RV Black and Grey Tank Cleaning and Maintenance | Geo Method

RV Black and Grey Tank Cleaning and Maintenance | Geo Method | Full Time RV Living

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2 жыл бұрын

RV tank maintenance may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are new to the RV lifestyle. We've found a method for flushing and maintaining our black and grey tanks that has been surprisingly simple and effective...but we wonder, with all the different methods out there, are we doing it wrong? Is there a better solution that offers better results? If you use a different method than the one we demonstrate, please let us know how your method is working for you, and we may give it a try!
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Пікірлер: 259

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

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@falcorthewonderdog2758 4 ай бұрын

I didnt have any luck with these methods. In a fit of frustration i tried adding a gallon of Zep brand acidic toilet cleaner to an empty black tank and used my rv as usual. The cleaner sloshed around in the tank traveling to each campsite. By the time it was ready to dump the tank sensors were cleaned. I pulled into an rv park and drained the tank and flushed. Sensors work perfectly after and no residue of anything in the tank. For rhe grey tank I added 1 gallon of Zep brand degreaser to the empty grey tank at the same time. It works on the sane principal and is good for food debris and food grease. Zep brand is sold at home depot. About $20 a gallon. Do this once or twice a year no tank clogging or sensor issues. No need to flush multiple times using this method. Hope this helps

@PavingNewPaths 4 ай бұрын

We live and travel in our RV fulltime, we also are a family of 5 and our tanks are full and need to be dumped every 3-4 days! I can assure you even with this method we need to flush several times before the tanks run clean!

@marybuettner8620 Жыл бұрын

New to RVing and this is one of the best videos I have watched It gets to the point and very clear explanation

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I wanted to try to make it simple and easy to do yourself!

@waynelalonde4778 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video man. I appreciate the guys who are about the vid and are details orientated and stay on topic and avoid rabbit trailing. I have a few people who I follow that are consistent with the best instructional and maintenance of the subject. We'll done, very clear, and step precise on point, and not a mention of your dog and the other things that pet peav and how to do it their own ways, i like that your video is set up for the individual to use the product and the frequency of each individual needs and the reality of each individual as the amount of time they are in his rv.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I try to make every "How to" video this same way! We have a probelm or a procedure and our goal is to get to the end together without over complicating the job!

@michaelpreddy5514 2 жыл бұрын

Always stay on top of keeping my tanks clean, never have any odor and thought they were in good shape. Watched a video about the happy camper extreme clean and gave it a try. Wow what came out was crazy and my sensors actually worked again. Since then use it about every six months. Just thought I would share that with you.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Wow Thanks for Sharing! I will have to give that a try.

@mattbundy 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for linking this video!! We’ve only be doing thorough flushes and happy camper. Definitely going to add this to the routine.

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

They dawn, Borax and zep make everything less sticky so flushing them is a lot easier job! They also help with smells!

@beaustarr2003 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video, new to owning a travel trailer and it’s helped immensely. Cheers and safe travels brother!

@PavingNewPaths 5 ай бұрын

Thanks! Glad we could help you out! Enjoy the adventures!

@darinkagolob7668 10 ай бұрын

Great video. We just upgraded from a camper to a 5th wheel and I am trying to learn how to maintain as much as possible (just in case it becomes my job lol). I usually keep the inside under control while hubby does all the exterior maintenance. Thanks for making this video!

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

Thank you! This stuff is really easy and as long as you stay on it and never skip you will never have any black tank issues that you might have to deal with!

@tonyash3885 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, we are new to RV ing so great content. Not sure why they don’t teach this during the initial walk through. Thank you.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We also have a video about sanitizing your tanks something you should do yearly or every 6 months if you full time! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fqhdfrWbu5PHdac.html

@zeasv2826 Жыл бұрын

I made myself laugh thinking about him sticking his hand in the toilet after adding borax, describing why it's important to mix it up 😂😂 Great video though, thank you!!

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Lol! I actually use a toilet brush to mix it up in the toilet! It's also a good excuse when I add the dawn to go ahead and clean the toilet at that time!

@user-yo3zw6mi9j Жыл бұрын

Lol 😂 I wondered if he’d use his hand …….or something else to mix

@susansnyder6373 2 жыл бұрын

Im gonna be trying that cleaning method gray & black tank in 2022 camping season. Thanks for doing the video

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! We wanted our maintenance to be as simple and effective as possible and so far this has been working for us.

@manuelorellana3646 2 жыл бұрын

Mannn this video is very clear and really informative, just bought my first old RV ( 1991 ) coach man Ford 460 , 22 feet. They almost have not used it her whole life, very clean. I’m excited about my first trip with wife. And this is really good information for people or beginners like me. Thanks very much. And I’ve subscribed.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and subscribing! If you have any questions reach out to us on our Facebook page and we can help you out!

@waynelalonde4778 Жыл бұрын

That big block 460isa beast man, I've had a few of them that I had built race engines and I had a book full of all the specs, measurements, and the displacement of the machine of the bore, the undercut of the crank, the heads decked, port n polish, guides, valve, spring, seats, and the other items that I have had. Only one big downswing is the fuel costs

@ritatouzet3677 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great info. I needed it.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Gald you liked the video!

