Are holding tank treatments safe for septic tanks?

Are RV Holding Tank Treatments Safe for Septic Systems?

Quick Answer: Some RV holding tank treatments are septic-safe, while others can harm your septic system. If you dump your RV black tank into a home septic system, you should use an enzyme-based, biocide-free treatment that supports healthy bacteria instead of killing it.

Why Does Septic Compatibility Matter?

Septic systems rely on naturally occurring bacteria to break down and digest waste. These beneficial bacteria are essential for proper system function. If you introduce harsh chemicals that kill bacteria, your septic system may struggle to process waste efficiently, potentially leading to backups, odors, or long-term damage.

Do Some RV Tank Treatments Harm Septic Systems?

Yes. Certain sanitation products control odor by suppressing or killing bacteria inside the holding tank. While this may reduce smells temporarily, it can disrupt the biological balance inside a septic system if you dump treated wastewater at home.

Repeated exposure to bacteria-killing chemicals can weaken septic performance over time.

What Makes an RV Tank Treatment Septic-Safe?

Septic-safe treatments typically use natural enzymes or beneficial biological agents rather than harsh biocides. Enzymes act as catalysts that help break down waste and toilet paper without harming the beneficial bacteria your septic system depends on.

How Does Bio-Pak Support Septic Systems?

Bio-Pak controls odor using natural enzymes that digest waste and paper inside the holding tank. Instead of disrupting bacterial activity, these enzymes are compatible with existing septic microflora and help promote healthy digestion within the system.

The formula is designed to address common malodors caused by sulfides, amines, and ammonia while remaining free of harsh biocides and formaldehyde.

Who Should Use Septic-Safe RV Treatments?

  • RV owners who dump into home septic systems
  • Campers staying on private property
  • Travelers who alternate between dump stations and home disposal
  • Anyone concerned about protecting septic health

How to Choose the Right RV Tank Treatment

If you frequently dump into a septic system, look for products labeled:

  • Biocide-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Enzyme-based
  • Septic-safe

Choosing the correct formula protects both your RV holding tank and your home wastewater system.

Need Help Deciding? Call 800-338-3155 for guidance on selecting the right holding tank treatment for your dumping setup.

by Tony Butler

Five tips to creating a home office in your RV

If you’re working remotely now, why not create a home office in your RV and see the world at the same time? If you already own an RV, it’s just a matter of converting part of the living space to an office, so here are five tips to creating the most comfortable, functional office-on-wheels.

Create multi-purpose spaces
When you’re working with limited square footage, you need as many creative, versatile areas as possible. Some RVs are designed with home offices, so if you haven’t purchased your RV yet, you can look for one of these. But chances are, you’re looking at incorporating a home office into an existing space. One of the most common renovations is to convert the dinette to a dual-purpose area for eating and working. For inspiration, check out this series by Technomadia, which shows how 13 different RVers created custom home offices to fit their various professions and lifestyles.

Prioritize ergonomics
One of the main reasons we recommend multi-purpose spaces is that you can create a workspace with proper ergonomics. You could simply set up your laptop on your dinette table or bed, but your neck and lower back will suffer over time. Make sure you have a chair that supports correct posture, and that your table allows your computer monitor and keyboard to sit at the right height.

Plan for movement
You’ll be parked while you’re working, but make sure your home office setup will survive a bumpy road. Bungee cords are great for securing your computer and other delicate items. Any hard drives you use for digital storage should be solid-state rather than a disc drive. Solid-state drives don’t have any moving parts, so they’re much more resilient to jostling.   

Stay connected
You need internet on the road, and you shouldn’t plan to tether multiple devices to your smartphone’s personal hotspot for eight hours a day. Personal hotspots drain your phone’s battery. Even if you have an unlimited data plan, your connection will be throttled as the hotspot is used for long periods or by multiple devices. Instead, many carriers offer a separate mobile hotspot tool to connect several devices and have internet anywhere cell service is available.

