Portable Sanitation
How do I get rid of the black tank pyramid?
A black tank pyramid refers to the buildup of waste and paper in your RV's black holding tank, and it can put a significant damper on your RV travels. Waste buildup fills your RV with foul odors and is a pain to remove—without the right products. Here's how you can prevent a pyramid from forming or eliminate one if it does.
Don't leave your black tank valve open when you're hooked up at a site.
If you allow your tank to drain gradually, the liquids will pass through while the solids build up in a solid pyramid. To thoroughly dump the contents of your tank, you need the assistance of gravity. Keep the valve closed until the tank is 2/3 full, and then dump it.
Use an enzyme-based deodorizer.
Enzymes digest waste and paper, so using a deodorizer with powerful enzymes will keep the contents of your black tank from solidifying. Walex's Bio-Pak is an enzyme-based formula contained in a rapid-dissolving water-soluble packet. When flushed down into the tank, the enzymes go to work immediately, breaking down buildup and deodorizing in the process.
Use an enzyme-based black tank cleaner.
If you suspect a waste pyramid has formed in your black holding tank, you need to use Commando. Commando's innovative formula is packed with enough enzymes to restore your black holding tank to good-as-new, no scrubbing or agitation required. Not only will it liquefy the waste and paper, but it will clean tank walls and sensors, restoring the accuracy of your sensors. Here's how to use it:
- Empty your tank, rinse out any chemical residue, close your dump valve, drop one Commando packet into the toilet, and flush
- Then fill your holding above your highest sensor or completely full.
- Leave it in for a minimum of 12 hours. Commando is formulated to work in as little as 12 to 24 hours for those in a hurry, but it will not hurt your tank to leave it in longer, several days, for more stubborn holding tank issues or clogs.
- Empty your tank. Rinse again. You can now add your deodorizer, refill with 1.25 gallons of water for every 10 gallons of holding tank capacity and continue using the toilet.
You can use Commando to destroy existing buildup or preventatively every three months to control buildup from forming.
Happy adventuring!
Restroom Trailer Product Checklist
Have you added luxury restroom trailer rentals to your business? Not only is it important to purchase the right trailer, but it's critical to use the right products to ensure your trailer creates a positive impression of your business.
Having the right products in your arsenal will make your restroom trailer look and smell brand new, boosting your brand image and elevating you over the competition.
P-Trapper: Waterless Urinal Odor Control
Trap seal liquid that immediately eliminates odors in waterless, no-flush urinals, providing long-term odor control in restroom trailers.
Bravo Urinal Screens: Fragrance Enhancer
Keeps urinal smelling fresh for up to 30 days with strong fragrance release and bacteria action that deodorizes & cleans urinal & drain.
Bio-Pak: Black Tank Deodorizer
Enzyme-based drop-in that deodorizes black tank and digests solids, preventing clogging and build-up. Eliminates spills.
Ovation: Fragrance Enhancer
Commercial-strength air fresheners that can be hung anywhere to fight odors for up to 30 days. Ideal for women’s side.
Porta-Pak: Black Tank Deodorizer
Best-selling drop-in packet that deodorizes black holding tank, eliminating spills and keeping restroom trailer smelling fresh.
Urinal Cleaner
Spray on urinal to remove calcium deposits, restoring trailer’s urinals to like-new condition and eliminating foul odors.
Commando: Black Tank Cleaner
Enzyme-based drop-in that cleans trailer’s black holding tank in 12-24 hours, no agitation required. Restores tank to like-new condition.
Banish: Graffiti Remover
Effectively removes markers, paint, pen, grease, tar, crayon, dirt and calcium build-up, improving trailer’s appearance.
Fab Lav: Cleaner
Multi-purpose cleaner with a pleasing lavender fragrance guarantees trailer interior looks and smells fresh and clean.
Grey Water Liquid: Deodorizer
Great for shower trailers; controls grey holding tank odors caused by soap scum, skin, saliva, dirt and lint.
How to clean your restroom trailer holding tank
Quick and easy restroom trailer holding tank cleaning method
Clean your restroom trailer holding tank without agitation or scrubbing
Urinal Screens Vs. Blocks
Both urinal blocks and urinal screens are effective urinal deodorizers. Choosing between them can be a matter of personal preference, so here's a rundown of both products.
Screens
- Last up to 30 days
- Emits a steady fragrance
- Patented shape and design fits in all urinal styles
- Maximizes drain flow and reduces splashing
- Available in 6 fragrance
- Environmentally-friendly
- Biodegradable
Blocks
- Lasts up to 7 days
- Activated by heat/usage
- Dissolves gradually with usage
- Environmentally-friendly
- Biodegradable
If you have any more questions about whether screens or blocks are right for you, give us a call at 910-371-2242.
Recognizing our hard-working team this Labor Day
Labor Day is an occasion for honoring the American worker. Walex is proud to have a team of more than 60 dedicated workers at our facility just outside of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Our diverse and talented staff spans multiple departments. We have Ph.D. chemists who ensure Walex is on the cutting edge of product development, experienced sales managers supported by a knowledgeable customer service staff, and a hardworking production team that fulfills orders accurately and efficiently.
