Best RV Holding Tank Treatments

When it comes to RV ownership, the topic of dealing with the holding tank is one that we all want to avoid speaking about. Enjoying the privacy of your own clean bathroom while adventuring through nature is a huge perk though, so we must have the conversation. I mean, ff you don’t fix your RV’s holding tank, you could end up with a nasty, unsanitary mess.

An RV holding tank solution dropped into a black tank can clear and prevent clogs, keep the RV smelling fresh, and spare you the hassle of dealing with grimy sensors and a stale, rotten holding tank. The question then becomes, “Which products and formulas actually work?” Let’s find out.

Check out our full buyers guide below!

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Best Selling Holding Tank Treatments

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  RV Essentials

  Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment

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  This holding tank treatment by Happy Campers eliminates odors and keeps your tank clean and smelling fresh. It’s perfect for any septic tank or an RV with a holding tank. It’s one of the most popular holding tank treatments on the market and one of the reasons why is because not only is it effective for your black tank, but it also works great on the gray tank. Its great at completely relieving your small rv bathroom of any harsh smells!

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  RV Supplies

  Camco TST Max RV Holding Tank Treatment | Toilet Drop-Ins

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  Camco’s TST Orange Drop-Ins deodorize the black water holding tank and decomposes of any waste and tissue with ease. The ultra-concentrated mixture includes a unique chemical that facilitates waste and tissue breakdown, and it comes in a convenient drop-in form. To top it off, it has a special blend of citrus-scented surfactant oils that will keep any unpleasant odors in your tank where they belong, allowing you to relax and enjoy your camping or rv trip. The drop-ins are safe for all septic tanks, contain no formaldehyde, and are also suitable for use in RVs and boats. There are thirty pieces in each container.

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  RV Supplies

  Camco TST Max Ultra-Concentrate RV Toilet Treatment (Orange Scented)

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  The Camco TST ultra-concentrate RV holding tank treatment is a powerful and effective way to eliminate odors in your RV. The formula includes a light citrus scent that will last for several hours. The ultra-concentrate formula is designed to break down waste and tissue in the toilet bowl so it can be flushed away without clogging the drain and makes emptying your tank a smooth process.. This holding tank treatment is safe for use in septic tanks up to 40 gallons.

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  RV Supplies

  RV Digest-It Holding Tank Treatment

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  The Unique RV digest-it tank treatment will make your RV smell like a new one! It breaks down solid waste and eliminates odors without any additional scents to mask it, making it perfect for any septic system. It’s made in the USA with trusted ingredients, and the proprietary formula contains billions of activated bio-enzymatic cleaners per treatment. From listening to the RV community, it is clear this product is both effective and safe for your family and pets. So why wait? Get your Unique RV Digest-It today!

Buyers Guide For RV Holding Tank Treatments

One of the best ways to spend a weekend, spend time with loved ones, or have an adventure in the great outdoors is by RV camping, but it can be stressful if you don’t have the finest holding tank treatment. If you want to get rid of smells in your holding tanks or digest any waste that may be present in your grey or black water, then you will need this.

This guide features tips to keep in mind while searching for the most effective holding tank treatment. We will also address some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about treating their RV’s grey or black water holding tanks.

What To Consider When Choosing

Here are some of the criteria we used to evaluate the products we’ve highlighted today so that you can make an informed decision.

Sustainability

The treatment you choose for your holding tank ought to not cause environmental harm. To avoid exposure to formaldehyde, select a product free of such ingredients. Look into whether or not the product is biodegradable, which means it can be broken down or dissolved in water without the use of chemicals.

Material

You can learn about the ingredients used to make a product by reading the label. Selecting a product without potential health risks is preferable. Likewise, it ought to provide the desired outcomes. More compounds mean more work, so less ingredients is more in this case.

Ease of Use

Simply flushing RV holding tank treatments down the toilet is usually all that’s required to use them effectively. Nonetheless, the treatment can be used all at once or split up over the course of the day. It is recommended to spread out the applications over a longer period of time if a backflow is a possibility due to a blockage.