Keep your workspace pleasant and fresh
RVs are relatively tiny living spaces, so your new home office will be located just feet from your kitchen sink and toilet, and the holding tanks that connect to those drains—and you’ll be sitting there for eight hours a day. But don’t worry, because Walex created an entire product line specifically designed to eliminate odors in tiny spaces. We make powerful, easy-to-use toilet and kitchen sink deodorizers, charcoal-infused odor neutralizers, and long-lasting air fresheners. Just visit your local RV dealer and stock up before you hit the road for your next adventure!  

by Tony Butler

Capture attention with the Walex Display

Capture the attention of your customers! Show off the leading brand of RV and Marine deodorizers and cleaners with a beautiful and functional freestanding display.  It is designed specifically to showcase the broad range of Walex products giving the consumer an aesthetically pleasing presentation with products that sell and work.

Walex manufactures products on demand so if you need more products for your customers don't hesitate to place those orders.  Dimensions are 73″ x 27″ x 12″.  Reach out to your distributor of choice to ask about getting one of these displays.

by Tony Butler

How often should I empty my RV’s black holding tank?

When Should You Empty Your RV Black Tank?

Quick Answer: You should empty your RV black holding tank when it’s about two-thirds full. Dumping too frequently can actually cause more problems because liquids drain out while solids remain behind, leading to buildup, odors, and sensor issues.

Why You Shouldn’t Dump Your RV Tank Too Often

Many RV owners assume frequent dumping keeps tanks cleaner, but the opposite is often true. When you empty too soon or keep your tank constantly connected to a sewer hookup, liquid drains away while solid waste stays inside. Over time, this can create residue stuck to tank walls and sensors, which may cause clogs and inaccurate readings.

What Is the Ideal Tank Level Before Dumping?

The best time to dump your black tank is when it reaches roughly 2/3 full. At this level, there’s enough liquid inside to create strong flow when dumping, which helps carry solids out of the tank instead of leaving them behind.

For two RV users, this usually takes about a week, though tank size and usage habits can affect timing. Always monitor your tank sensors and adjust as needed.

Should You Dump the Grey Tank or Black Tank First?

Always dump the black tank first, followed by the grey tank. Grey water from sinks and showers helps rinse leftover residue from your sewer hose, making cleanup easier and more sanitary.

Signs Your Black Tank Needs Cleaning

  • Persistent odors
  • Slow drainage
  • Sensor readings that seem inaccurate
  • Visible buildup inside the tank
  • Increased dumping frequency

How Do You Deep Clean an RV Black Tank?

If you notice buildup or odor issues, a deep cleaning treatment can restore tank performance. Enzyme-based packets such as Commando work by breaking down solids and digesting odor-causing waste inside the tank.

Simple Deep-Clean Method

  1. Drop one packet into the tank.
  2. Add water to ensure coverage.
  3. Let it sit for about 12 hours.
  4. Dump and rinse.

This process helps dissolve residue, clean tank walls, and improve sensor accuracy.

Best Practices for Healthy RV Holding Tanks

  • Dump when tank is about 2/3 full
  • Use enough water with each flush
  • Perform periodic deep cleanings
  • Avoid constant sewer hookups
  • Use enzyme-based treatments regularly

Pro Tip: Proper dumping timing is one of the easiest ways to prevent clogs, odors, and costly repairs in your RV waste system.

by Tony Butler

Keep life on the road fresh with Porta-Pak

Porta-Pak – Two great fragrances – Fresh Scent and Lavender Breeze

Holding Tank Deodorizer & Portion Control System

The #1 portion control product around the world. The pre-packaged water-soluble packet controls odors, breaks down waste and paper, and lubricates valves and seals. Don’t set out on your next adventure without Porta-Pak.  Just drop it in!

