Flushing the tanks!

[WearyTraveler]

I've got flush inlets for both my black tanks. When I hook the water hose to the inlet, should I open the toilet valve while filling to flush?
I'm concerned that if the tanks are sealed, the pressure of the incoming water may damage the tank or some portion of the system (similar to making sure the overflow port on the FW tank isn't plugged when filling it).

Am I worrying unnecessarily?

[Bob Denman]

Don't worry: you've got a tank vent up on the roof!

[wrapped]

But don't wait till water comes out roof vents to stop!!!

[Bob Denman]

[WearyTraveler]

Originally Posted by wrapped

But don't wait till water comes out roof vents to stop!!!

[Bob Denman]

I put a couple of ounces of dish soap down the toilet before firing up my San-T-Flush. I let it spray around in there and do it's thing until I've sprayed about ten gallons of water back in.
Then I "pull the ripcord, and watch the suds come out.
I repeat the rinsing until I see no suds, and the water looks clean.

[paulwadley]

I dump the black tank first. I then refill with the tank washers. I usually let it go until about 2/3's full then let it flow out. I also use some dish soap and flush it a couple of additional times until no more bubbles. It also helps to clean out the tank and sensors.

Paul

[Beau388]

Never leave the hose bib when flushing. Black tanks fillip faster than you can imagine especially if a neighbor ask you what you are doing with the green hose. My flush uses 4 gallons per minute and my black tank is 24.5 gallons

[WearyTraveler]

Thanks folks!

[Carl Breeding]

Dump your tank, then run the water through the flush input for about 5 minutes, then dump again. Repeat as necessary until the output is clean. I recommend having a clear fitting on the sewer hose so you can tell when it is clean.

[Judge]

I fill my black tank 3/4 full once or twice after the final dumping of a trip. I use a digital water gauge to know how much water is going in. I use a clear fitting so I can when the water is clear and free from debris for the most part.

I then add 5 gallons of water to the black tank and add Calgon Water Softener and Dish Soap. The water softener keeps the inside very slippery so debris doesn't want to stick to the walls and sensors causing false readings.

[OldWEB]

My opinion, but it seems like a lot of people use more water to flush their tanks than it took to initially fill it. I read/hear of different areas struggling to supply areas with potable water, then this?

I have no fancy flush system, just pour one bucket of clean water into the loo to 'rinse' when dumping, then one bucket with soap powder and Calgon to 'wash' while I drive to the next destination. A stinky job but it seems to work.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by OldWEB

My opinion, but it seems like a lot of people use more water to flush their tanks than it took to initially fill it. I read/hear of different areas struggling to supply areas with potable water, then this?

I have no fancy flush system, just pour one bucket of clean water into the loo to 'rinse' when dumping, then one bucket with soap powder and Calgon to 'wash' while I drive to the next destination. A stinky job but it seems to work.

I tend to agree! I do have a flush system but I don’t use it very often. Make sure there always is water in the tanks even after emptying and don’t worry about it. Never any troubles.

[Lt Keefer]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

I tend to agree! I do have a flush system but I don’t use it very often. Make sure there always is water in the tanks even after emptying and don’t worry about it. Never any troubles.

X3, repeated tank flushing is a waste of good water. I've been RVing since 1980 and never had a poop pyramid. Use sufficient water when flushing and all will be well, even without a fancy tank flush.

[BandG]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

I tend to agree! I do have a flush system but I don’t use it very often. Make sure there always is water in the tanks even after emptying and don’t worry about it. Never any troubles.

I always leave a few gallons (with soap & Calgon or Cascade) after leaving from one site to another. But at end of season, since I live in a cold region, I do drain my tanks completely (or as complete as I can). The only appreciable amount of liquid I want in the tanks over the winter is RV Anti Freeze.