Blank & Grey Tank Cleaning Service

[Coug60]

So, I bought my 2019 Montana 3121RL 5th wheel in 2022 and soon after that even after dumping my black tank it showed half full, sensor was stuck. No problems with my two grey tanks. Also, recently after getting my Montana ready for summer travel (late start I know) I noticed some odor outside of it. So, I started researching cleaning the tanks out and what to do. There is tons of info out there on the web, basically a vast array of additives to put in and then wait/drive around for 45 minutes and then dump. I tried that last year and no luck. So, I then researched cleaning services and came across a company called “Kleen Tank” that does just RVs. A nationwide company with three franchises here in Colorado. Also, there is a video that a user posted below getting his tanks cleaned by the founder (hope that is alright moderator).
You need to watch this video; it is so educating. And just this last weekend I had a tech from the company come out and clean my tanks to new condition. WOW, I could not believe the stuff that came out of all my tanks. Took about 2.5 hours and was so well worth it too. They clean up to three tanks at a base rate and clean the hot water tank for free. Much calcium came out of mine.
Anyways hope this is useful to you guys and here is the link.

 

[foldbak]

So, I bought my 2019 Montana 3121RL 5th wheel in 2022 and soon after that even after dumping my black tank it showed half full, sensor was stuck. No problems with my two grey tanks. Also, recently after getting my Montana ready for summer travel (late start I know) I noticed some odor outside of it. So, I started researching cleaning the tanks out and what to do. There is tons of info out there on the web, basically a vast array of additives to put in and then wait/drive around for 45 minutes and then dump. I tried that last year and no luck. So, I then researched cleaning services and came across a company called “Kleen Tank” that does just RVs. A nationwide company with three franchises here in Colorado. Also, there is a video that a user posted below getting his tanks cleaned by the founder (hope that is alright moderator).
You need to watch this video; it is so educating. And just this last weekend I had a tech from the company come out and clean my tanks to new condition. WOW, I could not believe the stuff that came out of all my tanks. Took about 2.5 hours and was so well worth it too. They clean up to three tanks at a base rate and clean the hot water tank for free. Much calcium came out of mine.
Anyways hope this is useful to you guys and here is the link.

Great video. I've been doing it wrong

 

[scottz]

You can use this service; and probably recommended after buying a used unit.

Also recommended if you don't take proper care of your tanks.

I find prevention to be the best policy. Nothing goes in our tanks except waste & waste water; no toilet paper (RV or otherwise), no food particles, nothing else (a bidet is great). I treat my black tank with some Pinesol and one of the Camco orange packets (I believe the same chemical as Calgon). The most important thing is use lots of water in the black tank; at least 5 gal to start and plenty at each flush. Also, flush thoroughly when dumping.

I used this service (completed by the guy in the video) at national several years back. He got hardly anything out of my tanks.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I appreciate the video. I am proud to say, based on this video, I'm doing everything right.

First, I don't use additives, unless it's an occasional enzyme eater which also helps keep the kitchen drain pipes clean, like in a house, and does help the tanks.

Second, lots of water.

Third, I have NEVER endorsed using RV TP, ever. It's a scam. I've always said that. Actually, we don't use TP, we have a Bidet.

Fourth, I have a Flush King and I back flush the grey water to the black water tank every time I dump. I usually back flush 3 times with the available water in the grey tank. I don't have a pressure washer system like the guy in the video, but I do have grey water that back flushes. This saves lots of water.

Fifth, although I do not have a pressure washer system like the guy in the video, every so often, especially when sitting at one site for a month or so, I'll use the toilet wand down the toilet. It's the same principle that this guy uses, it's just doesn't have as much pressure. But it does work and it works well.

Fifth, I back flush 3 times and the third time, the water coming out of the black tank comes out almost clear. Why? Because I back flush every time I dump. My sensors almost always work.

Good video. I've been doing it right all this time.

I'm a strong proponent for using the Flush King and back flushing. Maybe after watching this video, some one else might just start believing that too.

 

[Cbrez]

We used Kleen Tank at the national rally last year and they did a fantastic job. I wasn’t going to spend the money but so many people recommended them I gave them a try. Even tho we meticulously care for our tanks, it was impressive to see how much stuff they got out. Although we back-flush the black tank religiously, we never do more than dump and treat the grey tanks. Cleaning those tanks wasn’t even something I considered before they started working. I won’t use them every year. Every 3-4 years is probably a good interval.

 

[432bartman]

Great video...........I learned a lot.

 

[jimcol]

So, I bought my 2019 Montana 3121RL 5th wheel in 2022 and soon after that even after dumping my black tank it showed half full, sensor was stuck. No problems with my two grey tanks. Also, recently after getting my Montana ready for summer travel (late start I know) I noticed some odor outside of it. So, I started researching cleaning the tanks out and what to do. There is tons of info out there on the web, basically a vast array of additives to put in and then wait/drive around for 45 minutes and then dump. I tried that last year and no luck. So, I then researched cleaning services and came across a company called “Kleen Tank” that does just RVs. A nationwide company with three franchises here in Colorado. Also, there is a video that a user posted below getting his tanks cleaned by the founder (hope that is alright moderator).
You need to watch this video; it is so educating. And just this last weekend I had a tech from the company come out and clean my tanks to new condition. WOW, I could not believe the stuff that came out of all my tanks. Took about 2.5 hours and was so well worth it too. They clean up to three tanks at a base rate and clean the hot water tank for free. Much calcium came out of mine.
Anyways hope this is useful to you guys and here is the link.

What was the cost for the service they performed for you?

 

[Cbrez]

Last year’s rally price was $275. See flyer at this link

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89873

 

[foldbak]

Normal price is $300

 

[432bartman]

Without a doubt a great video to watch and learn from.

 

[Mark77]

I quit using tank additives after I saw that video after it first came out. I rarely have tank odor, and the big thing is use LOTS of water!

Another thing I stumbled on that works insane well. I am sure I AM NOT the first one to figure this out...

My front grey and black water tanks discharge into a "T" that then takes to material to the hose connection so here is what I have been doing of late.

I hook the hose up with the clear section right off of the RV like normal.

I open the Valtera valve on the RV connection (installed after the advice of others here and on Youtube) and open the black tank valve and watch it drain until it stops.

I close the Valtera valve, leave the black tank valve open and then open the grey tank valve. Because the valtera valve is closed, it shoots the grey tank water straight into the black tank, a 3" pipe straight shot... and leave it open for maybe 30 seonds.

Once again, I close the grey tank valve, open the Valtera and let the black tank drain with the back flushed water from the grey tank. It is crazy how much more "floaters" and toilet paper come out on that first back flush.

I repeat the process one more time, this time it has less water available because of the reduce level in the grey tank, but still get a little more solids out of the black tank.

Finally I fully drain both of those tanks and finish off by dumping my galley tank to rinse out my hose and fittings.

I also have "miracle probes" installed in all of my tanks and I never have sensor problems.

Hope this helps someone in keeping your black tank clean that doesn't already know this procedure. You will be to have a Valtera valve or equivalent at your termination point.