@buenaventurasantana4555 Ай бұрын

thank you for sharing we been full timer for one year now and this was very helpful.

@PavingNewPaths Ай бұрын

You're welcome! Glad you found it helpful!

@twallaceii 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Thomas.

@larrymiller8210 2 жыл бұрын

Used borax and dawn before. Works well. The degraeseer is new to me, good idea. Thanks

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@George-qo2lz Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great information on how to clean tanks.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us!

@keithmatthews7823 10 ай бұрын

thanks for your info. this will really help me out. thanks

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

You're very welcome! Glad you found this video helpful!

@rigweldernomad932 Жыл бұрын

Good informational video!

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@wsktk40 2 жыл бұрын

I have used the dawn and borax. In a 10 yr old camper was the only thing that worked. I also put hot water with the products when I had a horrible smell in my blank tank when I first purchased the camper. I will be using the method in my Grey tanks. Thank you. Always helpful information. Happy adventures ✌️

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

The only time this did not work was when I skipped doing this procedure before a move day! It led to the poop pyramid! This keeps all of our tanks clean and odor free!

@wsktk40 2 жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths I'm happy to learn about the ZEP, that's a great product. 👍 Thank you!

@billayers7242 2 жыл бұрын

Great content!! I pretty much perform the same steps, the only thing I do different is add a cup of Calgon bath salts to the black tanks to help with the overall smell. It's especially noticeable when we use the toilets for the first time after it comes out of storage.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing I will look into that!

@user-pm3kq3bo7e 11 ай бұрын

I always use a old detergent bottle to mix my treatment before I put it down the drain or the toilet. That always makes sure, the treatment is good and mixed and broken down.

@PavingNewPaths 11 ай бұрын

We use the toilet bowl and the toilet brush to mix it up before sending it down! It is also a good time to scrub the toilet when the dawn is put in!

@ariesqueen1926 Жыл бұрын

We use Happy Camper, Dawn Dish Soap, and Calgon Bath Beads (Lavender / Ocean Breeze - gives it a good smell (walgreens)... Works great for us. Especially in the summer months when it sits in storage/ stagnent during for long periods. Travel Day same with tons of ice. Calgon, cleans senors off.. like our skin. Hard to find Borax. We use Calgon in our grey tanks as well.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We do this every move, and it has been great for us! The Borax is becoming hard to find at times, but we stock up when we can! The only time we ever had a problem was when we skipped this for a few moves!

@bperkins8706 2 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try your method.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

This method works great! The only time I had issues was when I skipped this job before moving the RV! Led to the poop pyramid!

@dianegarrett7573 2 жыл бұрын

We use the same method for ours as well except we don’t use the Happy Camper. I’ll add that to the list. I have read that some will add a bag of ice on move day to break up anything that may be stuck to the tank wall. Great video!

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! We have heard the ice trick works but have never tried it.

@sstein49 Жыл бұрын

Yep 2 16lb bags or more right before you leave to bang out those poo piles and scour the grease and stuff out of the gray water

@darrylm3627 9 ай бұрын

😄Good Stuff, Great Tips

@PavingNewPaths 9 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@michaelrowan7205 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the ideas. We drain but we do not have the ability to fill the tanks other than running the pumps. So that being said we have not cleaned them like you do. However that is going to change I will do that next time we dump. Thank you

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! So far this method has worked out great for us!

@avalon1rae 2 жыл бұрын

We use Aqua Chem blue liquid and drop ins .Thank you for sharing.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@romaldothomas8653 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@davedailey1623 2 жыл бұрын

I use just a happy camper works great

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@foxbraap6373 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Happy new subscriber. Trying to learn all I can about grand design momentums before we get one, 395MS seems to fit our needs the best. Is your washer/dryer in the "garage" or in the front closet which it sounds like it is?

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and subscribing! There's lots of info out there, but the best experience will come when you get your new rig! Our washer/dryer is stackable and in the master bedroom.

@kendecamp1 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@magician2020 Ай бұрын

I skip the Happy Camper, and use all three Dawn/Zep/Borax to both gray & black tanks. I pre-mix the three in a one-gallon jug (Borax does dissolve the best) with a half-gallon of water. I've been doing this for 4 years and have done well with the exception that my tank-level sensor have never been accurate. Even when empty they will show 1/3 level. I may try the Zep toilet cleaner the next time I empty and give it a shot.

@carllawson4235 10 ай бұрын

Awesome video only thing I would do a little different is when we start the tank emptying process I open the gray tank valve first for a few seconds first to make sure I don't have a leak in the hoses, that way if I do have a leak I find out with gray water not black water 😉 ALSO have you ever tried the (flush king) and ifso your thoughts on it

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

I have tried unique, and a few other products that dissolve the contents of the tank! I have mixed thoughts on if that is good or not, so I went back to using the bio geo method! So far as long as we stay on top of the tanks we have never had a problem!

