Owning an RV can be a great experience that opens your eyes to the open road, but it’s not all fun and sunshine. Cleaning can be a real pain, especially when handling the sewer system, and that becomes abundantly apparent when it’s time to unclog the black water tank.
Clogs in the black water tank can be caused by a number of issues, including leaving your tank valves open when you connect to a sewer hookup. You may also find clogs if you forgot to dump the black water tank before you stored the RV. Clogs also occur when someone flushes too much paper or has insufficient water when flushing. You’ll know the black water tank is clogged if you can’t drain the tank by connecting to a sewer hookup or if your toilet doesn’t clear when flushed.
Unclogging is relatively simple and involves pouring an enzyme formula into the black tank. Follow the directions on the bottle and leave it in the tank for the recommended time. Hook up the sewer hose to the black tank and attempt to drain it into the sewer, adding a waste digester to help break down any other material in the system.
If your tank does not drain after the enzyme treatment, you’ll need to snake the system or use a plunger to clear any leftover toilet paper or debris. Some snake wands have a freshwater connection that helps flush the system, so it’s best to pick and pay for the product that most closely fits your needs.
This is obviously a simplified guide to clearing clogs in your black water system. You may have other issues, including solidified waste, the wrong kind of toilet paper, and crimped lines, that can further complicate your efforts to get things flowing again. Being grossed out by the process is one thing, but if you’re unsure about how to proceed or if the job intimidates you in any way, it’s best to seek professional help to make sure you’re on the road with clean tanks.
If you’re unsure of how to unclog your black water tank or if you are just uncomfortable doing the job yourself, Valley RV is here to help. Our experienced service and sales staff can answer any questions you might have and help you get your tanks unclogged in no time. Don’t hesitate to give us a call, and we’ll have you moving in no time.
