The Geo Method- Black Tank Maintenance
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John and I have been living full time in our RV since August. We really love our 22 foot Keystone Bullet- it has two opposing slide outs with a kitchen island. It’s perfect for the two of us and our miniature dachshunds. During our first month in the travel trailer, we stayed at a KOA campground in Marble, NC. We knew very little about RV living but learned a lot in our first few months. The Geo Method is one excellent piece of information we learned and how it keeps the black tank from smelling.
After two weeks at the KOA, we noticed that our bathroom was starting to stink up the camper. Because we always emptied the black tank once it was full, we weren’t sure what we were doing wrong. Additionally, we followed our black tank flush with the gray tank flush and used the RV liquid toilet treatment recommended by our dealer. So why did our camper start to smell like an outhouse? More importantly, how do we fix the problem?! It was then that I came to find out about the “Geo Method” and how it helps maintain your black tank. Ever since our KOA days, we’ve been using the Geo Method and have not had any odor issues.
When you are camping (or living in an RV full time), it is important to dump your black tank when it is full. During the summer or hot weather, it is best to empty your black tank every 4-5 days routinely- whether or not it is full. This is because the heat can really take a toll on black tank smells. Always dump your tanks from dirtiest to cleanest. When we stayed at the KOA campground for a month, we had full hook-up. Therefore, we did not plug up our gray tank because it could drain directly into the sewer system them. However, when the time came close to emptying the black tank, we would plug our gray tank 1-2 days. We could then use our shower water and dish water (the “gray water”) could be used to chase the black tank water down the hose. This is common practice for the Geo Method and most black tank maintenance, but it isn’t what makes the Geo Method so special.
How to Implement the Geo Method
Calgon- the type of water softener you want to use for the Geo Method
I recommend picking up some Dawn Dishwashing Liquid for the Geo Method
For the Geo Method, you will need two main products: 1) Water Softener (such as Calgon Liquid Water Softener) and 2) Dishwashing Detergent (such as Dawn). To start the Geo Method, empty your black tank. We have learned the hard way: be sure that your bathroom vent/fan is off when you empty your black tank! If it is not, the fan will pull the odors from the black tank into the camper and it smells terrible. After emptying the black tank, then empty your gray tank. For the next step, plug your black tank. Dissolve approximately a half cup of water softener into a quart a hot water, and flush it down the toilet. Next, dissolve approximately one cup of liquid detergent into a quart of hot water, and flush. I like to follow with one more quart of hot water. You can say good-bye to those smelly outhouse odors- you have just used the Geo Method!
So what makes the Geo Method work so well?
The water softener helps release the solid waste and toilet paper (because even the special RV toilet paper does not break down 100%) from the side of the tank. If those things were to stick to the side of the tank and dry out, you have got yourself a stinky mess. The water softener helps wash away the gunk-o and break it down. Providing a nice, clean smell, the dishwashing detergent also works well for cutting the grime. Like a barrier, the detergent will coat the top of the water in the tank. I have also read where you can use laundry detergent in place of dishwashing detergent and it works just as well.
When to Use the Geo Method
If you are camping for a short period of time, apply the Geo Method prior to leaving your home for the campsite. This will allow the solutions to slosh around and coat the sides of your black tank. If you are full time RVing it, like John and me, then just use the Geo Method on a regular basis whenever you empty the black tank.
Hopefully, you have found this information to be helpful. What methods do you use to keep your black tank maintained?