@MF-vg3qt Жыл бұрын

We have a 50 gallon black tank and always start with around 15-17 gallons of water plus whatever tank treatment we have on hand. We use Happy Campers every 4th or 5th trip and it is great but I think the instructions say not to mix it with anything else. Bottom line is water is the key...Calgon or any water softener will help keep the tank "slick" and prevent TP or any solid waste from sticking to the sensors.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We made a video testing the different types of tank treatments and how they affect the break down of TP! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iLmJbNGfvbSaZoE.html Even after all of that we still use happy camper, dawn and borax in our black tanks! We have had really good success and all of those things are very inexpensive and available almost anywhere!

@sheilahughes5185 Жыл бұрын

What kind of calgon product do you use? Do you use bath salts like the person who commented above your post?

@sheilahughes5185 Жыл бұрын

I also meant to ask how much you use as well...thank you

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

The dawn and 5 gals of water splashing around when driving is really good it knocks down grease, etc. Salts that are larger chunks work to help break up things and bath salts add a better smell. Be careful using a bag of ice on an old tank. The cleaner maybe harsh on the rubber gaskets on the tank. Borax is great for so many things. I do not full time but have done plumbing and replaced tanks on campers. People use dishwasher soap or pods also, in some states the dish soap can still use the good cleaners, but not all states. Stay safe and healthy.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

I have been told the bag of Ice works, but I am not sold on it! Where we spend most of our time, the outside temp is hot enough that the Ice would melt before we got out of the RV park!

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths On an older tank the plastic may not like the sudden freezing and crack is why I wouldn't use it on an older tank. If a tank has not been cleaned the bigger salt chunks can scratch the grossness loose for the dawn to break it down. You are right about it melting you would almost need to through it in last thing before driving out.

@toddanderson8277 2 жыл бұрын

We are leaving this friday for the holiday weekend and I'm going to try 3/4 red solo cup of Dawn and Calgon and five gallons of water in the Black tank and one bag of ice then when we arrive at the campground I will dump my black tank and hoping to clear out whatever is in there since it's been sitting all winter in storage. We do use TST orange drop in tablets after we dump to help with odor. My grey like all grey tanks will get its share of soap from hand washing and dishes so I don't think its needed to put chemicals down the kitchen and bath sinks but I could be wrong. I do know water in the black is key and dump when full as the pressure from all the water should flush most out. I'll let you know if I see or smell a difference.

@Lolaandcassidyadventures Жыл бұрын

I’ve got a macerator love it.:)

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I have heard good things about those!

@cdl3236 2 жыл бұрын

My wife uses just the borax, but she mixes in one gallon jug. This makes easier to mixing and devolve the borax.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@donaldtubbs2659 2 жыл бұрын

I was looking at Borax but comes up Dawn and I put my order in going to try it

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

I will go check the link to make sure it works! We have used this method for 18 months now and it has been great!

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know! I have fixed the link to go to borax!

@mikehhouston5830 4 ай бұрын

Helpful video. Thanks. Once treated and storing trailer between trips. Should I leave all the detergent and chemicals in the tanks. Understanding that you would drain completely when winterizing

@PavingNewPaths 4 ай бұрын

If I was parking it for extended periods I would road flush and dump before storing!

@keithhofmann8397 26 күн бұрын

A lady told me today that she adds a half bag of ice in addition to the geo method... Gonna try

@PavingNewPaths 25 күн бұрын

We have tried that before on travel days and I can't say one way or another if it worked, but it couldn't have hurt!

@rodstephens6612 Жыл бұрын

That is pretty similar you our process. On the rare instance we get a 'poo pyramid', taking the hose inside and giving is a blast down through the toilet invariably breaks it up so it comes out when the tanks are flushed.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We had the Pyramid once and that is exactly what we did to get rid of it! You can check the video out here of us trying to get things to move! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qtmZjZiVyJO7pIU.html

@lauravictorious4670 10 ай бұрын

That's what I just did today and, wow, lots more came out than when I just dump the tank. It was surprising. I went through that process three times and it was much better the third time. I used my hose with an attachment set on jet spray.

@PB-fi4nk Жыл бұрын

We are back after a 3 month trip used Zep and boat along the way. Worked well. How long can the clean mixture stay in the tanks for storage? Home for a couple of months now.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I'm glad to hear it worked well for you! Normally, I would do a road flush on the way home and dump the tanks before putting it in storage. But depending on how much water is in your tank, I can't see why there would be any issue leaving the mixture in the tanks unless you're expecting freezing temperatures!

@ZR117 6 ай бұрын

I see the valve we got the same valve as well but silver Handel's

@PavingNewPaths 6 ай бұрын

Usually the handle determines what tank it is supposed to be! Black for Black and Silver for the Gray tanks! But since it's RV stuff sometimes that's not exactly correct!

@vitalej00 2 жыл бұрын

Unique brand

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@markp4935 Жыл бұрын

Ihookup that flush line and run it before opening the black tank to get things swirling around

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I usually do as well it just depends on how full my tank is before I start! Usually right before we move they are pretty full on purpose to make this job easier and quicker! It usually takes me 3 rounds to get them pretty clean!