Purpose

Understanding your needs is essential before making any kind of purchase. If you need to clean the septic system in your RV and get rid of any lingering odors, you should make sure the products you buy can do that. Some products can only fulfill one of these requirements. On the plus side, there are products out there that will exceed your expectations and be well worth the investment.

Effectiveness

It’s important to find a fast and effective holding tank treatment because these products address unpleasant problems like clogged toilets. Matter of fact, you’d like nothing more than for such problems to vanish without delay. A good treatment for RV holding tanks will dissolve whatever is blocking the tank.

Your RV’s septic tank should be able to dissolve liquids and break down any clumps of toilet paper that may be in there. Ensure V that any tank treatment you’re considering about using can also eliminate unpleasant odors. You don’t want the stench of a blocked toilet to permeate the small interior of your RV and ruin your vacation.

Reading reviews written by actual tank owners is the most reliable way to evaluate a treatment’s efficacy. You can get a sense of the product’s usefulness in most situations by reading about how other customers liked using it.

Price

The cost of cleaning your RV’s holding tank shouldn’t be prohibitive. A tank treatment that is both affordable and effective is the way to go. Having a set spending limit will help you avoid purchasing unnecessary extras and features.

Rather, it’s preferable to track down a solution that meets your requirements at a price you can live with. Since the cost of these tank treatments can add up quickly, you might want to save your money for more exciting activities during your trip. Moreover, once you establish a financial plan, you will have fewer alternatives from which to select.

In this way, what was once an insurmountable task becomes something much more manageable and less stressful. One more thing to think about is how often you intend to use the tank treatment. You can choose from several different quantities, each of which has a significantly different price tag, as you can see in the product review section.

Package Size

Learn how many treatments you can get out of one bottle by following the guidelines provided. Considering how infrequently you’ll actually need them, buying in bulk is the way to go.

Compatibility

Make sure the treatment for the RV’s holding tank is compatible with the septic system before using it. It is important to know the capacity of your holding tanks, as most treatments are designed for 40-gallon black tanks. If your tank is twice as large as the one specified by the manufacturer, you may need to use twice as much treatment.

Types of RV Holding Tank Treatments

You should know about the different kinds of holding tank treatments available before you buy one. There are advantages to these types that you may find more suitable to your needs. So, we figured a detailed comparison would help you pick the one that’s best for your RVing needs.

Liquid

The use of liquids is widespread in the RV industry as a method for treating holding tanks. Using these pre-measured, bottled solutions is as simple as pouring the desired amount into the bowl. They will pass through the RV’s sewage system without a hitch and end up in the holding tank without any problems. The only possible drawback to liquid formulas is that they can be messy if you aren’t careful with handling and storage.

Powder

Less common than liquid RV holding tank treatments, powder treatments are also simple to use. You can easily clean your tank by scooping the required amount of powder, dumping it into your toilet, and flushing. These powdered formulations can dissolve and degunk your septic system just as well as liquid products. When used, however, they can produce dust. Also, if you aren’t careful when adding the powder, they can make a bit of a mess.

Pods or Tablets

RV owners appreciate the convenience of tablet holding tank treatments because it reduces the time and effort required to control portion. In other words, you can just drop the tablet-shaped product in without having to worry about the right proportions. As a result, many consider this product to be more practical than the traditional liquid RV holding treatments.

These products are also useful because they prevent the messy spills that can occur when using liquid products. Tablet holding tank treatments are safer and greener to use, but they have one major drawback: you have to wait for it to dissolve completely before you can flush. This means it takes a little longer than the treatment you would use in a liquid-based tank.

Bacterial treatments

Waste is digested by bacteria, which also aids in odor control. Because it is bacteria, its efficacy diminishes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so you should choose a different kind if you plan to go camping in hotter weather.

Enzyme treatments

Enzyme treatments are another option for decomposing tank waste, but they do nothing to mask odors. This is why most enzyme treatments feature heavy amounts of fragrance to cover up the odor.

