Glaron
Cape Cod, MA
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Joined: 12/23/2009
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My RV service manager suggested it would be a good idea to annually pour some Liquid Drano, or similar brand that indicates "safe for plastic piping", down the black water tank to give it a real good cleansing and break up any pyramiding that might be building up there.
Good idea ~ bad idea ?? Anyone else doing that?
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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Although the piping/tanks/drain lines are made of same stuff used in S&B homes (ABS) and will not be harmed by store bought drain cleaners......the drain valve seals, waste tank seals, toilet bowl seals etc can be harmed.
The draino may clean up your tank but then you will end up having to repair/replace seals.
Proper use of water (full toilet bowl to flush solids),
proper tank draining procedures (never leaving drain valve open/dumping tank when tank is almost full),
tank rinsing (use a flushing system, flexible wash wand down toilet, refilling tank/repeat dumping),
proper tank prep after dumping (add couple gallons back into tank)...........
then you will not have problems with waste tank, odors and/or pyramids.
You could even use the GEO Method to help.......but you don't need 'draino'
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afraid of bears
Prince George Area
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Joined: 10/16/2006
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Why? Is there a blockage?
My plumber told me that all that off the shelf stuff is not all that great to begin with. Of course, he told me this after I had run a couple of bottles, with no successful removal of the blockage, down the drain in the house. The stinky stuff he brought sure worked though!!
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 08/24/2006
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First time I've heard this theory. Think I'll pass.
2008 Dodge 3500 CTD LB SRW 4X4 6-Speed Auto
Prodigy P3, Blue Ox Sway Pro, 225 75R 15E Maxxis
2007 Komfort 212
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jim87vette
Arizona
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Old-Biscuit wrote:Although the piping/tanks/drain lines are made of same stuff used in S&B homes (ABS) and will not be harmed by store bought drain cleaners......the drain valve seals, waste tank seals, toilet bowl seals etc can be harmed.
The draino may clean up your tank but then you will end up having to repair/replace seals.
Proper use of water (full toilet bowl to flush solids),
proper tank draining procedures (never leaving drain valve open/dumping tank when tank is almost full),
tank rinsing (use a flushing system, flexible wash wand down toilet, refilling tank/repeat dumping),
proper tank prep after dumping (add couple gallons back into tank)...........
then you will not have problems with waste tank, odors and/or pyramids.
You could even use the GEO Method to help.......but you don't need 'draino'
X-2 on Seal damage.
08 GMC 3500 Dually Duramax
96 Chevy 2500 6.5
05 Yamaha Rhino
04 Gearbox 335FS 5er 14k wet
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Chris Bryant
DeLand, Florida, USA
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Joined: 03/26/2003
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I have to say using Drano is a really, really bad idea. While it might be OK for plastic pipes, Drano produces a lot of heat when it works (an exothermic reaction), which is not good for the relatively thin plastic of the tank (as opposed to the schedule 40 thickness of plastic pipes).
-- Chris Bryant
My RV Service Blog
The RV.net Blog
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Jim2007
Greeley, Colorado
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Hi; I agree with the answer that Old-Buscuit gave. Jim2007
TV: Dodge 2004 Diesel
Rig: 2004 Flagstaff 5th Wheel 30'
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traxtermax
UPSTATE NEW YORK
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Joined: 05/26/2004
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I'd pass too but not only for the above reasons. It's highly corrosive on skin and capable of rapidly blinding you if get it in your eye(s). It's very reactive and if it "spits", could cause a lot of damage.
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Homer
Northeast Indiana
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simple answer you don't need it, it will not do you any good. Save your money and just use a good draining procedure.
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mlts22
Austin, Texas
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Joined: 11/15/2010
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No. Most RV waste pipes are short enough that a plumber's snake will do the job.
Drano doesn't work most of the time, and it turns a mess into a toxic, caustic mess.
Not to mention the number it will do on a septic tank system.
If you want to pour something safe down the black/grey piping, try hot water with water softener and dish detergent (the Geo method). This will keep the pipes slippery, as well as melt any fat/congealed solids on the way down. Plus, it gets rid of smells as well.
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