@AlaskaGirl1999 2 жыл бұрын

Just an FYI, Borax sprinkled (heavily) around your tires will keep most crawling insects from hitching a ride/infestation.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

I did not know that we usually spray our tires and jacks with Suspend to keep the bugs from visiting!

@mrorbit2u 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video. Whats that white tube coming out of what I'm guessing , your water heater area? Looks like a drain tube or something. Thx

@PavingNewPaths 5 ай бұрын

Your welcome! The pipe hanging below the RV is our generator exhaust!

@thecasualrver 2 жыл бұрын

One caution using Zep heavy-duty cleaner in the holding tanks, the main chemicals are Alcohols, C9-11, and, ethoxylated all can cause damage to the tank's sensors if they are the thru tank probe-type sensors as well as the dump valve seals.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me know this!

@3740westmichigan 2 жыл бұрын

Not for use on glass, plexiglass, plastics, auto paint, leather or natural stone surfaces better off using Cascade liquid dishing soap much safer then Zep on your plastic and degrease great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! cheaper too

@barntt 6 ай бұрын

Use Pine-Sol!

@kristinadevore9424 Жыл бұрын

Picking up my first trailer tomorrow so this is all new to me. I have a combo black/gray tank. Should I just use the black tank method? Also, we plan to use the camper for weekend trips 1-2 times per month. Should we add the treatment the day we leave and let it sit in storage that way between trips?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

If your tank is a combo I would just use the Dawn, Borax and Happy Camper! If you are not using the camper fulltime I would do a really good job of flushing the tanks before you head back home and let them store dry! When you get to your camping spot just fill the tanks with some water and add the products! If you want to really clean them prior to heading out for the weekend add some water to the tanks and the products and let it slosh around on your way to the campground!

@carolmaplesden916 5 ай бұрын

New to RV ing just bought my short motorhome and living in it (boondocking ) while shopping for a home base Not sure where I could go to do all this I haven't even been to a dumping station yet but getting close

@PavingNewPaths 5 ай бұрын

Good luck!

@christopherdevelle9828 Жыл бұрын

How often would you want to do this process if you’ll be staying in the camper long term? I’m about to be living in one and am trying to get on top of my maintenance p’s and q’s

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We live in our RV fulltime, and I typically do this every time we move so every 14 days! Now if you were stationary, I would try to do a good dump, flush, and treat the tanks at least once a month!

@shutupstoopid4518 2 жыл бұрын

I use the orange camco liquid from Walmart and 3 or 4 cascade dishwasher pods down the toilet, and diluted bleach water for the gray tank, not a full-timer though

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! We want to learn all the ways people maintain their tanks.

@moleons1 Ай бұрын

I only need this mixture to keep the organic waste until it is emptied once the black water tank is full? With this method I don't need to use chemicals such as: porta-pak, TST, thetford, etc? Thanks for the very useful information, greetings!!

@PavingNewPaths Ай бұрын

We lived in ours fulltime so it was always in there, and we always did a through dump and flush before every move!

@Seanfromtheloops Жыл бұрын

Do you leave the borax dawn and happy camper mix in the tank until you dump next?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I do! We add it before every travel day, let the road do some cleaning for us as we drive! When we get to the next campground we use our tanks as normal until it's time to dump! We don't add treatments again until it's time to move!

@jandblawncare8570 10 ай бұрын

Gonna have to try Dawn in our grey water tank, it's been reading fine after emptying up until this year now it's been stuck on 2/3 full. Our black tank seems to be fine, when we get to our site my Wife fills the black tank with 5 gallons or so and uses Happy Camper, never smells bad and after emptying I fill it back up once and drain then use the flush for about 20 minutes (with the valve open!) while Im doing other out side things and it's good to go. Our last couple trips before we winterize it I run that flush for a while but isn't much difference than my normal way. Having enough water in the tank to cover the bottom an inch or two is key to not have the pyramids

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

The dawn really helps things from sticking to the side of the wall, plus it is a de greaser and I also think it helps some with the smells! Wanna see a big difference in the flush, do your flushing as normal before you leave, then fill the tanks half and let it do the road clean while you travel to your next place! You will be surprised how dirty the water is after a travel day!

@lauravictorious4670 10 ай бұрын

Would like to know if you get your grey tank sensors get cleaned. Both my sensors are up and down. I dumped both today and the grey says 3/4 full, the black said 1/4. I used a hose down into the toilet, on jet spray, did that for 5 minutes. Dumped the tank. Very nasty looking. Did it again, same thing. Once more and it was much clearer and now it says "empty" on the monitor. I used 16 oz. of Unique sensor cleaner, filled the black tank, then went out of town for 8 days, about 6 weeks ago. I thought that would do the trick but still got some wonky readings shortly after that. I think, going forward, I'll try the other methods and see if I can get consistent results.

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

@@lauravictorious4670 Mine read right about half the time! I have used the unique and it works but after about a month you have to do it again! Our thing is flush often and use lots of water! They will never read right all the time but thr more water you use the better they are at being close to working right!

