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Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Has anyone installed permanent holding tank washers in their tanks? If so how hard of job was it? And do they work well? Do they help keep the tank sensors working better?
Lynn and Lori
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #1 –
In my estimation they are a waste of time and effort! I had them on one prior RV and found little benefit.

You may be further ahead money wise if you were to install the SeeLevel Tank Monitor System. It has the sensors on the exterior of each tank, thereby eliminating contamination.   8)

Using an enzyme additive also helps.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Duro  - 
Has anyone installed permanent holding tank washers in their tanks? If so how hard of job was it? And do they work well? Do they help keep the tank sensors working better?
I have used Camco flushers, in both tanks, for about 14 years, with good success.
Amazon.com: Camco 40126 Tornado Rotary Tank Rinser with Hose: Automotive

I dumped at home two days ago and used the flushers and they did a fine job of cleaning the remaining debris from the tanks, especially the gray tank, which is surprisingly the hardest one to get clean.
Do use the flushers frequently to keep the jets from plugging.
Combined with a yearly, summer time septic enzyme treatment, the tanks have not lost capacity
Holding tank flusher | Flickr

My theory why many flushers stop working is they are seldomly used, allowing crud to build up in the jets, evenly
plugging them. Once plugged, it is just about impossible to clear the jets.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #3 –
"DURO" (a.k.a. "Lazy Lynn")-

I responded to the same post you made on the iRV2 forum.

Mark H
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #4 –
Larry your are right the gray tank is the only one that I have problems with. The sensor always shows 2/3 full until the tank is full then it shows full. It has been that way sense we bought it. We had the same problem with the gray tank in our 1994 Jamboree which we bought brand new. But our 2003 Komfort trailer that had tank washers never had any issues.
Lynn and Lori
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #5 –
Our Airstream had tank washers and still the sensors were always wonky, both black and gray, so I'm not certain they help with issue. But they do make it easier to get the tank clean I think, I wish the LD came with them but I don't think it's something I would add. We use a sewer solution and back flush the tanks with that for now.
98 MB
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #6 –
Nothing like a clean tank!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #7 –
I have Camco flushers Tornado Rotary Tank Rinser - Camco  (I think those are the ones)
 in both grey and black tanks.  As I am often dumping in places that do not have a threaded hose bib for flushing, I would often be unable to use them.  As per Larry's comment, my black tank flusher is clogged so it no longer rotates.  The grey tank one still works.

I also have the much maligned flush wand from the factory RV Swivel Stik Tank Rinsers - Camco
, and the Camco dump valve attachment that allows a jet of water to be shot into the dump valve connection. Rhino Blaster - Camco

While the Camco flushers were working, I thought they did a good job, as does the Camco dump valve attachment.  However, I get the best results with the flush wand from the factory.  The surprising thing to me is that after running it down through the toilet into the tank, then back out, I have no visible residue on it.  I guess that is because I am flushing all the way during insertion, so it is cleaning the sides on the way in.  Nevertheless, when it comes out, it goes into the shower.  Then, while the grey tank is dumping, I hose it off in the shower.

I guess my recommendation would be, if you will usually be able to connect to a threaded hose bib to flush, the Camco flushers are a good deal - not hard to install, fairly effective, and easy to use with no after-use cleanup needed.  Otherwise, go with a flush wand and a dump valve flushing connector.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Duro  - 
you are right the gray tank is the only one that I have problems with. The sensor always shows 2/3 full until the tank is full then it shows full. It has been that way sense we bought it.
Quote

This is the reason so many have installed SeeLevel tank monitors. The SeeLevel's sensors are located on the outside of the tanks and do not have the dirty tank monitor pin problems that the stock monitor suffer from.
Garnet 709 Seelevel II Tank Monitoring System

I use heavy doses of septic tank enzymes to clean both the tanks and sensors.
Flush the tanks and then fill to the top with fresh water. Add a cup of enzyme powder to each tank and let sit for as many days as you want, as least a week or more.
It works much better in hot weather.
The enzymes 'eat' the coating off the sides of the tanks, many time cleaning the sensors enough to resume working.
The gray tank usually has more grease buildup, the primary source of the problem of continued monitor misreadings.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #9 –
"...places that do not have a threaded hose bib..."

Why would you let that slow you down? Ever heard of a water thief or bandit???

Water Thief Tip

I've carried one for years. Haven't had very many opportunities to use it but when I did it sure came in handy.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #10 –
Lazy Bones that is awesome! Never seen one but I will have to order one. Thanks
Lynn and Lori
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #11 –
One word of caution on the water thief. The union between the rubber and the threaded coupling can easily "blow apart" if the water pressure is too high.

This happened to me in Zion last summer. There was no threaded fresh water hose and I was glad (almost) I had the "bandit" with me.

Feeling very satisfied that I had brought it along I confidently attached the device. Within seconds it was in two halves. Luckily, I was heading out so I didn't require much water. 

