I'm a professional motorcoach driver. (Tour bus) We do use the blue enzyme packets. Although these do have deodorizers in them, their primary function is to break down the solid waste, so it doesn't clog the drain. It is especially important to remember to tear the enzyme packets open so the blue powder can release...otherwise, they don't work at all. I use a Rubber Gloves to do this because the blue dye will stain your hands. These are useful, but the included deodorizer is really no match for the smell after a short while.
Before diving into this article, you may want to watch our short video below on Eliminating Sewage Smell in an RV
The remedy is very simple: add a couple of cups of DOWNY! No kidding...on a commercial bus trip with 56 people on board, this takes care of the offensive smell for up to 3 days, or when the tank is full and has to be dropped! And who doesn't like the smell of Downey?
The cherry on top of the sundae is this: Downy is biodegradable and will not harm any seals (no, not the animals, the ones in the drainpipes).
Note from the Editor: If you still have bad smells coming from your RV's holding tank even after using Downy, you may need to deep clean your holding tanks. We have personally had great success using Thetford Blaster Holding Tank Cleaner (Pictured Above) in our RV holding tanks.
If you have taken all the steps above and you still have a "sewer-like" smell in your RV, there is one more area that you should check. You should look at your RV's House Batteries. The House Batteries are always being charged when your RV is plugged in.
Depending on the type of Converter/Charger your RV is equipped with, there is a good chance that the batteries are being overcharged and the electrolytes are being boiled. The boiling electrolytes create a smell like a sewer smell. That's why you need to check your RV's House Batteries at least once a month and top them off with Distilled Water.
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I've heard all the claims and always wondered which was the best RV tank treatment out there. So, I did a test on my own. There was a clear winner, and it works with both the smell and breaks down the solids. I am not sponsored, nor do I get anything for promoting them. Here is a video of my test, watch it to the end to see the best tank solution I found.
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Sometimes its the plumbing by: AussieTx
Most RV toilets also have a sink that drains into the black tank rather than the grey. Most will have a hidden AAV (Air Admittance Valve) this valve allows air in to let the water from the sink drain into the black tank and then closes to stop the stench from the black tank entering the room. These valves do fail. Mine was on its last legs after 10+ years and when I was renovating the toilet room I replaced it. They are not easy to find, mine was hidden well behind a draw in the sink cabinet. After replacing that intermittent odor has gone. The valves can be purchased from HD or Lowes but steer clear of the cheap ones.
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Rid-X for RVs and Pinesole (yellow one) lemon scent by: Anonymous
We have always used Pine-Sol in our travel trailer since new. The yellow one that smells like lemons. It's cheap for a gallon at Walmart, Lowes, or Home Depot and you can use it generously. Smells like the cleaning lady just left when you flush.
Then we heard of Rid-X for RVs and started using it. Since then, our tank indicators have begun to work for the first time since the camper was new! we were also still using in combination the Pine-Sol. But the Rid-x will actually kill off the Pine-Sol scent. We are sold on Rid-X for RVs.
I use a product called Bio-Clean Bacteria. I only full time in the the summer months so when I open for the first time after the winter I will fill both the grey and black tanks full and add a cup of this stuff to each and leave it for a week. You wouldn’t believe the crap that comes out of both tanks when you dump. I use the black tank flush kit once a week but it never will get everything.
The bio clean is amazing stuff. After the first treatment, I use a tablespoon in each tank after each time I dump. Haven't had sewer smells in 4 years since starting to use this stuff.
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Toilet packets by: Anonymous
No need to cut open the black tank packets, just put them in the toilet with some water. They will dissolve, then flush.
We have a 32' mh and besides the Downey, we also add a couple of capfuls of liquid Calgon Water Softener to the holding tank.
It seems to help make the paper not cling to the sensors as bad.
For us, it seems to work pretty well.
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Bleach in black water tank?? by: Anonymous
Bleach is going to kill any beneficial bacteria, which is necessary to break down the solids to begin with. Maybe for gray water tank, but not for black!
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Downey by: Anonymous
I would think downey would get gummed up in the tank, can anyone prove it doesn't. In theory it sounds great but they even say not to use fabric softner in your clothes washer because of that problem, as well as dryer sheets in the dryer
I have lived/worked in my 40’ 5th wheel for 12 years, the best thing I’ve found to keep the Black tank clean is bleach. Any brand. I dump the tank, pour in one gallon and immediately add 2 gallons of water. There’s no odor for about 2-3 weeks. It has never harmed any of my rubber seals or valves
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Eliminating RV Sewage by: Anonymous
What about Ridex.? That breaks down and doesn't it help with odor.?
Note from RVing Al Rid-X now makes a treatment specifically designed for RVs called Rid-X RV Toilet Treatment Liquid (Pictured Above).
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Porta Pot odors by: Anonymous
While this may not seem to eliminate the odor problem, it works well, especially with urine which is what is the main cause of the odor. Add about 1/4 cup of ammonia to the tank and that will take care of the problem.
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Downy use. by: Anonymous
Can you use downy in a porta potty?
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Downy by: Ron
I have a portable toilet,Do you put the downy inside the water tank for flushing or in the tank where toilet dumps into ? You said it helps keep stuff from sticking. That's why I was thinking you put it in the flushing part of the tank. Thank you
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Deodorizer packets by: Anonymous
I didn't think you were supposed to cut open the packets. Don't they dissolve once they hit water? Just wondering?
The other benefit of Downey is it prevents anything from sticking to the sides. Either one works scented or not.
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Downey by: Anonymous
Yes, the scented downey
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Downy? by: Anonymous
Is this the one with the fragrance or can I use fragrance free. I am allergic to fragrances. I’d rather put up with a temporary smell of sewer than the headache from the fragrance. I also use Snow Fresh enzyme in my tank and it works well
One brand of blue packs is "Porta-PAC" made by a company called "walex", but there are several on the market. You can find them in either the camping department, or with swimming pool supplies. Their primary function is to break down paper and waste so it won't clog.
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Blue packs by: Anonymous
What are these blue packs you are talking about do you have a brand or spacific name of the product? Thanks for the Downey tip.
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