Bottom sludge

H

HarlenW

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Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2007
RO Number
25699
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473
My six year old holding tank has 3-4 inches of sludge on the bottom even after several pumping out and rinsing cycles. Is there a way to get this out, too?

I realize that I can't empty the tank completely during pump out but if I could loosen the sludge, I should be able to get most of it through several rinse/pump cycles.

Thanks.
 
I keep treating mine with Oderless and CP. No sludge just a 1/4" coating of crap where the head enters the tank (on the wall) and the tank bottom. I have a 6" inspection plate and you know it's working when you open the plate and have no smell. I make it a habit to almost drain the tank every weekend and add Oderless and a gallon or two by flushing the head. It can look pretty nasty but no substantial build up of sludge.
Try boiling a few gallons of water letting it bake then pumping out, then fill with freshwater and pumpout again. I would think a few cycles like that and you should be in better shape.
Is your head freshwater or pull flushing water from a thru hull?
Bill
 
Thanks Bill. The head is freshwater. I regularly use a deodorizer, too.
 
quote:
Originally posted by HarlenW

Thanks Bill. The head is freshwater. I regularly use a deodorizer, too.

Click to expand...

Forget the deodorizer, start using Odorlos as your treatment. Follow the directions which means no "chemicals".

"My six year old holding tank has 3-4 inches of sludge on the bottom .........."

It seems to me that it's impossible to have 3-4 inches of sludge on the bottom of a holding tank because the outlet is at the bottom. If the sludge level was higher than the outlet, it would be impossible to remove sewage from the tank.

If your holding tank is situated in a location where the top is accessible, you can cut an access hole, fit a vapor tight removable plate, and clean it manually with your choice of tools and methods. Hose and nozzle, toilet brush, scraper, etc. You can remove the sludge with a hand pump or a wet dry vacuum cleaner.

RV dealers sell a device that can be installed into the top of the tank that has a sprayer sort of like a lawn sprayer that is supposed to be able to clean the inside of the tank with water pressure. I have never used or installed one and I don't think it is necessary, but some folks like them.
 
I also use Odorless & KO and no issues after 6 Years.
i have seen some posts that some RO's use Ice cubes dumped into the tank, I guess via the pumpout hose, and take the boat for a rough ride to shake things up.
 
Ping GeeBee. He put a Camco Tornado unit in his SR to take care of the problem. I have not heard back on whether he likes it or not.

On my Regal, I used a long section of old garden hose shoved in the tank vent (1.5" vent line) while pumping out. It took about 10 minutes to get all the "crap" off the walls of the tank and for the sight glass to have clear water passing.

In Saint Max, which has a gnats arse wide vent line, I dump about 16 ounces of Calgon in the tank after pumping and add about 5 gallons of water. It seems to be loosening the sludge slowly but surely. I hope to install a tornado this winter.
 
quote:
Originally posted by abalmuth

I also use Odorless & KO and no issues after 6 Years.
i have seen some posts that some RO's use Ice cubes dumped into the tank, I guess via the pumpout hose, and take the boat for a rough ride to shake things up.

Click to expand...

+1
Oderless & CP contain enzymes or microbes not sure which but they are not just holding tank purfume. I can actually unscrew the inspection plate on my holding tank and look at the insides. The few times I haven't added the above additives the smell would knock you backwards. CP & Oderless work along with air to eat the nasty sludge.
 
are KO and ordorloos similar bio products?
 
quote:
Originally posted by pdecat

are KO and ordorloos similar bio products?

Click to expand...
Bruce
Yes, at least acording to Vic ;-)
 
Could you give me the full name and correct spelling for the products you have mentioned, CP, KO and Oderless?
 
Odorlos Head Chemical

RARITAN K.O. Kills Odor (like Odorlos)& C.P. Marine Toilet Bowl and Drain Cleaner
 
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