It may help to use a "cable" or "zip tie" to secure the two pieces together prior to use just in case. Or have a spare handy. [And with that being said, I just ordered two new bandits...better get some zip ties too].

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #12 –
Just ordered the water thief that's gonna come in handy at our local dump station.
Lynn and Lori
Re: Permanent tank washers
Reply #13 –
Got a water thief years ago when it came with a clamp in a notch that was made for the clamp. Thus, you can torque that baby down good and tight. Still as good as can be all these years later. The rubber remains pliable.

These new ones without the clamp are lame. I suppose you could put a regular hose clamp on it of the correct diameter but without the notch you still need to be careful.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #14 –
Black tanks seem to resist a thorough cleaning while at a campground dump station.

Never wanting to spend too much time dumping while at camp, I do my best to flush the tank as well as I can using the "Flush King" attachment.

I then refill the black tank partially and wait until I get back home to do the final dump. The journey home agitates the water in the tank and frees up any left over residue.

Yesterday, while at home, I connected the Flush King and my new Flo Jet Macerator together and gave both tanks the Royal Flush (if you will). The result was a clean sweep.

While in tank cleaners seem to be a viable solution to maintaining holding tanks, I am very satisfied will the results I have just obtained and consider both tank attachments very useful.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #15 –
Threaded campground water connections that are intended to be used to fill your RV will have an important back flow preventer attached.
Non- threaded will not. Non-threaded water connections should never be used with a water thief.

Why?

"A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow.

In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower, or other fixture. Water pressure may fail or be reduced when a water main bursts, pipes freeze, or there is unexpectedly high demand on the water system (for example, when several fire hydrants are opened). Reduced pressure in the pipe may allow contaminated water from the soil, from storage, or from other sources to be drawn up into the system."

Ed
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #16 –
Ed,

I found several back flow prevention devices that can install on 3/4 " hose connections (standard garden hose size?).

With one installed would this not prevent back contamination to the water supply-either the non-potable or the fresh water supply if installed between the bandit and the LD hose. Allowing of course a different back flow device for the black & fresh water hoses.

They come in plastic and brass. Here's a shot of both available on eBay and no doubt Amazon.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #17 –
Earlier last week while at Watchman CG in Zion, I noted that there was no threaded Black Tank Water Hose at the camp dump station.

I also mentioned that my last visit there my Water Bandit blew apart into two pieces when I attempted to use it prior to departure.

This latest trip I was prepared for the occasion. I purchased two Water Bandits (that I lovingly refer to as my Water Wiggles with my daughter).

To prevent the Blow Out of the Bandit, I used plastic cable ties to secure the rubber to the brass threaded section. It worked great. I did, however, hold the Bandit to the Black Water Nipple as the bandit doesn't "hold on" very tightly.

Included is a pic of the "fixed bandit".

Upon reflection, I now realize that it's a good thing I purchased two Water Bandits. One will reside with the black tank hoses and Flush King while the other will remain with the Fresh Water Hoses.

What's the ol' Boy Scout adage? Always be prepared?

Carefree travels all.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #18 –
They make Velcro cable 'cinches', that double back on themselves, that could do a good job of holding the Bandit to the spigot.  I've not seen them at home centers, but I've picked up mine at MicroCenter computer stores.  Although the buckle part is plastic, you can cinch them pretty tight.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #19 –
Chip,

I do use Velcro to hold the Fresh Water Hose to the Fresh Water Tank Inlet. That's pretty handy for a hands free fresh water fill up.

 Any links to your Velcro Tie?

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #20 –

Sure.  Basically this type of thing:
Amazon.com: hook and loop cinch strap

You would probably want short, and not real wide, to concentrate the force and make sure you don't run out of loop for your hook.

Another option would be a hose clamp, with a thumb screw for 'no tools' use...
(several interesting options)
hose clamp thumb screw - Google Search

...and maybe a rubber guard for added abrasion protection. 
Metal Cable Clamps | Metal Wire Clips | Waytek, Inc


Or maybe this, if it has enough adjustment range, and is 'circular' enough when closed:
Adjustable Cable Clamps®

If you buy thru Amazon, remember to use the LD gateway thingy.

Chip

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #21 –
Thanks Chip,

Just bought the Velcro straps. 12.5"x.8" set of 10 for less than $7.00 on our Amazon link.

I have been using double sided Velcro strap on all my tank hoses already but I really like the loop for cinching things down. They'll work well for the bikes too.

One can never have too much Velcro.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
 
Re: Permanent tank washers - and Water Thief or Bandit
Reply #22 –
You may find that a shorter one (6") would grip and hold the rubber part around the spigot better.
A steel hoop may be stronger, as well.

6 x 58 Inch Cinch Straps - 5 Pack - Secure™ Cable Ties

These sites are just the first ones that came up -- for pics.  Haven't purchased from any of them.

If you're using longer ones to hold coils of hose/cable/whatever, I usually cut two 1/8" slits near the ring, and secure them to the material with a tie-wrap, so it's always in the right place when you need it.

Chip
2000 Front Lounge