@lauravictorious4670 10 ай бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths I filled and flushed three times today and it's amazing how much keeps coming out. I've been using Borax also but I think Happy Camper might be good to break "stuff" down.

@OutdoorsygalO 2 жыл бұрын

Do parks allow all those things to be dumped in their sewage tanks (when you dump)? Not sure, but it used to be that they wouldn’t allow anything perfumed like the blue stuff people used to use. Just wondering. Camping and tank rules seem to be different nowadays. Back in the day for example, we didn’t have any little stands for the hoses or see-through connectors.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Most parks tie into the city sewer nowdays and the ones that do have the aerobic systems might have a list of products they don't want you using! For the most part we have not had an issue with these products that and we have really big tanks so the mixture is very diluted! I have heard California as a state is outlawing happy camper!

@pappysproductions Жыл бұрын

California has outlawed anything containing the word "happy"

@barntt 6 ай бұрын

Use PINE-SOL instead also a disinfectant for molds

@PavingNewPaths 6 ай бұрын

We just recently started testing pinesol and calgon as an alternative to this!

@autumnmoore2763 8 ай бұрын

How long do you leave the borax/dawn/happy camper solution in the black tank before you flush that out? Over night, or does it work fairly quickly?

@PavingNewPaths 8 ай бұрын

We live fulltime so our RV never gets stored, so we always have the treatment in the tanks! We do the dump and flush the day before travel, that way the mixture can slosh around on travel day! Once we get to the next site we use our tanks until full and then dump! If we were going to put it in storage we would flush really good and store dry!

@javiertorrez4771 Жыл бұрын

Great video, but one question. You say that the Borax likes to become solid so you agitate it before sending it down to the tanks. What keeps it from becoming a solid once it's in the tanks?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you! once it is mixed up it remains disolved in the liquid!

@goldengoat4938 Жыл бұрын

Came to the comments for this one!

@sharonwhite1133 2 жыл бұрын

Do you add the chemicals to the 5gallons of water in the black tank? Or, do you fill the black tank back up with water with the chemicals and let it sit?

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

After my last flush I use the black tank spray line to put about 15 gallons in the tank before I treat them! I do this the day before a move so we continue to use like normal and usually within a day or two of moving I will dump!

@daboss21290 11 ай бұрын

Hey what did you use to make the connection and the end like the setup thanks

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

The sewer Tee is made by camco and can be found here www.hannarv.com/P/33469/Camco39734SewerTAdapter

@glengarbera7367 8 ай бұрын

Had no idea you had to do this.

@PavingNewPaths 8 ай бұрын

There's different ways you can treat/ clean your tanks. This is just the method we prefer!

@missionswithluna 2 жыл бұрын

Great video I do use those same products but never used the happy camper. What’s the advantage of the happier camper, also when you camping and the black is full so you just drain the whole thing and add products again? For example you staying out for a couple weeks or a month and have to empty tanks several times. We host half the year so we stay 6 months at a time and input product in after every dump.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! The happy camper helps reduce any odor. For me when we stay a month or longer I will not add the products after every dump! Our Grey tanks with four of us showering and having a washing machine we are basically full every 2 days, so it would not benefit you to use the products. The black tank we can usually go almost 2 weeks before that needs to be dumped, and really it depends on how much longer we will be staying if I add any products or wait until we move. If I were stationary like you for 6 months I would probably flush and add products once a month.

@williamstinson1068 2 жыл бұрын

If you are staying 1 month or 6 months, I just leave my grey tank valves open! Especially with my washing machine. Because it fills up fast on laundry days. Then once my black tank is full dump it, then flush till clean.

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

@@williamstinson1068 We tried this and unless you make a P trap in your sewer hose, the ac or maxx air fans will pull sewer smell into you camper. So we never leave valves open until its time to dump.

@wanderingrv7093 2 жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPathsAren't there p-traps in every drain including the shower and w/d? If not, wouldn't there be an odor all the time if the gray tank had an odor?

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

@@wanderingrv7093 You are correct there are P traps on all the drains. However we have found if we leave the dump valves open with out making a p trap in the sewer hose ( water barrier). With our A/C or maxx air fans on it will begin to smell in the camper. When we have our dump valves closed we do not experience any smells.

@paulgrimm Жыл бұрын

What do you think of the back flow clean out called KING FLUSH?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We have never used it but we also have tank sprayers in our tanks that we use to flush!

@garyc4983 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have any idea why the manufactures of RV's dont add the tank flush in the grey tanks like they have for the black tank flush??? Seams to me they need to in my opinion..........

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! I have often wondered that myself. The grey tanks can be just as bad at the black at times.

@wendellroginaamburgy7154 2 жыл бұрын

Will these additives help with humidity...i have a problem with toilet clogging

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure they will do anything for humidity. They do keep your tanks clean and smelling fresh. Most importantly water is your friend when maintaining your tanks!

@openroadtrucking6562 11 ай бұрын

That happy camper stuff is the shit with a black tank.

