RV/Marine
Traveling in an RV with pets? Here are two products that will make your trip more comfortable.
Get rid of smells from pets, mildew and garbage with Walex's odor eliminators
In the past year, many people have discovered the excitement and freedom of traveling by RV. If you are one of those new RV owners and have pets that you want to take on your travels, don’t worry! Plenty of RVers travel with dogs of all sizes, cats, and even bunnies.
Many people know what items to bring to ensure that their pet is comfortable on the road. But it would be best if you also considered your comfort when living in tight quarters with animals, and that means eradicating the occasional furball, dirty pawprint, and odor. Walex is the expert in odor control, and we have two products that animal owners always recommend!
Odor Absorber
Packing at least one Walex Odor Absorber in your RV is an easy decision. It is a gel-infused charcoal product that destroys odor molecules rather than masking them with fragrance. It is easy to use; simply peel back the top, and it goes to work instantly, neutralizing odors in the air and creating a bright, fresh-smelling space. One Odor Absorber can freshen a 300 square foot space for as long as 60 days, so you can leave it in your RV between trips to avoid those stale storage smells. Odor Absorber is non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally safe.
Assure Odor Eliminator Spray
Assure is another odor-destroying product that contains natural essential oils. We package the fresh-smelling liquid product in a spray bottle so you can quickly spritz seat cushions or rugs as needed. Assure eliminates odor molecules on contact, whether in the air or fabric. We designed it to fight the most challenging pet, trash, and bathroom odors, but it is also great for eliminating smoke, mold, and mildew. It is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and safe for use around dogs and cats. Just a little bit of this product goes a long way in odor control.
You can find both of these products on the shelf at your local RV dealer, next to the Walex holding tank deodorizers. We hope both you and your furry friends enjoy your next RV trip! Happy Adventuring from the Walex crew.
How long will my deodorizer last?
How often do you need to add deodorizer to keep your toilet odor-free?
We often get questions from RV owners about how often to use Porta-Pak or Bio-Pak, and how long one bag of the product will last. The short answer is this: two people living in an RV in a moderate climate will need to drop in one packet every five to seven days. Each Porta-Pak and Bio-Pak bag contains 10-packets, so the length of time one bag lasts depends on the number of people using the RV's facilities.
A good rule of thumb is to add a new packet of deodorizer right after you empty your tank. Always wait to empty your black holding tank until your sensors show that it's 2/3 full because gravity helps move all the solids out when you open the valve. Plus, if you're using a product like Bio-Pak, waiting long enough to empty will give the enzymes more time to liquefy the waste and paper.
Add enough water
After emptying the tank and adding your Walex drop-in, make sure to add enough water to disperse the active ingredients throughout the holding tank. The odor is less prevalent when the waste and paper sinks below the waterline. Otherwise, you may have a pyramid of waste and paper above the water line that causes malodor. We recommend starting with 1.25 gallons of water for every 10 gallons of holding tank. With adequate water added, one packet of deodorizer will control odor and treat waste up to a 40-gallons.
Keep your sensors functioning
One more thing to keep in mind: controlling holding tank odors depends heavily on watching your sensors, and if you start getting false sensor readings, you won't know when to empty and refill your tank. When this happens, you'll want to drop in one packet of Commando. This super-concentrated enzyme-based formula liquefies residual waste and paper build up within the tank, lubricates your valves, and cleans your sensors. Give Commando a minimum of 12-24 hours to do its job (longer is okay if it's a stubborn issue), and your tank will be good as new.
Happy Adventuring!
Will my RV holding tanks freeze?
How to prevent your RV holding tank and pipes from freezing
If you're spending the night in a cold climate—where the temperature will drop below 32 degrees—you might worry that your RV tanks and pipes will freeze. If you take a few precautions and understand the capabilities of your RV, you should be fine. Keep reading for helpful tips.
Keep your lines and valves warm.
The parts of your RV plumbing that are most vulnerable to freezing are the lines and valves rather than the holding tanks. In frigid temperatures, these can freeze and crack, causing costly repairs. In some RVs, the pipes are more exposed, while in other RVs, the propane furnace pumps heat around the tanks.
