Whether you're a seasoned RV traveler or planning your very first camping adventure, one thing every RVer learns quickly is this... your holding tank can make or break your trip.
Nothing ruins a beautiful lakeside morning faster than unpleasant odors, clogged tanks, or waiting in a long dump station lineup with ten RVs ahead of you.
The good news? With a little planning—and the right tank treatment—you can spend less time worrying about your waste system and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Why Your RV Holding Tank Matters
Unlike your home plumbing, an RV's waste system is compact, portable, and requires regular care.
Without proper treatment you may experience:
- Unpleasant odors
- Sensor build-up causing false tank readings
- Waste buildup inside the tank
- Slow draining toilets
- Difficult tank cleanouts
- Costly plumbing repairs
A quality tank treatment keeps waste breaking down naturally while helping control odors before they become a problem.
New to RVing? Here's What Nobody Tells You
Every experienced RVer has learned these lessons—sometimes the hard way.
Start with Water
Never use your black tank dry.
Before your first use, add several litres (or gallons) of water along with your tank treatment. This gives bacteria and enzymes something to work with and helps waste move freely.
Use RV-Safe Toilet Paper
Regular household toilet paper doesn't break down nearly as quickly.
RV toilet paper (or septic-safe paper) helps prevent clogs and keeps your tank cleaner.
Don't Wait Until the Tank is Full
Many new RV owners wait until their tanks are completely full.
Instead:
- Dump when your black tank reaches roughly 2/3 full.
- A fuller tank actually creates better flushing action than a nearly empty one.
Pro RVer Tip: Stay One Extra Night
If you've ever visited a busy campground on a Sunday morning...
You know the lineup.
Everyone checks out at the same time, which means everyone is waiting at the dump station.
One trick experienced RVers love?
Book one extra night.
Instead of joining the rush:
- Dump your tanks Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
- No waiting.
- Less stress.
- A much more relaxing end to your vacation.
Sometimes that extra night costs less than the frustration of sitting in line for an hour.
Keep Your Sensors Working Properly
One of the biggest complaints from RV owners is:
"My tank says it's full... but I just emptied it."
The problem usually isn't the sensor.
It's waste and toilet paper sticking to the tank walls.
Using a quality cleaner regularly helps reduce buildup so your sensors stay more accurate.
Odor Control Starts Before You Smell Anything
Many people think tank treatments simply "cover up" odors.
The best products don't.
They work by helping break down waste naturally, reducing the source of the smell before it becomes a problem.
That means:
Less odor inside your RV
Less odor when dumping
A cleaner plumbing system
Four Great Products Every RVer Should Have
Whether you're a weekend camper or a full-time traveler, these Walex products help keep your system performing its best.
Walex BioActive® Septic Tank Treatment
Perfect for long-term maintenance.
- Natural bacteria & enzymes
- Helps break down waste
- Great for seasonal campers
- Helps prevent septic backups
Walex Bio-Pak®
A powerful treatment that gets to work fast.
Great for:
- Heavy RV use
- Hot summer camping
- Keeping odors under control
Walex Porta-Pak®
One of the easiest ways to maintain your holding tank.
Simply:
✔ Drop it in
✔ Add water
✔ Let it work
No measuring. No mess.
Walex Commando® Tank Cleaner
Think of this as a deep-clean for your holding tank.
Ideal when:
- Sensors aren't reading correctly
- Odors won't disappear
- Tanks haven't been cleaned in a while
- You're preparing your RV for storage
End-of-Season Storage Tips
Before putting your RV away:
- Empty and rinse both holding tanks.
- Deep clean the black tank.
- Leave the system fresh before winter storage.
- Start next camping season with a clean plumbing system instead of lingering odors.
Your future self will thank you.
A Few More Campground Tips
- Keep plenty of fresh water in the black tank after dumping.
- Never leave your black tank valve open while camping. Liquids drain away while solids stay behind, creating the dreaded "pyramid plug."
- Dump your black tank first, then your gray tank to help rinse the sewer hose.
- Keep disposable gloves, sanitizer, and a dedicated rinse hose in your RV.
- Add tank treatment after every dump—not after you notice odors.
Happy Tanks = Happy Camping
RVing is about making memories—not worrying about plumbing.
Whether you're exploring the Rockies, relaxing at your favourite provincial park, or heading south for the winter, a little holding tank maintenance goes a long way.
With the right habits and trusted Walex Bio-Active products, you'll spend less time thinking about your tanks... and more time enjoying the journey.
Shop Walex RV Tank Treatments at Shop Eddies
From weekend campers to full-time RV adventurers, Shop Eddies carries trusted Walex products to help keep your RV's plumbing clean, fresh, and ready for every trip.
Because the only thing your campsite should smell like... is the campfire.