Holding tanks are an integral part of an RV and your life on the road. The plumbing system is one of the more crucial systems in your rig, but it’s one that is generally out-of-sight and out-of-mind until something goes wrong. Once this tank or any part of this system goes down, the situation deteriorates quickly. The best way to avoid a frustrating failure with this setup or its parts is to place the best components possible in your RV. Where do you find such heavy-duty and quality items? RecPro, of course!
Holding tanks are an integral part of an RV and your life on the road. The plumbing system is one of the more crucial systems in your rig, but it’s one that is generally out-of-sight and out-of-mind until something goes wrong. Once this tank or any part of this system goes down, the situation deteriorates quickly. The best way to avoid a frustrating failure with this setup or its parts is to place the best components possible in your RV. Where do you find such heavy-duty and quality items? RecPro, of course!
The first thing you need to know about the tanks offered by RecPro is that they are produced by the top freshwater and holding (black water) tank manufacturers in the world. This is especially true of our primary supplier of tanks; EPI. Elkhart Plastics Inc is one of the chief providers of tanks (holding, grey, and freshwater) to the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in the RV industry. Their tanks are considered the measure of quality when it comes to all manner of liquid containers for RVs, food trucks, and concession trailers. While blow-molding and injection-molding are both used by EPI in the manufacturing of their containers, their principal focus is in rotational molding. This process removes almost all impurities, significantly reduces delamination (due to air pockets and physical intrusions), and surface inconsistencies.
Our holding tanks come in standard stocking sizes and a wide variety of customized options. Our tanks come with a 3" expulsion port (as the primary option) and a blank body. Different ports and sensors may be added to fit the tank to your specifications. If we do not have the options available that you need, we also offer a universal fittings kit so you can create exactly the system you need.
RecPro has the best tanks you can buy in the aftermarket. With a wide array of options to choose from, both stock and custom, we are your one-stop-shop for freshwater and holding tanks when you buy or upgrade your RV.
Average RV Black Water Tank Sizes
The average size of a black water tank on an RV is usually between 15 and 70 gallons. However, most RVs are equipped with a black water tank between sizes of 40 gallons and 60 gallons. Some larger RV models may be equipped with black water tanks of 100 gallons or larger. As a general rule, larger recreational vehicles will usually have larger black water tanks.
The following list will break down the average black water tank size for different types of vehicles:
Travel Trailers - 25 to 40 gallons
Fifth Wheels - 40 to 60 gallons
Motorhomes - 40 to 75 gallons or larger
Factors that determine what a good size RV black water tank for you would be include the number of people you are traveling with, how often you use and flush the toilet, and how much water you use when showering, brushing your teeth, and washing dishes.
Black Water Tank Location on an RV
The waste water tank of an RV is easy to locate. Typically, the waste tank can be found in the underbelly of the RV between the frame rails, directly beneath the toilet, and below the floor line. Being placed directly beneath the toilet allows the black water tank to be gravity-fed for easier and more efficient waste flow.
How To Use an RV Black Water Tank
Once your black water tank is installed, it is easy to use. Your black water tank will need to be primed before its first use and after every tank dump. You can prime the black water tank by adding 2 to 4 gallons of water to the tank, either by adding the water directly or by holding down the flush pedal of your toilet.
Once water has been added to your waste tank, you will then need to add a specialized black tank bacteria and enzyme treatment. The addition of the black tank bacteria and enzyme treatment will help break down solid waste, clean the tank sensors, reduce odors, and prevent waste buildup, also known as "tank cake".
What Can Go in An RV Black Water Tank
Human waste
RV-friendly toilet paper
Water
RV black water tank treatments and cleaners
What Can't Go in an RV black Water Tank
Wet wipes
Paper towels
Feminine hygiene products
Foreign solids
How To Empty A Black Water Tank on an RV
First, park your RV at a designated RV dump station. Connect your sewer hose to the dump station, then connect the other end of the hose to the waste valve of your black water tank. Ensure the connections are firm and secure, then open your black water tank waste valve. Allow the waste to drain until the tank is empty, then close the waste valve.
Once the tank is empty and the waste valve is closed, flush your black water tank by either using your RV's built-in flush system if it has one or by manually flushing the toilet several times. Then, open the waste valve again and allow the water to drain out. Repeat this process until all waste has been removed from your black water tank.