  • Unbeatable odor prevention
  • Convenient zipper bag for easy storage
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Biodegradable

Hear from our customers:

★★★★★  "Some seemed fine until summer came along and oh boy"
“Since losing our home in the May 19, 2013 tornado in Oklahoma, we decided to buy an RV to live in before instead of rushing right into major decisions. It’s a big adjustment and not knowing a lot about various products; I’ve tried many. Some worked short term. Some seemed fine until summer came along and oh boy, that really tests these products! This is the only one I found that we have absolutely no odor problems with and as long as I put two in when we first empty the tank, then one every 4-5 days, we can go (with two of us), almost three weeks before having to empty the tank and have no odor. These things are great and I’d recommend them to anyone who can’t stay hooked up to sewage to keep your bathroom odor free. I’m totally sold! Great product!”
-Debbie

★★★★★  "Simple and Easy!"
“After each black tank dump, I just put a gallon or two of clean water back into the tank and drop one of these packets in and voila!, no odors until the next time the tank needs dumping. I’ve never experienced any odors in our RV while using this product.”

★★★★★  "Breathe easy, they work!"
“Wow. This stuff works great. I have a small camper and I have a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat (also purchased on Amazon) that I use for a potty. I put kitty litter (in a trash bag, of course) and one of these deodorizer packets in the bucket and that sits inside a small privacy tent which is my camping “outhouse”. These deodorizer packets kept things fresh smelling the entire time. If these worked under those conditions then they’ll work anywhere. I definitely recommend this product.”
-Ryan

by Tony Butler

Can I leave Commando in my tank for longer than 24 hours?

How Long Should You Leave Tank Cleaner in an RV Black Tank?

Quick Answer: For best results, leave a black tank cleaning treatment like Commando in your holding tank for at least 12–24 hours. Leaving it longer—48 hours, 72 hours, or even up to a week—will not harm your tank and can improve cleaning for heavy buildup.

What Happens If You Don’t Leave Tank Cleaner in Long Enough?

Enzyme tank cleaners need time to break down waste, paper, and residue stuck to tank walls and sensors. If you dump too soon, the enzymes may not fully dissolve buildup, which can lead to persistent odors, clogs, or inaccurate sensor readings.

Can You Leave Tank Cleaner in Too Long?

No. Leaving an enzyme-based cleaner in your tank longer than the recommended minimum will not damage your holding tank. Extended soaking time often helps treatments penetrate stubborn buildup and improve overall cleaning results.

Why Does Soaking Time Matter?

Pre-measured treatments such as Commando contain concentrated enzymes that activate immediately after entering the tank. As they work, they digest waste and paper while loosening residue stuck to tank surfaces, valves, and sensors. Longer contact time allows the formula to clean more thoroughly.

When Should You Leave Cleaner in Longer Than 24 Hours?

  • Tank has heavy buildup
  • Sensors are giving false readings
  • Tank hasn’t been cleaned in months
  • Waste residue is hardened
  • You’re preparing for seasonal storage

What If One Treatment Doesn’t Fully Clean the Tank?

If extreme buildup is present, simply repeat the cleaning process. Multiple treatments can gradually remove stubborn residue and restore tank performance without damaging system components.

Best Practices for Using RV Tank Cleaning Treatments

  • Always start with an empty tank
  • Fill above sensor level for full coverage
  • Allow adequate soak time
  • Rinse thoroughly after dumping
  • Perform routine maintenance cleanings

Pro Tip: Deep-cleaning your tank periodically helps maintain accurate sensors, prevents odors, and keeps valves and seals operating smoothly.

Need Assistance? Call 800-338-3155 for expert product guidance and troubleshooting support.

by Tony Butler

Where can I empty my black holding tank?

Where Can You Dump RV Black Tank Waste Legally?

Quick Answer: You can legally dump RV black tank waste at approved dump stations, certain campgrounds, some truck stops, municipal sewer hookups, or your home septic system (if using septic-safe treatments). Never dump black water on the ground, into rivers, or into public toilets, as this can result in fines and environmental damage.

Why Are There Laws About Dumping RV Waste?

RV black tanks contain wastewater made up of human waste, toilet paper, and treatment chemicals. Because this mixture contains bacteria and contaminants, it must be disposed of in approved systems designed to safely process wastewater. Dumping in unauthorized places can harm the environment and violate local health regulations.

Where Is It Legal to Dump an RV Black Tank?

  • Designated RV dump stations
  • Campground dump facilities
  • Select truck stops (call ahead)
  • Municipal sewer connections
  • Home septic systems (if using septic-safe treatments)

Regulations vary by state and facility, so it’s always best to confirm rules before dumping.

Can You Dump an RV Tank at Home?

Yes, if your home has a septic system and you use a septic-safe tank treatment. Treatments such as Bio-Pak are formulated without biocides or formaldehyde and use natural enzymes to break down waste and paper. These types of treatments support the bacteria your septic system needs to function properly.

Some chemical deodorizers kill bacteria instead of supporting it. If you’ve used one of those formulas, you should dump only at an approved dump station or municipal sewer system.

Where Should You Never Dump RV Waste?

  • Public toilets
  • Storm drains
  • Roadside ditches
  • Rivers, lakes, or streams
  • On the ground

Dumping in these locations is illegal in most areas and can lead to fines or penalties.

How Do You Choose the Right Tank Treatment for Legal Dumping?

If you plan to dump at home or in environmentally sensitive areas, choose a treatment labeled septic-safe and biocide-free. These formulas rely on enzymes or beneficial bacteria instead of harsh chemicals, making them compatible with septic systems and many dump stations.

Tips for Stress-Free Dumping While Traveling

  • Call dump stations ahead to confirm rules
  • Carry approved tank treatments
  • Know your state’s disposal regulations
  • Always rinse tanks after dumping
  • Keep sewer hoses clean and sealed

Need Help Choosing a Treatment? If dumping regulations or product compatibility seem confusing, consult a waste treatment expert or product specialist who can recommend the best formula for your dumping method and travel habits.

by Tony Butler

Products to Help You Winterize Correctly

How to Winterize Your RV Tanks and Prevent Odors During Storage

Quick Answer: To properly winterize your RV and prevent odors or damage, clean both holding tanks, remove residue, and place an odor absorber inside before storage. Using targeted treatments for black tanks, grey tanks, and interior air helps protect your RV until spring.

Why Is RV Winterization Important?

If you store your RV without winterizing it, leftover waste, grease, and moisture can cause foul odors, buildup, and system issues while it sits unused. Proper tank cleaning before storage removes residue that could harden, clog plumbing, or interfere with sensors when you take your RV out again.

What Products Do You Need to Winterize RV Holding Tanks?

Many RV owners use three types of treatments:

  • Black tank cleaner to remove residual waste
  • Grey tank cleaner to break down grease and organic buildup
  • Air odor absorber to keep the interior fresh during storage

Products like Commando, Elemonate, and Odor Absorber are designed specifically for these tasks.

How to Clean and Winterize an RV Black Tank

  1. Empty and rinse the tank completely.
  2. Drop one Commando packet into the toilet.
  3. Fill the tank above the sensor level.
  4. Let it sit 12–24 hours so the enzyme formula can break down residue and lubricate valves and seals.
  5. Dump and rinse again.

This process removes buildup from tank walls and sensors so the system stays clean while in storage.

How to Winterize an RV Grey Tank

  1. Drop one Elemonate tablet into the sink drain.
  2. Run water briefly to dissolve it.
  3. Wait about 24 hours so enzymes can dissolve grease and organic residue.
  4. Empty the tank fully to prevent freezing.

Cleaning the grey tank before storage helps prevent odors and eliminates sludge that could harden during colder months.

How Do You Keep Your RV Smelling Fresh in Storage?

After cleaning your tanks and completing the rest of your winterizing process, place an odor absorber inside the RV. Gel-based odor absorbers infused with charcoal begin neutralizing odors as soon as they are opened and can keep interior air fresh for up to 60 days.

Winter Storage Checklist for RV Odor Prevention

  • Clean black tank thoroughly
  • Clean grey tank thoroughly
  • Empty all holding tanks completely
  • Remove residual waste and grease
  • Place odor absorber inside cabin

Pro Tip: Deep-cleaning your tanks before storage not only prevents odors but also makes your first trip of the new season faster and easier because your system is already clean and ready to use.

Need Help? Call 800-338-3155 for product guidance or purchase winterizing treatments from RV dealers worldwide.

by Tony Butler

Get rid of grey holding tank odors with Elemonate

When it comes to preventing RV holding tank odors, you might focus on treating and cleaning your black holding tank, which contains water flushed from your toilet. But your grey holding tank, which captures water from your shower, kitchen sink and bathroom sink, can also emit foul odors, due to food waste and grease that often slips down the drain.

Walex’s grey holding tank treatment, Elemonate, is a rapid dissolve tablet that uses enzymes to dissolve grease and organic sludge that accumulates in the tank and drain lines. Not only does Elemonate destroy odors, but it also gives off a fresh lemon scent. And because the tablets are pre-portioned, you don’t have to worry about measuring or spilling; just drop it in.

Find Elemonate at premium RV dealerships worldwide.

Hear from our customers:

★★★★★  "Easy and Fast"
“No need to measure out 8 ounces of liquid from a 32 ounce jar of holding tank treatment. These are a loosely formed briquet that smells "lemon fresh" and you simply drop one into the sink, run a little bit of water over it and that's it. It melts down really fast and coats your drain pipes on the way down to the holding tank so that the whole system gets refreshed and deodorized. We like them well enough that we have now set up a recurring order and they ship some to us every few weeks.”
-Dempsy 

★★★★★  "Helps freshen your grey water tank"
"I like how simple this product is to use...you simply put a tablet of Elemonate in your sink, run some water on it til it washes down the drain, and it goes to work. I usually perform this operation before a trip so the chemical gets to work while I am using/filling the grey tank...in my experience, it does freshen your gray tank."
-Oliver

★★★★★  "A must-have!"
"One of the best items I started buying for my motor home. We used to get a smell well driving. For a very long time we thought is was a sewer smell from a black water. It turned out someone suggested it could be from our gray water. So I got a package of these. They work amazing and no more smell."
-Amber

by Tony Butler

Planning a vacation in 2020? Three reasons to make it an RV trip

Since the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, we’ve watched many aspects of our life change, including the way we travel. The typical vacation that includes airline flights, hotel lodging, restaurant dining and other mass entertainment might not be feasible for awhile, and even if it is, many people will be reluctant to embark on such a holiday.

There is one type of trip for which social distancing is not only possible, but an inherent part of the experience: RV travel. Your recreational vehicle can take you anywhere and contain everything you need. If you’re new to RVing and considering planning an RV trip, here’s why 2020 is the year to do it.

Greater flexibility

It’s hard to plan a trip not knowing what attractions will be open to the public, and at what capacity. But the mobile nature of RV travel means you’re less committed to a specific itinerary or destination. Say, for example, that you plan to kayak at a beautiful lake only to find out the week before that the boat ramps have closed. You can fairly easily reroute your trip, because all you really need is a spot to park your camper.

Peaceful solitude

For many, the appeal of an RV trip is trading in the bustle of everyday life for peaceful solitude. Since the pandemic outbreak, solitude is the norm. There are no big shows to attend, no summer concerts to watch, and no athletic events experience or take part in. But rather than mourn the loss of these stimulating social outings, embrace the feeling you get from quiet time spent in nature. It might be a different kind of thrill, but you’ll still find excitement sitting around a campfire with close family or cooling off in a mountain stream.

No stress over mass transit, lodging, and dining

Even if we do our best to avoid large gatherings of other people, we could still contact germs on frequently touched surfaces. Many pre-pandemic vacations involved countless brushes with such surfaces, such as a taxicab door handle, a hotel lamp, or a restaurant menu. Rather than packing bottles of hand sanitizer and obsessively wiping down every surface, you can travel, sleep and eat in the safety and comfort of your recreational vehicle. You will need to pack the right products to sanitize your own germs, but that’s where Walex comes in. Our sanitizing and deodorizing products are both easy to use and effective at keeping your RV fresh and clean throughout your next vacation. Give us a call at 800-338-3155 or purchase wherever RV products are sold.

by Tony Butler

Bio-Pak Offers a Powerful Biocide-Free, Environmentally Friendly Holding Tank Treatment

As the world becomes more conscientious about protecting the environment, it’s essential for RV dealers to offer environmentally friendly alternatives for the increasingly eco-conscience RV user. Using more eco-friendly products isn’t necessarily synonymous with using an inferior product. Natural enzyme-based products like Bio-Pak, made by Walex Products Company, Inc., offer many alternative benefits to using entirely chemical and biocide-based products.

What is the definition of an enzyme? – A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.

How does it work? – Enzyme holding tank treatments accelerate the break- down of organic materials in waste while also helping to neutralize foul odors. Enzyme holding tank treatments help to digest paper and waste to allow for a more efficient and fluid dumping process.

Environmentally Friendly – With many regulatory changes on the horizon across the country (California in particular), properly working enzyme-based products like Bio-Pak offer a solution that is formaldehyde-free, biocide-free, bio- degradable, and septic system compatible.

Sensor and Tank Cleaning – Holding tanks are a messy part of RVing, but they don’t have to be if using the correct type of product. Bio-Pak offers the breakdown of waste and paper with no need for special toilet paper. The advanced enzyme formula rapidly digests residual waste build-up on tank walls as well as waste and paper that may build up on the sensors. Using Bio-Pak regularly will help keep your tank healthy and clean. It will also lubricate valves and seals.

Septic System Safe – Often RVers may not be informed on where their waste goes after dumping the holding tank. In this case, it would be wise to use an enzyme-based product like Bio-Pak if there is a possibility of dumping into any septic system. These enzymes help with the proper digestion and keep the system healthy because they are compatible with the existing bacterial microflora in the septic tank. Bio-Pak is also formulated with enzymes to directly manage tank and septic malodors emanating from sulfides and amines, including ammonia.

Portion Control – The beauty of using a product like Bio-Pak is having the power of portion control. Knowing you can throw in one quickly dissolving, water-soluble, odor control packet in the tank helping to freshen up the RV is a huge bonus in a small area. It’s simple – just drop it in and, one packet will treat up to a 40-gallon tank.

Odor Control – Having an odor in a confined living space can make for unpleasant trip or vacation. It’s important to use a holding tank product that will provide not only superior digestion but also have excellent odor control. Often odor can be from residual build-up on the tank walls. Breaking down the wall waste build-up with a strong enzyme-based holding tank treatment will help to keep those foul odors from creeping up into the RV. Bio-Pak currently comes in two powerful fragrances, Alpine Fresh and Tropical Breeze.

Hearing from satisfied customers is the best form of advertising. A Bio-Pak customer, E. Quinn states, “GREAT environmentally-friendly replacement for harsh chemicals in my RV black & grey water tanks! I have been very pleased with how this product worked for me – dissolved solid waste really well, and I had no odors from my tanks at all.”

Bio-Pak is manufactured by Walex Products Company in Wilmington, N.C. Dealers can order Bio-Pak from their distributor of choice.  Walex products are available at premium RV and Marine retailers world-wide.

by Tony Butler

Capture attention and create sales with the new eye-catching Walex Freestanding Display!

Capture attention! Show off the leading brand of RV and Marine deodorizers and cleaners with a beautiful and functional freestanding display.  It is designed specifically to showcase the broad range of Walex products giving the consumer an aesthetically pleasing presentation with products that sell and work.  Dimensions are 73" x 27" x 12".  Reach out to your distributor of choice to ask about getting one of these displays.

by Tony Butler