FAQ's

1. How much does it cost to clean a holding tank?

A typical price to clean both the black and gray holding tanks is around $195.  Some variables that can effect this price would be whether or not your tank was impacted, distance traveled, emergency cleanings, and frequency of cleaning.

2. Why clean a holding tank?

Dirty holding tanks can ruin the recreational experience. Your tanks should never have a foul odor coming from them. Besides the odor, dirty tanks also demonstrate that they are not operating properly.  Calcium, sludge, and struvites harden in the tank creating an inoperable holding tank. Plus, if the tank is unhealthy, it could make the occupants sick. There is often mold in most galley tanks and anything imaginable could be in the black tank. Cleaning the tanks has always been normal maintenance, but now there is a far better and more effective way to guarantee that your tanks are totally clean.

3. How often should my tanks be cleaned?

The answer to this question depends on how much usage your tanks receive. However, leading manufacturers recommend that thorough tank cleanings be performed a minimum of once per year.

4. Why don’t sensors ever read correctly?

Actually, they probably are reading correctly. The in-tank sensors are designed so that when the tank is in an unhealthy condition due to buildup, the lights will stay on after you dump as a warning and reminder to have the tanks cleaned. Even most of the external sensors will do the same thing.

5. What is the best chemical to put into the holding tank?

Harsh chemicals are not the best way to clean a tank. They are often ineffective, costly and bad for the environment. In addition, many chemicals that “kill” odors also kill helpful bacteria elevating the pH balance of the tank allowing for the development of struvites, or kidney stone-like crystals, to grow inside the tank blocking plumbing and sensors.

The proper “Probiotic” treatments have been proven to actually help the tank environment and breakdown of waste. However, as these are living enzymes, without a thorough Hydro Jet cleaning of the tank, the leftover chemicals from previous chemical treatments can inhibit or negate the effect of the probiotic.

Once the tank has been properly cleaned by TankTechs.com, the use of probiotics such as TankTechs.com Odor Away is the best and most environmentally friendly to keep your tanks maintained properly.

6. How long does it take to clean a tank?

Typically we are able to clean the black and gray holding tanks in 90 minutes or less. Impacted tanks can sometime take longer.

7. What is required to clean my tanks?

If you plan on doing it yourself and doing it right, thousands of dollars in equipment and a few days of training so you don’t bust anything. Or, you could just call us. We are fully self-contained and can typically access the tanks from the exterior. However, on some occasions it is necessary to enter the boat, trailer, or RV to access the tanks from the top

8. How can I keep my tanks clean?

Industry standards for holding tanks suggest they be professionally cleaned on an annual basis. Some simple steps will help greatly in keeping the tanks in a healthy condition between the recommended annual cleanings.

The first step to keeping your holding tanks clean is to have them professionally cleaned. If you are dealing with used tanks, chemicals alone will not be able to remove odor causing and sensor blocking material.

Once you have your system maintained back to factory condition, it is a good idea to use TankTechs.com "Odor Away" tank treatment to keep your tanks in proper working order. Odor Away is a probiotic that attacks the ammonia and methane producers in the tank keeping the ph balance of the tank where it belongs. Harsh chemicals can disturb the ph of the tank creating a ripe environment for struvites, or what are basically kidney type stones that encrust plumbing and sensors.

Once you have a "clean start", always fill the toilet bowl associated with the sewage tank (also known as the black tank) with water to emulate a home toilet. This will help flush solids and paper away from the drain.

When it comes time to empty the tanks, allow the black tank to fill at least to the 3/4 mark before emptying. Empty the black tank first and then follow with the grey (galley) tank to help rinse the effluence into the sewer. If you have a flushing system in the tank, use it liberally.

Remember to never leave the blade valves open as open valves cause black tanks to plug up and grey, or galley, tanks can become infested with insects.

9. How do I get started?

Please contact us to schedule a cleaning by email or by calling 623-566-1533 and we will immediately create a convenient time for you to service your tanks.