RV Holding Tanks
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Recreational Vehicles generally have two waste water storage tanks into which the toilet (black water) and sink/basin/shower (gray water) empty. When full, these holding tanks must be drained at holding tank dump stations.
An industry has developed around chemicals used for cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing waste holding tanks after they are drained. The need for cleaning these tanks is debatable, as they are designed to hold sewage, and sanitizing them while they are in frequent use is akin to cleaning a septic tank or sewer pipe. However, RVs may be stored for extended periods of time, and in these cases cleaning of the wastewater system may be prudent.
It is worth noting that the some of the chemicals used in pipe and tank cleaning are quite noxious, and harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of properly. Holding tanks should always be emptied into the proper waste water receptacles, so the waste may be treated.
Many RV dump stations have banned the use of tank treatments containing formaldehyde, due to the damage it causes to common waste treatment systems [[1]]
The Geo Method
Many RVers are using The Geo Method to clean and sanitize both black and gray water holding tanks. The Geo Method employs the occasional use of water softener, detergent, and chlorine bleach. For a thorough explanation of The Geo Method[2] follow the links.
