Pristine RV Tanks

208-203-8011

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    • Tank Tips & FAQ's

208-203-8011

Pristine RV Tanks
  • Home
  • Services
  • Contact Us
  • Tank Tips & FAQ's

Tips for Tank Care and Maintenance

There are many opinions and myths out there from fellow RV enthusiast. In the end, do what you think is best. 

Before You Start Your Trip:

Fill both your gray and black tanks with 3 to 5 gallons of water.  This "sloshing motion"  created by the RV moving will help clean the sides of the tanks and keep things moving. 

Have Your Tanks Cleaned:

Having your holding tanks cleaned annually, or bianually, will help improve the longevity of your tanks and prolong the life of your tanks while reducing the risks of damage to your tanks or plumbing. 

Tank Additive Myths:

If you are like most people, you probably think you need an additive in your tank. The truth is, most additives that break down solids and other waste, end up turning your "holding tank" into a small septic system. This causes waste in the tank to change consistancy (almost like a cake batter) wich sticks to the sides of the tank and tank sensors, causing it to dry and become harder to flush out when you drain your tanks.   


 It may sound crazy but, using harsh and/or caustic cleaning products in your RV’s toilet can cause damage to the toilet flap seal! If you insist on using a tank additive. We recommend using a mixture of Pinesol, Calgon bath pearls, and water.  


To make 1 gallon of the solution:

- 40 ounces of pinesol, 

- 8 ounces Calgon bath pearls (found on Amazon)

- Top off the jug with water

After cleaning your tanks, use 1/2 cup of the solution in your grey tank and 1/2 cup in your black tank, along with 3 to 5 gallons of fresh water) 

RV Toilet Paper Myths:

For years people have been wasting money on RV toilet paper. The truth is, you can use any type of toilet paper you wish.  The key is to use plenty of water when flushing and plenty of water in your holding tanks to keep things moving when you drain your black tank. 

Using Ice to Clean Your RV Black Tank:

There is a myth that dumping Ice into your RV's blacktank will slosh around and scrub the tank walls. This is false. The sharp edges of the ice believed to clean the tank actually melt quickly and do not actually clean your tank. For this to even remotely work, you would need about 14 bags of ice for a 30 gallon tank.   

My RV Has a Built In Tank Flush System:

Many RV's have a connection for a garden hose to "flush the tanks". While this can help, it should not be a substitute for having your tanks professionally cleaned. Professional cleaning uses high pressure water and specialized attachments to scrub your tanks and return them to "like new" condition. 

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer affordable, mobile on site cleaning of your RV's black and grey holding tanks for one flat fee without any hidden charges.


Having your RV's holding tanks professsionally cleaned annually, or bi-annually, will help prevent the following:


1. Eliminate bad odors coming from your tanks caused by waste materials and bacteria left behind when you drain and flush your tanks after use.   


2. Over time, waste can build up on your holding tanks sensors causing a faulty reading, that can potentially lead to overfilling tanks. Annual professional deep tank cleaning can help eliminate this. 


3. Unclean holding tanks become a breeding ground for bacteria and odors that can lead to illness and other healthrisks.


4. Excesive waste build up over time, can damage your tanks, or cause unncessary leaks or damage due to extra pressure on the tanks and connections, leading to costly repairs. 


5. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help your tanks last longer and ensure the plumbing in your rv stays functioning regularly. 


We use a special high pressure water nozzle that produces 1500 psi of pressure to scrub your tanks clean. We then provide a backflush of your system to ensure any remaining debris is removed leaving your tanks like new! The whole process uses around 150 to 200 gallons of water.  If your tanks sensors are not working, there is a good chance it is due to waste and debris build up on the sensors. Proper cleaning of your tanks will get the sensors working again almost 95% of the time.  In the rare chance they do not work after a deep cleaning, it is most likely due to a rusted out sensor, disconnected sensor wires, or other electrical issue



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