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wand cleaning black tanks - ques
Yahoo Message Number: 19932
Some folks recommended cleaning the black tank on every dump with a wand.  My understanding from the LD manual is that you can't do this with the 2000 26.5 mid-bath b/c of a bend in the sewage line.

Is that correct?  Is there any other good way to clean it up?

Also, though the prev owner told me I must admit I have forgotten (sheepish look) and can't find a diagram or descrition in the manual - I have *separate* drainout connections for the black and grey tanks.  Which one is which?  One is forward of the rear axle, and one is behind it.  I want to know so that I can dump the black first, then the grey (to help rinse out the dump slinky hose).

Thanks all, .Terri
Re: wand cleaning black tanks - ques
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19937
Quote
Some folks recommended cleaning the black tank on every dump with a wand.  My understanding from the LD manual is that you can't do this with the 2000 26.5 mid-bath b/c of a bend in the sewage line.

Is that correct?  Is there any other good way to clean it up?

Also, though the prev owner told me I must admit I have forgotten (sheepish look) and can't find a diagram or descrition in the manual - I have *separate* drainout connections for the black and grey tanks.  Which one is which?  One is forward of the rear axle, and one is behind it.  I want to know so that I can dump the black first, then the grey (to help rinse out the dump slinky hose).
The plumbing between the Bowl and the tank in the MB IS a bit of a problem.  Use plenty of water when flushing TP, or it can accumulate in this pipe and cause a clog. (we've learned this from "experience").

We usually just refill the black tank with water and drain again (a couple of times if nobody else is waiting).  The cheap sensors used in most RV tanks are a notorious problem for false readings.  After a while you develop a feeling for how fast the tanks fill.

On the MB, the black tank (and drain) is towards the front and the grey tank is towards the rear.  Always drain (and flush) the black tank first.  Draining the grey tank later helps clean out the drain hose.  Also, it's best to only dump the black tank after it's about 2/3s full.  If you want to dump the black tank when it's less than 1/2 full, add water to fill it more completely, then dump.

Hope this helps, Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] wand cleaning black tanks - ques
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19939
Terri -
 LD sells a flexible wand for this purpose.  I assume you can buy them also at CW or other caming supply stores,
 I clean our black tank after every trip, not after every dump.  This seems to work for us.

The black dump is forward of the rear axle, the gray is aft.
 Good luck with your new (used) LD.  Maybe we'll meet on the road someday.

--Al in Bremerton --2002 26.5 MB
 on 3/17/03 9:34 AM, twr_canines at
Re: wand cleaning black tanks - ques
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19951
Terri

Twice, in the past, the black water holding tanks sensors have been fouled, leading to a messy overflow.  One of my boating friends suggested using a holding tank treatment called "KO Kills Odors", made by Raritan. It contains live aerobic bacteria that break down solids and paper.  Sewage contains lots of grease, which coats the sensor pickup and can cause inaccurate readings. The bacteria feed on the grease.  Instead of using it while traveling, I use it when we get home. Fill the black water tank with fresh water, add a couple of ounces of `KO' and then let it sit for a week or two to let the bugs do their work.  It has worked quite well on both my old and new LD.
Previously, many Rvers used a bacteria product from Crestline but the company has since gone out of business.  KO seems to be a similar product. Raritan is a reputable company hat has a good reputation in the marine world.

Available through he Internet or at marine hardware stores.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay? storeId=10001&langId=- 1&catalogId=10001&productId=28288&catalogId=10001&classNum=214&subdept Num=209&storeNum=11 Another thing you can do is to add a detergent to the tank when it is near full. Drive around for a few or many miles before dumping. This can dissolve some of the `stuff' on the sensor pickups. I have used Simple Green in the past but a dishwashing detergent should also work.

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: wand cleaning black tanks - ques
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19962
Quote
Some folks recommended cleaning the black tank on every dump with a wand.  My understanding from the LD manual is that you can't do this with the 2000 26.5 mid-bath b/c of a bend in the sewage line.

Is that correct?  Is there any other good way to clean it up?
You can buy a flexible wand at Camping World.

Once empty refill with water and drain again.  Then add an inch of water and holding tank treatment.

If you ever have gauge trouble Camping World has a gauge cleaning solution that works with a largely full tank.  Fill it add the treatment...then wait a few hours and drive it around to splash it around.  Then drain.
 
Re: wand cleaning black tanks - ques
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19988
In 2000 the people that make the Swivel Stik introduced a flexible model for those that have a bend in the plumbing and couldn't use the straight type. LD didn't include that in the manual until the 2001 model year because they had already finished the 2000 one prior to it becoming available. I bought one before getting the LD thinking I would return it if it didn't work. It does but I rarely ever use it because it can get stuck in the pipe at times and require giggling it around to get it out. They work well but you have to bring that dirty thing back through the toilet and out the window or take it through the coach and I don't care for that too much.

There are other devices to help flush the tank without bringing a hose in the window or putting something into the toilet and then having to take it out with whatever may be on it. The RV Hydroflush connects to the dump valve and is clear so you know when the water runs clear the tank is clean. For those that can't use it because of turns in the plumbing from the tank to the valve there is a similar device called the Flush King. It has a gate valve after where the hose connects and when you close that valve the water is forced back into the tank before it can run down the sewer pipe. There are also tank mounted flushing devices like the Quickie Flush and the No-Fuss Flush and others that permanently mount to the tank. All of these do the same function and allow you to flush both tanks from the outside without bringing a hose into the coach. The RV Hydroflush is the most economical and doesn't require permanent mounting so it is portable and can be used for either tank and for other RVs. With any of these devices make sure you use the anti-siphon valve they come withso you don't contaminate the water supply. most tank mounted types have them built into the device.

The easy way to remember which tank is which is that the grey water tank has a hose adapter on the valve cover so you can attach a hose to it. If the previous owner lost that one and replaced it with a standard type you can replace it with the original type with the hose connector for about $3-4 and then you'll always have an easy way of remembering which is which.

Mike