Drain the tanks and pipes and add RV antifreeze.
If the temperature drops down into the teens, you'll want to add RV antifreeze to the pipes to keep them from freezing and cracking. First, drain the tanks and lines to ensure nothing interferes with the action of the antifreeze. Then, dump a gallon of RV antifreeze down the sink and toilet drains.
RV antifreeze is very different from automotive antifreeze; the active ingredient is propylene glycol, which raises the freezing point of water. Propylene glycol is non-toxic. When temperatures rise, and you resume use of your holding tanks, you can also continue using holding tank deodorizers such as Bio-Pak or Porta-Pak.
Planning Your First RV Trip? Read These Tips Before You Hit the Road.
The RV market has grown incredibly this past year, with more people working remotely and seeking safe travel methods. It's easy for new RV owners to get caught up in the excitement of striking out on their maiden voyage and forget a few crucial steps that ensure a successful RV trip. Here are some general tips to keep in mind before you hit the road.
Make sure everything is secure before you start driving.
After you've packed everything up and you're ready to leave, take 10 minutes to walk around your RV and check that all the exterior elements are tied down and collapsed correctly. Then walk through the inside and make sure any kitchen appliances, chairs, and other movable items won't go tumbling the first time you put your foot on the brakes.
Read up on relevant regulations.
Make sure you know exactly where you're allowed to dump your black and grey holding tanks. Places, where you can empty your tank, depends on various factors, from the products you use in the tanks to your state's rules. Check out this blog post, which covers the topic thoroughly.
If you plan to camp somewhere besides a designated RV campsite, make sure you know the local rules about boondocking or staying overnight in a parking lot. And while boondocking—staying in a primitive campsite without hookups—can seem like the ultimate off-the-grid adventure, we recommend getting some RVing experience under your belt before trying it.
Don't leave home without deodorizers!
We know we're biased, but holding tank deodorizers might be one of the most essential items to pack on your RV trip; without them, you're in for a smelly ride! Choosing the right deodorizer for your needs is also necessary. Our customers tend to opt for the drop-in packets because they're pre-portioned and mess-free. You can choose from two formulas: Bio-Pak and Porta-Pak (read more about the differences here). Walex also makes a deodorizing tablet called Elemonate for your grey holding tank, a tank that holds water from your shower and sink faucets.
Setting out on your first RV adventure is a thrill, and with these tips, we hope it will also be a success. Happy Adventuring!
Bio-Pak: Tough on Odors, Easy on the Planet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKOLiFMa0Us
As the world becomes more environmentally-conscious, RV dealers must add eco-friendly options to their product lineup. An unfortunate stigma suggests that products must sacrifice effectiveness to be eco-friendly, but that is not the case with Walex's Bio-Pak. Our company's research & development staff has extensively tested Bio-Pak's natural enzyme-based formula to ensure it provides the same benefits as chemical- and biocide-based products. Here are a few reasons Bio-Pak is one of the best-selling holding tank deodorizers.
Enzymes provide natural digestion.
An enzyme is a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. Enzyme holding tank treatments accelerate the breakdown of organic material in waste while neutralizing foul odors. They also digest paper and waste to allow for a more efficient and fluid dumping process. One of the most significant benefits of using Bio-Pak is that it eliminates the need for RV toilet paper.
Eco-friendly ingredients comply with emerging legislation...
California is leading the charge to outlaw certain ingredients in holding tank products, but other states might soon follow suit. To comply with these legislation changes, one must switch to a product like Bio-Pak that is biodegradable and free from formaldehyde and biocides.
...and are septic system safe.
RV owners occasionally need to empty their holding tanks into a septic system. But chemical-based products will kill the bacteria that keep a septic system healthy and functioning. If you dump into a septic system, you must use an enzyme-based formula like Bio-Pak.
Powerful formula cleans tank walls and sensors.
Bio-Pak's advanced enzyme-based formula rapidly digests built-up waste on tank walls and sensors. This residual, caked-on waste is a common source of foul odors that sometimes persist even after dumping the tank. Regular use of Bio-Pak keeps sensors functioning correctly and the holding tank clean and healthy.
Portion control system allows easy, mess-free usage.