We've come from humble beginnings—our father/son co-founders, Bob and Bill Williams, created the first Walex product in their kitchen four decades ago—but we've grown significantly. We are now the number one supplier for portable sanitation, waste treatment, and odor control products in commercial and consumer applications.
We develop, manufacture, and ship products globally to more than 80 countries. We have been a respected supplier to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Olympics in Beijing, Carnaval in Brazil, RVs in New Zealand, buses in Mexico, portable toilets at construction sites worldwide, merchant ships in Spain, movie sets in Canada, coffee fields in Colombia, World Cup soccer matches, and in the Panama Canal expansion project.
But we don't just want to celebrate our Walex workers; we want to honor the dedicated customers we serve. We might not be the most glamorous industry, but you all work hard and don't shy away from a tough job.
To you and every other American worker, thank you.
Special Events Product Checklist
Renting units at an outdoor event? Here are the products you need to keep your units clean and odor-free.
Special events are returning, but with new, heightened sanitation requirements. Walex has expanded our sanitation product line to meet these needs. Call us at 800-338-3155 to stock up on these products.
- Deo-Disc: Portable air fresheners that eliminate tough odors for up to 30 days. Place one inside each unit to provide even greater odor control.
- Sanibet Disinfectant: EPA-approved, broad range disinfectant. Simply spray it on high-touch surfaces, no rinse required when used as a spray.
- Hand Sanitizer: Walex now offers three types of dispensers—foaming, Deb, and gel—and refills for each.
- BRAVO Urinal Screens: Adding a urinal screen is a great way to make your unit feel professional and clean. BRAVO Urinal Screens have a patented shape for superior fit in all urinal styles, and they are available in six fragrances.
- Whether you prefer liquid or drop-in deodorizer, Walex has you covered. Our liquid is available in refillable EZ-Squeeze bottles, which have volume measurements and a squirt top to facilitate easier, more precise use. Our best-selling drop-in is available in Porta-Pak Express, a lighter dosage that's perfect for special events.
Walex Offers Three Drop-in Strengths to Meet Your Needs
The level of deodorizer you need varies depending on your climate
Walex makes drop-in packets for mild, moderate and hot climates as well as light, moderate and heavy usage
Walex introduced drop-in deodorizers to the portable sanitation industry three decades ago. Now, the company offers its innovative Porta-Pak Portion Control Deodorizer in different strengths for different situations.
Some portable restroom operators prefer liquid deodorizer to portion control packets because liquid offers more precise control over the amount of product used. Walex's R&D department developed the different Porta-Pak strengths to give PROs more flexibility within the mess-free portion-control system.
All three Porta-Pak strengths—Original, Max and Express—are formaldehyde-free, biodegradable, and made with non-staining DuraBlue color.
Porta-Pak Original is a good option for most climates and conditions. Just drop one Porta-Pak into the holding tank and add water.
Porta-Pak MAX is the industry's most potent holding tank deodorizer, designed for heavy traffic and hot climates. The MAX formula contains 50 percent more color, 50 percent more odor control, and double the fragrance of the original Porta-Pak.
Porta-Pak Express is a cost-effective option for mild climates and special events or multiple servicing jobs.
The seasons are changing, so make sure you have the correct strength of Porta-Pak for your climate and conditions. Call 800-338-3155 and we'll help get you exactly what you need.
New Deb products added to Walex sanitizing product line
Walex is now selling four Deb products, in addition to the rest of our hand sanitizing products.
Proline Curve Dispenser
The Proline Curve dispensers are for use in a variety of workplace environments. These dispensers are universal, in the case that they can be used with a number of the SCJ Professional product lines.
- The small Proline Curve dispensers are for the 1 liter cartridges (available in a number of different colors and designs)
Deb InstantFOAM™ Non-Alcohol
InstantFoam™ Non-Alcohol is an foaming hand sanitizer solution for areas where flammable or alcohol-based products are a concern, making it the ideal hand hygiene product for schools, prisons, or health institutions. The foam formula provides user with control of the product, allows for more handwashes than liquid products and contains skin conditioner to prevent dryness.
Deb Refresh™ Azure FOAM
Where to use: Washroom areas in offices, education, daycares, and public facilities
- Signature Fragrance – modern Fresh Apple fragrance with caring, pleasantly fresh and clean notes to elevate the washroom experience
- Specially Formulated with one of the Mildest Preservatives – using milder preservatives reduces the risk of skin irritation
- Remove >99% of Dirt and Germs – just a single pump to deliver highly effective skin cleansing when used properly
- Biodegradable Formula – this formula and each of its carbon-containing ingredients will rapidly decompose into simple, non-toxic substances in 28 days or less in accordance with OECD301F standard
- Contains Skin Moisturizer – helps prevent drying and leave the skin feeling smooth after use
Deb InstantGEL™ Hand Sanitizer
Where to use: Ideal for use in any work environment or public area where a higher level of hand hygiene is required: offices, schools and public facilities
- Ethanol-based gel that sanitizes without water – ideal for killing germs when water is not readily available
- Pleasantly perfumed – lightly perfumed to help motivate compliance
- Contains skin moisturizer – helps improve hydration and prevent drying of skin
How to Maximize the Performance of your Deodorizer
This year has tested all of us in ways we could have never imagined, and the Walex crew wants to help your business persevere through these times. We’re happy to provide you with deodorizers that, when used correctly, keep your portable toilet fleet fresh and clean—but we want to make sure you’re getting the most out of these powerful products. Use these tips to ensure you maximize the performance of your deodorizers.