@PavingNewPaths 11 ай бұрын

It really is! it also does an amazing job with the smells! I have skipped a few times not adding it and you can tell!

@joewalker2491 7 ай бұрын

If the Borax solidifies in the sink what about in the tank? wouldn't you also get solids theirn as well

@PavingNewPaths 7 ай бұрын

Great question! Once you mix the borax with water, it won't resettle into solid form, so it's fine to sit in the tanks!

@jessenovotny4183 Жыл бұрын

won't the borax just solidify at the bottom of the black tank unless you mix it really well before flushing the toilet?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We have 10-15 gallons already in the tanks, and we mix it really well in the toilet bowl before sending it down! so it is very diluted and there is already plenty of water in the tanks!

@NoWay-xu1ie 5 ай бұрын

For several years we use a pan in the sink when washing dishes and put it in the toilet at least 3 times a day . We dont put the water in from greasy pans in the toilet . I dump my black tank every 3-4 days. And also dump a full toilet bowl of water 3 times when dumping with the tank cleaner is going . It's amazing how much solids come out when the toilet is flushed. And i use a spray wand with the water jets once a month. We also put our toilet paper in a diaper bucket that we empty daily . And mix a 5 gallon of water with Dawn soap on travel . Never had a problem with smell. But i am going to try your method on the gray tanks. I also like having the gate valve where you hook up the hose . So when I open it before draining the tanks I can tell if any of my dump are not sealing properly.

@PavingNewPaths 5 ай бұрын

Let us know what you think after tasting the grey tanks!

@sheilahughes5185 Жыл бұрын

Thank you...that's a great video. Would you do anything differently for a stationary RV? Or can you suggest a video that specifically targets maintaining the tanks in a stationary RV?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I would do the same thing, you just won't benfit from the road flush( agitation during travel) Being stationary I would maybe treat every other week or every 2 weeks what ever works best for you use!

@sheilahughes5185 Жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths Ok thanks so much

@topgunpressurecleaning8930 Жыл бұрын

I always dump a five gallon pail of water down the toilet after draining to flush remaining gunk out.

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

You can do that with your flushing connection and go directly from the water supply to the tank! Unless you don't have a flush connection, then I would just take the water hose into the RV and flush that way!

@miketwheeler Жыл бұрын

Should I “rinse” the tanks out before use after treating or just drain em and carry on when I get to my destination?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We typically rinse and treat the day before we move so that the treatment can slosh around during the travel day! Once we get to our destination we use the tanks as normal and dump when full! We do not treat at every dump because we move often and are never anywhere more than 14 days! Before we move again we repeat the process!

@miketwheeler Жыл бұрын

How about winter storage? I’m not a full timer. Is it ok to just pull the gates and drain when going to storage or should they be rinsed/agitated and drained again? (Is the residue ok to leave in the tanks for extended times?)

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

If i were going to store it I would just rinse and dump until the tanks were clean and leave them dry in storage! For us that would be around 3 flushing cycles for the water to run clean when dumping

@miketwheeler Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Love your channel! And your Amazon lists! Already bought a ton of stuff from them! 😁

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thanks we appreciate it! And we are glad you are enjoying our channel! Let us know if you have any more questions!

@danielhiggins8886 Жыл бұрын

Hey we're complete rookies in this who are in the process of buying a fifth wheel now for full time living. I'm wondering why you let the tanks fill up instead of just hooking up to the drain while you stay for the 14 days??

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We are hooked up to the drain when we stay but the valves are closed! You never want your tanks to drain straight to hookup! You want to fill your tanks up and once they are full you drain them! Especially the black tanks! If you don't let them fill up before draining, the liquid will drain out and you will be left with a tank of solids!

@danielhiggins8886 Жыл бұрын

🤦‍♂️ yeah that sound’s obvious when you say it out loud 😂 Thanks!!

@douglaskarpf481 Жыл бұрын

So after you add the ingredients to the sink and toilet, you then go back and repeat the flush out process? What do you then put into the Gray and Black tanks to sit in storage or to the next cleaning? How many gallons do you try and leave in the Gray and Black water tanks between travel or storage? Great video

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

No you do the flushing process until the water runs clear, for us that us usually 2-3 times! Once you are done flushing you fill your tanks to about 15% capacity! We have 54 gallon tanks so I put 8-10 gallons in them, then I add my tank treatments! For the black tanks it is Dawn, borax and happy camper! For the gray tanks it is zep, borax and happy camper! We do all if this the day before we travel so we can do the road clean with the tanks full of treatment while we are driving! When we get to our next campground we use the tanks as normal until they are full and dump as needed! We usually only stay places for two weeks or less so we don't treat in-between dumps just the day before we travel, we do the dump,flush and treating process! We are fulltime so the RV is never in storage but, if we had to I would do the flushing and dumping still and add the tank treatments but I would fill to 30 or 40% tank capacity! I would then let it clean on the way home and find a truck stop or dump station to empty the tanks before putting it in storage!

