RV Black tank clean-out option

There are many RV black tank clean-out options available. Some work better than others and their effectiveness is largely dependent on the RV plumbing configuration.

This week I am reviewing the "Dual Flush" clean-out solution. This item is available in the RV section of your local WalMart.Cleaning your black tank thoroughly is VERY important! I learned this lesson the hard way when I first began RVing. I didn't wash the black tank out thoroughly and toilet paper remaining in the sewer pipes dried forming a hard plug. The next time I pulled the "T" handle, nothing came out. I had to snake it out enduring an avalanche of brown and I NEVER want to repeat that experience again!

The old school way to clean out the black water tank is to use a wand connected to a hose inserted into the toilet. This is a very effective way to clean out your tank, but you have to contend with dragging a hose into your RV. Another method is to install a spray clean-out that has an outside connection for the hose and sprays directly into your black tank. There are several variations on this method and here is a link to a previous story: The Tornado

The simplicity of the Dual Flush device is it's strong point. There is no need to drill holes in your holding tank, you just attach it to the existing clean-out and hook-up a water hose. It has a valve that allows you to squirt water up into the plumbing or down into the sewer line.The problem with this device is that it will not work efficiently with all plumbing configurations. It works on my RV because the black tank empties directly down into the clean-out pipe. On my previous 5th wheels, it would not have worked because the clean-out pipes were too long and contorted to allow the Dual Flush spray to effectively wash away the sludge. It's still not as effective as the old school wand because it does not completely spray all the surfaces of the tank interior. I like the see-through design because you know when the water is running clear.
The down spray is an effective way to wash down your flexible sewer hose. I like this feature because it allows you to wash the hose without disconnecting. You won't spill a drop on the ground or yourself with this feature.As with all see-through sewer connections, they don't last. My experience for the life expectancy for these connections is anywhere from six months to a year before they break or become opaque.

Jim Twamley - Professor of RVing

Lighted inspection mirrior is a handy RV tool

Do you remember the spy tubes that allowed you to look around corners? I loved these gadgets when I was a kid. If I remember correctly, I saved tops off of cerial boxes to get one. Spy tubes had two mirrors aligned at right angles allowing you "peek" around corners.

Until now, I've borrowed Mrs. Professor's hand held beauty mirror if I needed to inspect something mechanical. I was always careful to wipe the grease off before returning it to woman land.

I don't have to borrow her mirror anymore since my good friends at Coil n' Wrap hooked me up with this solar powered inspection mirror with LED light.When it came in the mail, I couldn't resist using it like my old spy tube. Since it's on a flexible shaft you can twist or contort it to any position.It excels at inspecting tight places under the hood.
My absolute favorite use is for checking fluid levels in my RV batteries. The LED light is perfect for this job!The unit is solar powered and doesn't require batteries. It will charge itself using sunlight or indoor lighting. When you store it in a dark place (like your toolbox) it only looses 2% power per month, so even after being stowed away for a year it will perform flawlessly when you need it.

There are numerous uses around the house and RV for this inspection light. You will find more information and other bright ideas by visiting Coil n' Wrap. Jim Twamley - Professor of RVing

How gross is your RV fresh water tank?

RV fresh water tanks can be bacteria heaven. If you leave water in your tank for several months without cleaning it out, you may be conducting an aquaculture experiment. Green yucky stuff can overtake your on-board water system, clogging your pump and exposing you and your family to sickness. Here is an example of a contaminated water pump diaphragm. Another problem is the quality of water you put into your tank. We travel all over the country and see a wide variety of water quality at different RV parks. I usually run the water and look at it before I hook it up to the RV. I've actually seen rust, pebbles and all sorts of debris come out of standard RV park faucets. It usually clears after a minute of running, but it sure makes you wonder!

So how will you know if the water in your tank is contaminated? You need a WaterCheck Test Kit sold by Coil n' Wrap. This screening tool will detect the presence of E.coli and is easy to use.

The kit is a divided bag containing the testing agent in the bottom compartment.Turn off the shore water and flip on the switch to the water pump. I used the outside shower, letting it run for a while ensuring all the shore water washed through the system.
Fill the bag to the level indicated by a dotted line.
Remove the dividing clip after the proper amount of water is in the bag.
Mix the contents into the bag and let it stand at room temperature for two days. The principle at work is the ability of coliform bacteria to utilize specialized nutrients and reagents to form a distinctive blue-green color.
After the allotted time and with much anticipation, I checked it.The yellow color indicates no coliform bacteria detected. Had it turned blue-green I would know I had a problem.

So how should you go about cleaning your RV's fresh water tank?

In the archives is an article I wrote called, "Sanitize your RV fresh water tank before it's too late" which outlines the procedure.
Remember, you can purchase WaterCheck Test Kits from the good folks at Coil n' Wrap.

Bacteria are not the only cause for concern when it comes to water. You also need a test for detecting the presence of harmful stuff like asbestos, lead, mercury, arsenic and cyanide. For this you will need the "Digital Water Purity Tester" available at WalMart in the RV section for under $12.00.
This small digital instrument is reusable and works in hot or cold water. Carry it with you anywhere and check your water as often as you like. It runs on two watch batteries and comes with an extra set.

You simply turn it on and submerge it into a container of water for a few seconds and then push the "read" button. The digital readout is back lit and easy to see. The lower the number the better the water. The tester has a scale on the back to assist you in gauging the quality of the water sample. It turns out the sample I tested from my RV faucet was in an acceptable range. Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing