grey holding tank
How do I keep my RV’s grey holding tank problem-free and odor-free?
Maintaining your RV's grey holding tank is essential to ensure that your RV's plumbing system is working correctly and to avoid any unpleasant odors or backups. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your RV's grey holding tank:
Use the Right Chemicals.
There are a variety of chemical treatments available for RV holding tanks. It is important to choose a product, like Elemonate, that is designed specifically for grey tanks. Walex chemists designed the Elemonate formula specifically to break down grease, food particles, and soap scum in the tank and prevent odors. Elemonate also contains a lemon fragrance that leaves sinks and drains smelling fresh.
Avoid Certain Items.
While it’s hard to avoid getting a small amount of grease and grime down the drains, it’s best to avoid putting certain items down the drain: grease, food scraps, coffee grounds, and paper towels. These items can clog the tank and cause problems.
Dump Regularly.
It is essential to dump your grey tank regularly, depending on how often you use it. It is recommended to dump it every three to four days if you're using it regularly. If you're not using your RV as often, you can go longer between dumps. Leaving water in the tank for too long can cause bacteria growth and unpleasant odors. When you dump, empty the black tank first, then the grey tank. The grey water helps flush out any solids left in the hose from the black water.
Rinse the Tank.
After dumping your grey tank, it's a good idea to rinse it out thoroughly. You can do this by filling the tank with water and then dumping it again. You can also use a tank cleaning wand to reach the hard-to-reach areas of the tank.
Monitor the Tank.
It's a good idea to keep an eye on the level of your grey tank. Most RVs have a monitor that displays the level of the tank. If you notice that the tank is getting full, it's time to dump it.
By following these steps, you can maintain your RV's grey holding tank and keep your RV's plumbing system in good condition.
How to get rid of stubborn RV odors
The most obvious culprit of odors in your RV is your black holding tank and toilet, so most RVers invest in a premium black tank deodorizer like Porta-Pak. But sometimes odors still linger, requiring odor control products that either work differently or target other odor sources. Walex is the global leader in odor control and offers a complete range of these types of products.
Odor Source: Grey Holding Tank
Product: Elemonate
An RV's grey holding tank is often overlooked as a potential odor source because it simply captures water from sinks and the shower. However, that water contains dirt, grease, and grime, which, over time, can form an organic sludge that breeds bacteria. Elemonate is a grey holding tank deodorizer that contains fresh lemon fragrance and natural enzymes that destroy build-up in the grey tank. Drop one Elemonate tablet in the sink and turn on the faucet for a few seconds to let it dissolve.
Odor source: Mildew, garbage, dirty laundry
Product: Odor Absorber
Tight spaces amplify foul odors, so keeping RV interiors smelling completely fresh is tricky. Odor Absorber is a gel product infused with a layer of charcoal that eradicates and absorbs odors. It keeps working for up to 60 days. Many RVers place one inside their garbage bin, under the sink, or around other potential odor sources.
Odor source: Black tank pyramid
Product: Commando
Sometimes, the reason for black holding tank odors is not a lack of deodorizer but a lack of water. Without enough water in the tank, solids pile up and get caked to the tank walls and sensors. This build-up creates residual odor and causes sensors to read incorrectly. Commando is a lightly-fragranced drop-in packet containing a powerful cleaning formula. Fill the tank with water and drop one packet in. The outer lining dissolves, releasing enzymes that attack and liquefy solids, cleaning the tank walls and sensors. Commando works without agitation in 12 to 24 hours (although you can leave it in longer).
Whatever the odor source, Walex has a product to eradicate it. Call 800-338-3155 or visit your local RV dealer for details.
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.
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.