@douglaskarpf481 Жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths Thank you...have you ever tried fabric softener ? So, since we store about three weeks between each trip (or more) should we just fill with water to 15% of capcity? then add treatment combination on day of travel? Love your rig

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

@@douglaskarpf481 Borax is basically the same thing as the calgon! If I were you I would road wash it on the way home! Dump and store it dry! Then when you get to your Camp Ground I would add the treatments with some water at the start of the trip!

@sherrieduncan6637 2 жыл бұрын

I would like to know what might be different on the every 2 weeker, and how often

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

We move every two weeks or sooner! Our tanks usually need to be dumped every week, the only reason I wait to flush is because I know I will have flushed, and treated them before we move, and they will clean while we travel! If I was stationary, I would likely do this job once a month depending on our usage!

@sherrieduncan6637 2 жыл бұрын

We camp 2 weeks at a time, I have an external tank and we treat both but should we do the black tank flush every time

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

@@sherrieduncan6637 If you are fulltime I would do it for sure every time you move the camper! If you are taking it back home to park it I would flush them good and take them home dry!

@sherrieduncan6637 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊👍

@chatty9856 4 ай бұрын

I back flushed my black tank ,but left open the grey tank valves. Will this cause nasty stuff to go into the grey tanks?

@PavingNewPaths 4 ай бұрын

if they share the same exit point on the RV like ours, then yes if you have the grey tank open and are dumping the black tanks it is possible some black stuff when into the grey tanks! But you can just do a few dumps of the grey tanks and it will be just fine!

@3generations393 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the septic system upkeep video. I have a question on a different subject. We have 3 axles on a 30ft toy hauler. They 4 jack stands are down & the tires are chocked. I feel every motion like I'm in a boat-I go outside to solid ground & I walk & feel as if I'm drunk. Any suggestions as to how to fix this problem. Thanks in advance-grandmas affraid to fall in the shower 🙏💞

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

What I have found is the longer your jacks are extended the more you feel it in the camper. So for us we made blocks to go under the jack feet to keep the jacks from extending so far when leveling!

@3generations393 2 жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths Thank you

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the chock that goes in between 2 tires and tightens to stop movement?

@3generations393 2 жыл бұрын

@@badgerpa9 there a chock under one of the three tires-just to keep it from rolling. Thank you-I will look into the ones that can be tightened

@badgerpa9 2 жыл бұрын

@@3generations393 When you put one on each side, each one will lock the two tires together and really reduces movement. Little kids can really shake a camper or RV.

@crazypaul3997 Жыл бұрын

I'm Assuming it can be any dishwasher soap and not dawn specific, right? And what do you think of oxyclean instead of the borax?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Yes any soap should work! I think I would stick with Borax because it has a higher pH level than other products and in short terms, that makes it perform better.

@crazypaul3997 Жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths Nice, that makes total sense on the PH levels. Thanks for the info!

@marthaandrus4374 Жыл бұрын

Dawn is still the best, just like washing anything, dishes, clothes, the cleaning agent matters, and cheaper soaps tend to suds more but take far more soap applied to complete the job.

@mariaspatafora1074 Жыл бұрын

Is there a reason why you don't flush your black tank out while it's draining? Another video showed the person pulling black tank valve to empty then went to the city water and turned it on so while the black tank was emptying it was also flushing. He flushed until the water ran clear. Is that a bad idea?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

While that is a way to get a flush the water never builds up in the tank and help bring the big stuff out that way! I prefer to fill the tank and let the water volume bring all the solids and big stuff out at least the first 2 times! I do at times let it run with just water to help flush but not after I have used the full tank volume a few times to clear the big stuff!

@tedsheldon11 2 жыл бұрын

How often do you move typically? And how often do you have to dump? Great info. Do you use cold water or warm/hot to help get the borax to be less of a brick? Great content, glad I found your channel

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! We move about every 14 days right now. With four of us showering and washing clothes the grey tanks are usually dumped every 2-4 days thats why I only treat those before a move, so the products are in the tanks for about 5 days including travel day. The black tanks can go around 14 days before they need to be dumped. I typically try to just stir the borax in the water to keep it mixed up while draining into the tanks.

@tedsheldon11 2 жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths wow, 14 days on black tank, we go about 3-4. Does your second bathroom have a shower too? That is a rig set for being out and away for sure!!! Be safe and keep posting!!!

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

we have two black tanks for a total of 108 gallons.

@sarahkoby4175 11 ай бұрын

Do you use the same amounts of cleaner in a smaller tank? Both my gray and black tanks are 40 gallons.

@PavingNewPaths 11 ай бұрын

My tanks are 54 gallons so if you wanted to use a little less you can! We have found that if you stay on top of it and do it often you can get away with less, but if you have extended stays or skip weeks it takes more to get the results!