Many RV owners love the ease of throwing one quickly-dissolving, water-soluble packet in the tank instead of measuring out a liquid. Each odor-control packet is designed to treat up to a 40-gallon tank.
Customer Reviews
"Excellent product, works great, environmentally sound"
“★★★★★”
“GREAT environmentally-friendly replacement for harsh, toxic chemicals in my RV black & grey water tanks! I have been very pleased with how this product worked for me—dissolved solid wastes really well, and I had no odors from my tanks at all. In fact, I really think it worked better than the old chemicals I used to put in my tanks. I would have to add a whole bottle (or two) of the blue chemical to my black water tank on every camping trip, but with these enzymes, the most I had to use was two cubes. I like the ease and convenience of dropping in the cubes, the speed with which they “melt” into the toilet water, ease of flushing them down into the tank, and I very much like that there are NO PLASTIC BOTTLES to recycle (or that get tossed into the trash by a lot of people, and end up in our landfills).”
-E. Quinn
"They are like magic!!!"
“★★★★★”
“Excellent product. I am new to Rv’ing and I was informed to purchase some sort of black water tank chemicals. I looked over numerous reviews and ended up here. I have only used them a few times but so far so good. Believe me when I say these work. I destroyed my toilet at least 5 or 6 times this past weekend and we couldn’t smell a thing. Not too mention it was like 100 degrees out. If these things can tame the combination of my bio-hazard waste and 100 degree temps you’ve got a winner in my book. Too bad I can’t give them 10 stars.”
-Nick
"No Smelly Potty"
“★★★★★”
“This is great stuff. Comes in little pods like dishwasher pods. We used one per potty fill up and any smell is nearly non-existent except when opening the potty shaft and it’s not of the debris. Will be using this for the long haul on every vacation where we take our potty.”
-C. Speck
"Gets the "job" done!"
“★★★★★”
“We use these in a 5 gallon bucket in the “outhouse” on the back of our farm. We use one packet and about 6″ of water. Smells pleasant – not a toilet smell. Dissolves quickly with a little stirring with a stick and last several days (with very little use). A good value and good quality. Shipped quickly and arrived ahead of expected.”
-Randy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I empty into a septic system if I use Bio-Pak?
Yes. Bio-Pak is an enzyme-based product, so it is septic safe.
Can I use Bio-Pak in my boat's toilet?
Yes, you can use Bio-Pak in your boat’s toilet, because the formula is eco-friendly.
Is Bio-Pak scented?
Yes, Bio-Pak is currently available in two fragrances: Alpine Fresh and Tropical Breeze.
How frequently do I need to use Bio-Pak?
Drop a Bio-Pak down your toilet every time you refill your tank with water after dumping or once you start to smell odors emanating from your toilet. How often you do that depends on usage, but typically campers dump about once a week. After you dump, drop one Bio-Pak packet into five gallons of water for a 40-gallon tank. If you have a smaller tank, we recommend 1.25 gallons of water for every 10 gallons of holding tank area. Adding ample water is crucial because it allows waste and paper to fall below the waterline enabling the enzymes to work their magic.
Does Bio-Pak break down toilet paper as well as waste?
Yes! Bio-Pak’s powerful enzymes digest paper as well as waste.
Do I need to use special RV toilet paper if I use Bio-Pak?
No. No need for any particular type of RV toilet paper. Bio-Pak will break down and digest top-selling brands just as well.
Can I use this product in my grey holding tank?
No. Bio-Pak was designed explicitly for black holding tanks. For Grey water tank sanitation and odor control, we make a product called Elemonate, designed explicitly formulated to destroy grey tank build-up like organic sludge, grease, and food particles.
How long does it take for the packet to dissolve?
The packet starts dissolving immediately upon contact with water.
Can I use Bio-Pak in a septic tank?
Bio-Pak is septic safe, meaning that if you use Bio-Pak to deodorize your black holding tank, you can safely empty the tank into a septic system. For monthly septic tank treatment, we manufacture Bio-Active Septic Tank treatment, designed to keep septic systems healthy.
What makes Bio-Pak eco-friendly?
