Using your home clean out trap
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8625
Printed Date: 25 Apr 2024 at 3:13am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Using your home clean out trap
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Subject: Using your home clean out trap
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 8:57pm
| Does anyone use their home sewer line to dump their black and grey water? Thanks. |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 9:22pm
|
I do. There are two sewer drain openings on our property. One is by the house and the other by the curb. The way the ground slopes, the one by the curb is the better one to use. If we are at a campground with full hookups (or even a dump station), we will dump the black tank if it is 2/3 full, but I still drain and flush it again when I get home. I need to do that tomorrow as we just returned from a trip. Then the tanks will be empty and ready to use for our next trip. It is also ready if we have to use our R-Pod as a guest room.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 9:25pm
| Thanks. I'm wondering if I need to check with the city..?? |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 10:23pm
|
You don't check when you flush your home commode, do you? We pay water and sewer. I don't have a problem using what I am paying for. Edit: As long as you are not flushing hazardous chemicals down the drains, it should not be an issue. If you weren't camping, you would be flushing your home commode, and probably using much more water in the process. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 7:52am
| Lol! True! Thanks. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 12:58pm
|
Yup, go for it. A note for those with septic systems. It is ok to use the cleanout by the house and the one on top of the septic tank (I confirmed this with my septic company). Do NOT use the cleanouts above the dry wells. All of the solid wastes get filtered out (consumed by bacteria) in the septic tank and only liquids should make their way to the dry wells. This is true for the newer sand-mound systems, too. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 1:11pm
| Techntrek... Thanks...I don't have a septic system but I'm sure those who do will appreciate your input. What side of the r-pod are the outlets on? Thanks again. |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 2:19pm
|
I've got a http://www.campingworld.ca/shopping/item/flojet-rv-waste-pump-kit/26125 - flowjet mascerator pump (aka The Poop Cannon) and pump through a hose to the plumbing stack in the basement. I fitted a http://www.homedepot.com/p/NIBCO-4-in-PVC-DWV-H-x-H-x-FPT-Cleanout-Plug-Tee-C4814HD4/205799561 - cleanout to the plumbing stack and then made a second cap (used only when dumping) with an aluminum http://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-2-Piece-Metal-Starter-Set-45C/100257129 - hose connector epoxied into it. A couple more connectors on the FlowJet and the hose and everything just plugs together for an easy, leak-free tank emptying experience. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 2:24pm
| Outbound.. Thanks! Don't think I could have figured that out!!! Are you a plumber or an all-around know how guy?!! |
Posted By: M0tl3y
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 5:18pm
|
I've done the same as Outbound and fitted an extension from my basement plumbing out to my garage. Like others have said, as long as you don't use any banned chemicals, like formaldehyde, then you can certainly dump your black/gray tank into your home sewer. I personally only use one cup of cheap laundry detergent and 1 cup of powdered water softener with each tank and it seems to do the trick with keeping the sensors clean and doesn't create a problem for the sewer system. It also allows for growth of good bacteria that can decompose the sewage. ------------- The 178 club |
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 5:23pm
| Motly3y... Thanks. All this valuable input is much appreciated! My clean out valve is near the curb next to the city water shut-off valve. I don't know yet if I'll need an extension to reach it. I will give updates once I try it which won't be for a few months. I have my first road trip planned for Oct. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 6:46pm
|
Gosh, I guess no one here has a vegetable garden? You should see the size of my tomatoes!! just kidding BTW, I just started using http://tanktechsrx.com/ - TankTech RX I can report that it definitely cured a really foul (I mean roll the windows up foul) grey water tank. What I did: My grey tank was empty at home since last trip. I added a third of a cup of TankTech RX to both grey and black. I added about 10 gallons to grey tank, let that cook for a couple of days and then filled with garden hose. My black tank is about a third full (guessing cuz I don't trust the lights). I added about three gallons water to black tank. After a couple of weeks, I filled my grey tank tote (a five gallon bucket). I was really surprised there was virtually no odor at all. Maybe a little like a home aquarium. Another 5 gallon and the same. A huge change from my last few grey water dumps! Before we leave for Acadia soon, I will put some more water and and maybe a bag of ice in my black tank and then dump when we first get there. I have never before been so looking forward to going to the dump station! Anyone want to buy some Jersey Tomatoes??!! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Rebecca Dees
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 7:58pm
| Founder...lol about those tomatoes! The more I read these posts the more I realize how much I don't KNOW. Thanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 8:53pm
|
So how long have you been using the Tank Tech stuff? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 9:55pm
Only a month or so, Doug. Since we got back from the best blue crabs ever! We were driveway camping right down the road from Ellicot City the night of the flood. Crazy rain that night! Anyway, it's been a month or so since I inoculated the tanks. Really, my grey tank was bad. Worse than picked blue crabs in a trash can for a week. Jury is still out, but I like the probiotic idea and it seems to have worked for me...so far. More report next month. fred P.S. Sounds like you had a great trip! Even the "bad" parts are good!! ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 10:49pm
Interesting. I looked on the web site. I may have to order some. Did you purchase direct, or do you have a store near you that sells it?
Don't bother with the ice. It does not do much of anything except waste your money. http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH6acEmqvcw - This video shows how useless ice is for cleaning the tank. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2016 at 11:03pm
|
Thanks Stephen, The ice thing just sounded kinda weird and sorta college prank thing fun. We do have a lot of windy roads before interstate so it almost made sense that it might knock some stuff off the tank walls. Prolly a waste (bad pun!). I bought mine from https://www.amazon.com/TankTechsRx-Treatment-treatments-probiotics-portable/dp/B00JFUJBTW - Amazon only cuz I'm an addict. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: sean p
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 6:33am
|
I installed a small 100 gal. septic tank and leech line under my pod parking spot..I've installed many tanks so i'm sure this works well. we mostly dry camp, this saves lots of $$. My tank system only cost me 100$ to install. just make sure to keep enzimes working in tank.,Ridx liquid is awsome.. ------------- 2016 179pod--BETTY 2010 nissan frontier Sean and Doug Butchie the morkie touring the west |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 9:02am
|
Since it is a Prime item, I might order from Amazon also. Thanks for the report. It is good to find things that actually work. The only thing I don't like about it is the bottle. I think I would prefer smaller, single-use bottles or a bottle with a metering section to help measure and pour. Also, since it is supposed to have living bacteria, is there an expiration? I would hate to buy a big bottle and then have it expire and become useless in between camping trips. We are done with the big trips for the summer. The next time we expect to take the R-Pod out will be in December, although there might be a short trip or two before then.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 5:39pm
|
That's a good question Stephen. I've written to TankTechs to see if we can get an answer. I've also asked about optimum storage for the product. Like yogurt, one would think it best to store in the fridge. I'll pass on the answers when I get one. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 9:01pm
|
Looking forward to more info, thanks. Yeah, that Ellicott City flood was nuts. Made the top of the national news. As of yesterday the street is closed for 3 weeks as they completely dig it up and replace the utilities. A blessing in disguise considering how old much of that stuff is - make it all shiny and new in one shot. Nothing like the smell of a can full of picked crabs that has been baking at 95 F for a few days until the trash man comes! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 9:04pm
So sized just big enough for an RV? Sounds useful for a permanent camping spot. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|