@chrishebert3240 Жыл бұрын

Great info this was. The problem I’m having is when we got back to our trailer lot to dump and flush out my tanks I had a problem with the black tank. I did the steps I always do and when I went to flush out the black tank, I pulled the black tank lever first then pulled the gray to flush it out. Then I closed both tanks and hooked up the hose to the flush out for the black tank. Let it run for a few minutes then when I pulled the black tank to drain nothing came out. So I did it again and let it run for a little longer then pulled the lever again and still nothing coming out. Could it be that the black tank is plugged and won’t drain? How do I get it unplugged?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We have had that problem one time as well, we had to use a waterhose inside the RV and fill the tank from the toilet several times to get it cleaned out! They also sell a wand you can use the same way! We made a video about our situation here! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qtmZjZiVyJO7pIU.html

@patigg33 Жыл бұрын

I have 3 sinks and 2 toilets. Do I have to do it to all of them?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

It depends on how many grey or black tanks you have! We have 2 black tanks and 2 grey tanks so we have to treat 4 places! So for us we treat the master toilet and the master sink and that takes care of the front black and front grey tanks! Then I treat the kitchen sink and the rear toilet, and that covers the rear grey and black tanks!

@jonellcarter3732 10 ай бұрын

Happt Camper RV treatment and found out that none of the varieties available are able to ship to California.😢 Even tried local shops and no dice.

@PavingNewPaths 10 ай бұрын

Happy camper is not the only thing that California is making hard to get! Just order it on your travels and have it sent while you are outside of California!

@thetruthwillsetyoufree5677 2 жыл бұрын

It's it necessary to fill black tank if you have black tank sprayers in the tank?

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

We have black tank sprayers on our rig and they don't spray like you think! We use that port to flush and fill the tank! When it is full we dump it while letting the water still run through the sprayers! You will see the water run clear, but the tank is not clean! If you close the dump valve and let the tank fill up again it will be just as dirty as the first dump! Usually takes us 3 flushes before its clean!

@pabloguevara-acosta536 Жыл бұрын

Where can I find the 20 mule team borax?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

amzn.to/3NuZeIB this is from our Amazon store link

@edcollins9178 Жыл бұрын

Where did you get the toilet paper rack?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

It is something very similar to this! amzn.to/3C1MQe4

@davidbogle9978 Жыл бұрын

Why dont you use Zep in the black tank?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I am not really sure, just always for the blacks, and zep degreaser for the grey, mostly because the grey will have grease and such from food and cooking!

@pappysproductions Жыл бұрын

So, no degreaser on black tank?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

No! We use Dawn, Borax and Happy Camper to help with odor in the Black, and we use Zep, Borax and Happy camper in the Gray!

@fishnhuntoutdoors8166 Ай бұрын

You need a yearly clean from a professional we go in with a power washer an deep clean black an gray tanks

@DavidMedina4All Жыл бұрын

Have you tried Unique RV tank treatment?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I have heard good things about that product! When i reseseched it the cost is what kept me from trying it! We treat our tanks every 14 days and the cost is less than $10 total for all tanks using this method and these products are availabe at walmart, tractor supply and lowes!

@DavidMedina4All Жыл бұрын

@@PavingNewPaths understandable. I have smaller tanks.

@jamesscaggs3969 11 ай бұрын

The degreaser you are suggesting that people use says on the label that it is NOT to be used on any type of plastic. Your holding tanks are made of plastic.?????? There are other degreaser products that are safe for use on plastic.

@PavingNewPaths 11 ай бұрын

You do understand dilution right! We are using one cup for a 54 gallon tank of water! If it's not made for plastic then why does it come in a plastic bottle? I didn't invent this procedure, this is a know procedure called the bio geo method and we have been using it for 3 years doing this process weekly and have had great results!

@dedecolwell2691 Жыл бұрын

What does the Borax do ?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

It is a water softener! It makes it to where the stuff in the tank won't stick to side of the tanks! Also aids in getting the water out of the tank!

@dedecolwell2691 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! How much water do you put in your gray tanks (along with the treatment) between trips?

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

I put about 10% -15% of what the tank can hold with water! For us our tanks are 54 gallons, so I go 5-7 gallons!

@dedecolwell2691 Жыл бұрын

Perfect!! (We just got off of gunked up gray tank sensors that were driving me CRAZY! Finally got them to read empty in our driveway yesterday... and today, they're back to reading 1/3 full! LOL! I'm bound and determined to get these things to work as they should! Off to the store for Borax! Thanks again! (P.s. Liked and Subscribed!)

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Our sensors usually work after a travel but it doesn't last long! Usually the next time I dump and flush they will start working right again!

@dr5chrome896 Жыл бұрын

Cascade liquid will do the job all alone

@PavingNewPaths Жыл бұрын

We have had great success with this method!

@cj303 9 ай бұрын

Can you please elaborate

@nicholaslandolina 2 жыл бұрын

What's the borax foor

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

Its used as a water softner, makes everything in the tank slippery so when you dump it comes out instead of sticking to they walls!

@benweaver2788 2 жыл бұрын

But degreaser is super corrosive

@PavingNewPaths 2 жыл бұрын

I don't think ZEP citus degreaser is corrosive. Even if it was your adding a few cups to 30 gallons of water! We have been doing it this way for 2 years now with no problems!