Bio-Pak is eco-friendly because it is free from formaldehyde and biocides and septic safe. It uses natural enzymes to digest bacteria, waste, and paper.
Can I use Bio-Pak in any climate?
Bio-Pak should be completely effective in all but the hottest climates. If you’re camping in conditions that exceed 90 degrees for hours at a time, we recommend switching to Porta-Pak.
Hello 2021! Let Walex get you stocked up!
2020 was an amazing year for the RV and Marine industries, and 2021 is looking bright too. The demand for RV and Marine sanitation products is higher than ever, and Walex is hard at work to keep dealer shelves full of the best sanitation products for their customers. From our facility in coastal North Carolina, we innovate, manufacture, and ship products worldwide.
Our dedicated staff is working hard to supply RV and Marine Dealers with our full line of RV and Marine holding tank and sanitation products during this unprecedented market growth. We have a full range of convenient drop-in packets, eco-friendly enzyme-based products, and liquid deodorizers designed to clean and sanitize both black and grey holding tanks.
We make all products on-demand, so don’t wait to reach out to your distributor of choice to place your Walex order today. Thank you for your support!
Four Reasons to Use Your RV this Christmas
Christmas celebrations will look different for many of us this year, but your RV might be the key to unlocking a different but equally enjoyable holiday season. Here are four reasons to use your RV this Christmas.
You can safely visit extended family.
Maybe Uncle Eddie had the right idea after all when he parked his RV in Clark Griswold’s driveway for the holidays. What was normal during past Christmases—extended family near and far congregating to spend the holidays under one roof—is not considered safe during the ongoing pandemic.
While you might not be able to stay in the guest bedroom down the hall from your aging parents or pregnant daughter, you can temporarily—ahem, Uncle Eddie—park your RV in a family member’s driveway and visit with them outdoors. Weather permitting, an early Christmas dinner on the back deck would be a great way to safely enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the season.
You can take your pets.
While pet ownership brings many joys, it does complicate travel. If you’re traveling in your RV, though, you don’t have to worry if your toy poodle will get along with your aunt’s American bulldog or if you should just fork up the money for a pet sitter. When you travel by RV, though, you can bring your pup along for the ride every time. Just stock up on some Walex Odor Absorbers to eradicate any “dog” smells you might start to notice over time. Our gel-infused odor absorber uses a layer of charcoal to absorb odors without any artificial fragrances.
You can spend the holidays in warmer weather.
Owning an RV gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want. If a white Christmas doesn’t sound appealing this year, pack up the RV and head south for the holidays. Camping World has some great destination suggestions.
You can still enjoy your favorite Christmas traditions.
If you’re planning to spend your Christmas Eve in an RV campsite, you might be worried that you’ll miss all the traditions you typically enjoy at home. But you can adapt those traditions to RV life.
Here are some excellent ways to display a Christmas tree inside your RV. You can also string lights around your RV's perimeter—icicle lights look beautiful on the awning—but just make sure the decorations don’t consume too much wattage. Choose LED lights, which use less power than regular lights. Or, rather than using lights that you have to string up every time you change location, you can set up a Christmas light projector to colorfully illuminate your RV's exterior.
You can even replicate Christmas dinner! If feasting on turkey and stuffing is a Christmas Day tradition, you can cook a few juicy turkey breasts on your charcoal grill and prepare the stuffing in your crockpot. When it’s time to clean up after the meal, Walex has you covered with our powerful all-purpose cleaner and easy-to-use odor eliminating spray.
No matter how you decide to use your RV this Christmas, we wish you safe, happy travels. And don’t forget, wherever the road takes you, take Walex.
Should I Get Porta-Pak or Bio-Pak?
Porta-Pak and Bio-Pak are both black holding tank deodorizers. However, the two formulas work differently to eliminate odors.
Porta-Pak gets rid of foul smells by completely stopping the growth of odor-causing bacteria. In contrast, Bio-Pak eliminates foul odors by digesting the odor-causing bacteria, waste, and paper in the tank. Bio-Pak's formula uses natural enzymes and is therefore 100% safe for septic systems and all campgrounds. Porta-Pak, on the other hand, provides better odor control in hotter climates.