Once your black water tank has been flushed and is free of any remaining waste, make sure the waste valve is shut and remove the sewer hose from the tank and the dump station. Add 2 to 4 gallons of water to your black water tank by flushing your toilet several times, then add a black water tank bacteria and enzyme treatment made specifically for RV black water tanks.
You should never use bleach or other harsh cleaning chemicals when dumping and flushing your black water tank, as it will kill the enzymes and beneficial bacteria that break down waste. Harsh chemicals such as bleach may also be corrosive, which may damage the black water tank, the tank sensors, and may cause leaks to appear.
How Often Should You Empty A Black Water Tank
For an average-sized black water tank that sees regular use, you should empty the tank when it is two-thirds to three-quarters full, or about every 3 to 5 days. This will help prevent unpleasant issues such as clogs, "tank cake", and odors, and will also assist in ensuring good water flow when dumping.
How To Check An RV Black Water Tank
There are several ways you can check the fullness of your RV's black water tank. The easiest method is to look at the tank monitor panel of your RV if it is equipped with one. Pressing the correct button for your black water tank on your tank monitor panel should display the fullness as Empty, ⅓ full, ⅔ full, or Full. However, tank monitor sensors can be inaccurate if not cleaned and maintained properly.
The most reliable method of checking your RV's black water tank is by visually inspecting it. You can do this by shutting off the water supply to the toilet, then flushing the toilet and holding the valve open. Doing so will allow you to use a flashlight to look down the toilet and into the black water tank to see how full it is.
If the water level of your black water tank is close to the top, or if you hear a gurgling sound (often referred to as a "burp") when flushing, then the tank is most likely full and needs to be dumped.
How To Clean & Sanitize An RV Black Water Tank
First, empty and flush out your black water holding tank (see the "How to Empty A Black Water Tank on an RV" segment). Once your tank has been emptied and flushed, close all waste valves and fill your tank halfway with water. You can do this either by holding the toilet open or by using your RV's flush system if it is equipped with one. Once your black water tank is filled halfway, add a cleaning solution specifically designed for black water tanks and continue filling the black water tank with water until it is full.
You should not use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean your black water tank, as doing so may cause damage to the tank sensors and valves, kill beneficial enzymes and bacteria that break down waste, or cause damage to the tank itself, resulting in leaks.
Allow the cleaning solution to sit inside the tank according to the instructions of your cleaning solution, or for 12 to 72 hours. Repeatedly drain and flush your black water tank until the water runs clear and no odor remains.
Homemade RV Black Tank Treatment
It is strongly recommended that you use a tank cleaner designed specifically for black water tanks. But, if you prefer using a homemade cleaning solution, here are a few recipes you can try:
Option 1
¼ cup of Borax
1 cup dish soap or laundry detergent
1 gallon of hot water
2 cups of water softener
Option 2
½ cup of Borax
¼ cup of baking soda
¼ cup of citric acid
Do Ice Cubes In The RV Black Water Tank Work
Adding ice cubes to your RV's black water tank has little to no effect when cleaning. The idea behind putting ice cubes in your holding tank is that the ice cubes will "scrub" the tank and sensors as they shift around while you are traveling. Unfortunately, this scrubbing action is inconsistent and has very minimal effects, and requires you to keep your black tank filled with ice.
The most effective way to keep your black water tank and tank sensors clean and working properly is to regularly dump your black water tank, thoroughly clean your tank with a specialized black tank cleaner, and treat your black water tank with a specialized black water enzyme treatment.
How To Unclog A Black Water Tank
A clogged black water holding tank can be a huge annoyance. Thankfully, there are several ways you can unclog a black water tank. Start by closing your waste tank valve, then try to flush out the blockage with a strong stream of water by inserting a tank rinser or garden hose through the toilet.
If the clog persists, add an enzyme or chemical treatment specially designed for black water tanks to the tank and fill the tank with water until the clog is submerged. Allow the black tank enzyme or chemical treatment solution to sit for at least 24 hours so that the treatment solution can break down the clog. Once the solution has had time to break down the blockage, try to flush the black water tank again to see if the clog has cleared.
If the clog continues to persist after treatment and flushing, you can use a flexible drain snake to break up the blockage into smaller pieces and push them through.
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