Add enough water
Many people understandably believe that the solution to foul-smelling units is to use more deodorizing chemical. But you might just need to use more water. To avoid odorous mounding, we recommend adding five gallons of water. If units are especially prone to mounding, add at least seven gallons. Water is the vehicle that delivers the deodorizer to the waste.
Use the correct dosage
Walex offers multiple tiers of both our liquid and portion-control packets and tablets to give you the precise formula to meet your needs, which are determined by weather, traffic and frequency of service. For example, we offer our most popular drop-in, Porta-Pak, in Original, Express and Max. Regular Porta-Pak is effective in temperatures up to 90 degrees; we recommend Max for temperatures exceeding that. Max is also best for units located in heavy traffic areas like public park, a beach access, or a busy construction site. But no matter how heavy the traffic, units that are serviced daily, such as those at certain special events, don’t require excess deodorizer, because odor-emitting bacteria will not have had time to form.
Utilize accessories
Removing odors from your units goes beyond just what you put in the holding tank. Place a Walex Deodorant Disc anywhere in the unit to keep the air fresh. You can also keep the urinal odor-free with a Walex BRAVO Deodorizing Screen.
Change the fragrance
Walex offers liquid deodorizers in more than 25 fragrances, and we recommend switching fragrance every few months, because people become desensitized to fragrances over time.
Switch to drop-in packets
While Walex EZ-Squeeze Bottles make using our liquid deodorizers much easier, you’re still less likely to spill or overuse a drop-in packet. Choosing between liquid and packets depends on many factors, but if you believe you’re losing deodorizer to spillage or a lack of precision, we recommend switching to packets or tabs for portion control.
Clean the “sludge line”
While your service technicians might pump the contents of a unit, a line of residual waste remains in the tank, and if this “sludge line” is not removed, the unit will retain foul odors. We recommend spraying one of Walex’s powerful cleaning products and scrubbing the inside of the tank with a brush.
Walex wants to help your business succeed during these challenging times, and that means maximizing the performance of your deodorizer. If you have more questions, call 800-338-3155 and one of our sales managers will be happy to help you.
NEW PRODUCTS: DEB Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer & DEB Hand Soap
For a limited time, while supplies last, Walex is selling DEB InstantFOAM Non-Alcohol Fragranced Hand Sanitizer and DEB Fresh Scent Hand Soap. Call 800-338-3155 to order, or contact your regional account manager directly.
John Marcucci (West & Southwest):
john@walex.com, 910-443-1493
Ellis Hartley (Southeast):
ellis@walex.com, 910-619-5599
Brian Bost (Northeast):
brian@walex.com, 910-200-1740
Brian Rooney (Midwest):
brianr@walex.com, 910-859-4619
September Special: 20% Off Urinal Screens
Now through September 30, get 20% off BRAVO Urinal Screens, the most powerful urinal screens on the market.
Enhance your restrooms with our powerful BRAVO Urinal Screens and instantly eliminate lingering odors are their source! Take advantage of this incredible special that your customers will be sure to appreciate!
- 6 Long-Lasting Fragrance Options
- Deodorizes for 30+ Days!
- Eliminates Odors
- Splash Reducing Nodules
- Patented Shape & Translucent Design
- Saves Time & Money
- VOC & LEED Compliant
Lavender
A fresh, modern take updates an old standard from laid back to lively.
Mango
This sweet, tropical scent of mango leaves you daydreaming of an island get-away.
Melon
This refreshing fragrance is ripe with the invigorating scent that’ll send your positivity soaring sky high.
Spring Fresh
Add a comforting scent and light, spring freshness that’s unmistakably clean.
Summer Spice
The scent of cinnamon fills your restrooms with the welcoming impression, and feelings of genuine warmth and comfort.
Wildflower
A rich bouquet perfumes the air with vibrant florals and positive vibes.
Urinal Blocks: Para vs Non-Para
When purchasing urinal blocks, you'll need to choose between para and non-para blocks. Para stands for paradichlorobenzene, and many states have outlawed it because the World Health Organization (WHO) considers it to be possibly carcinogenic to humans based on studies with mice. There are pros and cons to both the para and non-para blocks, so keep reading to discover which is best for your needs.
Para
The biggest downside of para blocks is the possible health danger. The benefits are that it lasts for a long time and has a pleasant cherry smell. Para blocks are heat-activated and melt slowly, rather than dissolving and breaking into pieces with use.
Non-Para
Non-para blocks are use-activated; they break apart and dissolve with use, delivering additional odor control as they do so. The benefits are that they effectively control odor, help clean the urinal, and do not contain carcinogenic ingredients. They are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
If you’re still unsure which type of urinal block you should get, please call us at 800-338-3155, and we’d be happy to answer any questions.