Basically, which product is best for you depends on where you're dumping and your climate's temperature. If you're unsure which product to use, call us at 800-338-3155, and we'll be happy to help you.
Can I Use Commando in my Grey Holding Tank Too?
Commando is a black holding tank cleaner, but many customers wonder whether they can also use the product in their grey holding tank.
While Commando wasn’t designed explicitly for grey water holding tanks, customers used satisfactory results to clean their sensors. The same time frame of 12-24 hours or longer, if needed, is suggested. Simply drop a Commando into a plastic cup and dissolve with room temp tap water. Stir carefully and pour down the drain. A full tank will give you the best results. For Grey water tank sanitation and odor control, we make a product called Elemonate, designed explicitly formulated to destroy grey tank build-ups like organic sludge, grease, and food particles.
If you have any other questions about Commando or Elemonate, call us at 800-338-3155, and our RV and Marine sales manager will be happy to help you.
Can I use regular toilet paper in my RV toilet?
If you’re new to RV life, you’re also new to the world of RV products. As you stock up on necessities for your adventures, you’ll notice a specific RV and Boat toilet paper, and wonder if this RV toilet paper is necessary. This toilet paper is designed to rapidly dissolve because while TP flushed down a regular toilet moves through your pipes into the sewer system, TP flushed down your RV toilet gets stored in a holding tank. The fewer solids that end up in the tank, the easier it is to empty it thoroughly at a campground dump station.
The downside of RV toilet paper is that it is more expensive than regular toilet paper. And it’s not entirely necessary to spend this extra money if you use particular holding tank deodorizing products.
Two of Walex’s drop-in deodorizers, Bio-Pak and Commando, contain an enzyme designed to digest and break down toilet paper. Bio-Pak is a weekly drop-in that comes in two fragrances: Alpine Fresh and Tropical Breeze. Commando is a more robust black tank cleaner meant to be used every few months to destroy the residual waste and paper accumulated on tank walls over time. This build-up can interfere with sensor function, which means you won’t know how full your tank is. Commando also fixes this issue, lubricating valves and restoring sensor function.
For more information on Bio-Pak or Commando, call us at 800-338-3155. Happy adventuring!
Why is Bio-Pak "Cali-Safe?"
In late 2019, California passed legislation banning the sale and use of holding tank products containing certain chemicals. Walex’s eco-friendly holding tank deodorizer, Bio-Pak, is free from all biocides, which complies with California’s new regulations.
The law lists 14 chemicals that will be prohibited when the law takes effect in 2022. The list includes bronopol and formaldehyde, which are frequently added to holding tank deodorizers to kill odor-causing bacteria. When these holding tank chemicals are dumped into septic systems, they destroy bacteria essential for a healthy septic system. Therefore, Bio-Pak is a good choice not only for Californians, but for anyone who might dump into a septic system.
Rather than killing bacteria with biocides, Bio-Pak digests bacteria using enzymes, which are substances produced by a living organism that act as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. Enzyme holding tank treatments accelerate the breakdown of organic materials in waste while also neutralizing foul odors. The enzymes help to digest paper and waste to allow for a more efficient and fluid dumping process.
Bio-Pak is available in Tropical Breeze and Alpine Fresh.
Are holding tank treatments safe for septic tanks?
Certain holding tank treatments are more septic safe than others, so if you dump your RV holding tank into a septic system, you should know whether the holding tank treatments you use in the tank will harm the septic system.
Septic systems need healthy bacteria to function correctly because these bacteria help break down waste. Some sanitation products contain ingredients that control odor by stopping bacteria growth, which would harm a septic system over time.
Walex’s Bio-Pak controls odor using natural enzymes. Enzymes are substances produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction—these enzymes in Bio-Pak digest odor-causing waste and paper.
Because these enzymes are compatible with the existing bacterial microflora in the septic tank, they actually aid digestion and keep the system. Bio-Pak is also formulated with enzymes to directly manage tank and septic malodors emanating from sulfides and amines, including ammonia.
So, if you frequently dump into a septic system, you should use Bio-Pak. If you’re still unsure which of our sanitation products are best for you, call us at 800-338-3155.