Chemical treatments

Similar efficacy in masking odors and decomposing solids can be achieved with chemical treatments.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

The advantages of using a holding tank treatment are discussed in great detail in this guide. You can put your faith in us because we’re RV owners who want nothing but the best for our vehicle. For this reason, we have selected only the highest-quality options available.

We have also compared the products’ features, such as their ease of use, price, ingredients, what they digest, odor elimination power, compatibility with RV septic systems, and more. Also, we’re all genuine RVers here to do one thing: advise and assist one another in selecting the most effective holding tank treatments for our various types of RVs, including campers, motorhomes, and trailers. If you’re in the market for a holding tank treatment, we suggest you start by comparing the options we’ve provided.

FAQ’s

How do holding tank treatment’s function?

The tablet form can be dropped into the bowl, and the liquid can be poured into the toilet. Let it soak after you flush it. Depending on the brand, the treatment can begin working with as little as 40 gallons of wastewater. With such a high level of efficacy, this product can be used repeatedly to treat the septic tank and eliminate odors.

How do I clean my RV holding tank?

If you are going on a long camping trip and won’t have time to empty the RV’s holding tank, you can use a special treatment to keep it clean. They can be emptied at any convenient landfill once they become overflowing. The proper RV holding tank, typically equipped with wheels for easy transportation, can be used even if your RV is parked in a remote location. In addition, the holding tanks can be emptied completely through the device’s low-profile drain holes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a holding tank treatment?

There is no downside to using tank treatments. The biggest perk is not having to fret over foul odors coming from your sewer tank. No one would want to use your restroom if that happened.

Again, this depends on the specific type you use. Weekend trips don’t require a full tank. Actually, you might only need a few ounces. You’ll have an even bigger problem on your hands if you ignore your leaking pipes.

Do RV holding tank treatments clean tank sensors?

To help you better gauge when it’s time to empty your RV’s holding tank, most modern holding tank treatments are made to remove any built-up waste and disinfect the tank’s sensors. The sensors can be cleaned, but not all treatments are strong enough to do so. You should search for an all-encompassing formula, such as the ones we’ve highlighted above, that can effectively deal with your toilet paper, trash, odor, and sensors.

How do I remove holding tank odors?

Many RV holding tank treatments are effective at decomposing waste, but not all of them are effective at eliminating odors. You’ll need to experiment to find the right combination of treatment strength, waste type, climate, and holding tank size, but once you do, you won’t have to worry about unpleasant odors. Look for an item that specifically states it can eliminate odors if that is what you are trying to accomplish. You could also go with a treatment that breaks down odor molecules to get rid of them.

When should I empty my tanks?

This is an extremely common inquiry among RV newcomers. Boondocking requires frequent tank emptying; otherwise, you’ll have to make an unscheduled trip to the dump station. When staying in an RV park, it’s best to keep your tank valves closed and empty them no more frequently than once every few days.

Because the liquid waste in your black tank will drain out first if you leave the tank valves open, you will end up with a poo pyramid if you do this. For gravity to do its thing and clean your tanks thoroughly, you need to have both the liquid and the solids contained together.

How would I know if my tank treatment septic-safe?

For more information, contact the septic service you usually use as well as the manufacturer of the treatment you’re using in your tank. As an RVer and not a septic expert, we have learned that formeldahyde is harmful for septic tanks.

What if, despite cleaning, the odor in my holding tanks persists?

Once you’ve dumped, cleaned, and treated your holding tanks, and the odor persists, it may be time to inspect your RV’s vents or air-admittance valve. A leaky valve in your plumbing system will allow air from your gray water tank to leak into the space under your sink, creating an unpleasant odor. Every once in a while they start to go bad.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have all the facts, it’s time to decide on a treatment for your RV’s holding tank. And with the information you’ve gained from this piece, you should be able to breeze through the procedure without any hassle.

Once you do, your RV trips will never again be ruined by a blocked toilet or drain lines. Instead, you’ll be prepared for this kind of thing in the event that it occurs to you while you’re on the road. Having a reliable holding tank treatment on hand guarantees that your toilet or shower will work when you need it.

Thus, you can stop stressing over mundane mechanical issues like the septic tank in your RV and get back to having fun on your trip.