flows clear. I turn the flush on when dumping, then close the black tank dump valve and let the flush run in the tank approximately 5-7 minutes then pull the dump handle again and let it clear again and then repeat the process usually about 3 more times to make sure the black tank is clear and any solids. We use Happy Camper tank cleaner and deoderizer and it has worked like a champ for us over the past four years or so for us! Just remember to use a lot of water when using the convenience and it will help alot!

[8.1al]

All good advice, however, if you turn the flush on with the dump valve closed, DON'T forget it. It's messy, not to mention embarrasing

[lawrenceb42106]

We do as others plus we fill the commode full 3 times. You would be surprised what else comes loose that way.
Larry

[DQDick]

We flush every dump, but I never close the valve with the flush running. I just let it run another three or four minutes after it's clear. If a present shows up during that time then I give it another three or four minutes. I never trust that I won't get distracted.

[NCFischers]

I do what Rondo does and I also do several power flushes by filling the toilet and flushing.

[WeBeFulltime]

Flush ours every other dump. We are full timing so no danger of anything getting too dry.

[Ozz]

I carry an egg timer around in my hand, set it on 7 minutes, then open the drain. I tried the microwave timer, but didn't trust myself to hear it.

[bncinwv]

There are two predominant ways to flush the black tank with the on-board flusher. One is to follow the instructions provided with the unit and to always leave the dump valve open when flushing until the discharge is clear (use a clear elbow at the hose hookup). The other is to bypass the instructions (which is the way we do it) and close the dump valve and allow the black tank to fill. The advantage of this method is the dump valve and pipe as well as the bottom of the tank now has the tank head (engineering term for depth of water above a point) working to assist with the flushing process. This allows for a more thorough, higher velocity flush than just using the sprayer. We also use the previously mentioned clear elbow at the end of the dump valve pipe so we can monitor the flushing results. As Ozz mentioned the magic number here is about seven minutes (I am not that brave and typically use five) to allow the tank to fill. If you go this route, do not get distracted, use some kind of timer, do not get distracted, and in case I forgot to mention it, do not get distracted. Using this process, it typically takes us four or five "flushes" to get clear discharge. Oh, and lest I forget, do not get distracted, hence you may be subjected to the dreaded "black rain" effect from the roof area or even worse, the potential for a flooded bathroom if your system has any leaks.
Bingo

[lasater]

quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

All good advice, however, if you turn the flush on with the dump valve closed, DON'T forget it. It's messy, not to mention embarrasing

Yep. Robin Williams showed us that trick in "RV".

[Wiesehan]

I also dump a couple of buckets of water down the stool while the flush system is running, it usually brings out more "stuff" then wait until it runs clear.
Don

[DonandJudy_12]

The bottom line is you can not use too much water to flush the stool and/or the black holding tank- I am addicted to hand held solitare and the game is my "timer" for dumping- I am with those who close the valve and refill the black tank several times every time I dump- I sit in my lawn chair as the process is completed- Might as well enjoy a distasteful job- JMHO- Don

[pchaas]

OK gents and ladies, I think I got it. I need to start doing it more often than once a week, other than that I have been doing about the same as all of you. Thank you all, I know I can count on this site for info. as I have for years now.

[moutard2]

quote:Originally posted by DQDick

I never trust that I won't get distracted.

Walmart sell a really good timer for $5 which I use every time I close the valve while the saniflush is running. After the 7 minutes I program, the thing yells at me and I release the valve. Invaluable!

[simonsrf]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

There are two predominant ways to flush the black tank with the on-board flusher. One is to follow the instructions provided with the unit and to always leave the dump valve open when flushing until the discharge is clear (use a clear elbow at the hose hookup). The other is to bypass the instructions (which is the way we do it) and close the dump valve and allow the black tank to fill. The advantage of this method is the dump valve and pipe as well as the bottom of the tank now has the tank head (engineering term for depth of water above a point) working to assist with the flushing process. This allows for a more thorough, higher velocity flush than just using the sprayer. We also use the previously mentioned clear elbow at the end of the dump valve pipe so we can monitor the flushing results. As Ozz mentioned the magic number here is about seven minutes (I am not that brave and typically use five) to allow the tank to fill. If you go this route, do not get distracted, use some kind of timer, do not get distracted, and in case I forgot to mention it, do not get distracted. Using this process, it typically takes us four or five "flushes" to get clear discharge. Oh, and lest I forget, do not get distracted, hence you may be subjected to the dreaded "black rain" effect from the roof area or even worse, the potential for a flooded bathroom if your system has any leaks.
Bingo

Becoming distracted could be justifiable grounds for divorce.

[lostshakerofsalt]

The five to seven minute rule is pretty good. Depending on the water pressure going into the flush connection in my opinion you may get too much water in the tank. I close the dump valve and listen for the sound of the water discharge from the flush tube to go silent. That means that the water level in the tank has risen high enough to cover the flush tube. Then I open the valve. I too repeat the process until the water run clear.

[K&Gs3400RL]

quote:Originally posted by bncinwv

There are two predominant ways to flush the black tank with the on-board flusher. One is to follow the instructions provided with the unit and to always leave the dump valve open when flushing until the discharge is clear (use a clear elbow at the hose hookup). The other is to bypass the instructions (which is the way we do it) and close the dump valve and allow the black tank to fill. The advantage of this method is the dump valve and pipe as well as the bottom of the tank now has the tank head (engineering term for depth of water above a point) working to assist with the flushing process. This allows for a more thorough, higher velocity flush than just using the sprayer. We also use the previously mentioned clear elbow at the end of the dump valve pipe so we can monitor the flushing results. As Ozz mentioned the magic number here is about seven minutes (I am not that brave and typically use five) to allow the tank to fill. If you go this route, do not get distracted, use some kind of timer, do not get distracted, and in case I forgot to mention it, do not get distracted. Using this process, it typically takes us four or five "flushes" to get clear discharge. Oh, and lest I forget, do not get distracted, hence you may be subjected to the dreaded "black rain" effect from the roof area or even worse, the potential for a flooded bathroom if your system has any leaks.
Bingo

Now you tell me.....I got distracted once, I thought a Bomb went off and the whole trailer shook. Had quite a mess to clean up. But now I use the timer on my i-phone. So yes "Never let yourself get distracted".

[simonsrf]

You really have to tip-toe around for a few days if your get distracted twice.