FAQ
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Question:
I have noticed that there are RV hydro jet cleaning companies that use 1250-1500psi 2gpm machines . You use 2600psi 4gpm, why?
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Answer:
Many of the other dealers use the smaller machines because of portability. I use the larger machine to insure the best results.
Having used both machines I have found that 2600psi cleans the tank better and 4gpm flushes the sludge out more effectively, ensuring the best results each time.
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Question:
We just bought a new to us RV. The dealer had it detailed, and told us they flushed the tanks, isn't that the same as what you do?
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Answer:
No, when a dealer flushes your holding tanks, they fill them with water and may add some chemicals allowing them to sit for awhile and then dumping them. This does get additional sludge out but does not get everything. It has only rinsed the tank. When we hydro jet clean your tanks, we use 2600 psi at 4gpm. When we send our nozzle into your tank, we are able to get into the corners and down the sides, and concentrate on both ends of the tank. It's like taking your tanks to the car wash.
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Question:
​When I was searching the web for RV holding tank cleaning there were several different companies listed. What do you do different then they do?
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Answer:
All Pro Water-Flow is the original RV holding tank cleaning company. We use higher pressure (2600 psi) and higher volume (4gpm) then most of our competitors, (1250-1500psi 2gm).​
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Question:
Why does different equipment matter?
Answer:
As with any tools today the more power the better (just ask Tim the tool man) . the higher pressure and higher volume of the water, enables me to more thoroughly clean debris from your tank.
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Question:
I have a Sani Flush system that I use each time I dump my tanks, and I run it until the water is clear, aren’t my tanks clean?
Answer:
The Sani Flush is only as good as the pressure you have available from your hose, usually 40psi-65psi. It helps to keep your tanks cleaner, however sludge and debris still builds in you tanks over time. Hydro-Jetting uses high pressure (about 2600psi at 4gpm) to clean the sludge and debris from your tank.
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Question:
Won’t that high pressure damage my tanks?
Answer:
No, because I am not pressurizing your tanks, I am only washing them, it is like taking your holding tanks to the car wash.
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Question:
I can see why I need to have my Black tank cleaned regularly, but do I need to clean my Grey or Galley tanks also?
Answer:
Yes, like the Black tank sludge and debris can build up in both the Grey and Galley tanks. Many times odors from these tanks can be as bad, or worse than those from the Black tank.
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Question:
Why do my sensors misread and show my tank is partially full, or full when I have just dumped them.
Answer:
Whenever calcium buildup or debris collects on a sensor it will indicate the tank is full to that level (sensor not misreading but indicating tanks are dirty and should be cleaned).
Question:
How often should I have my tanks hydro-jet cleaned?
Answer:
How your RV is used will determine the most accurate answer to this question, however if you use your RV for 6 months or more each year, or your unit sits in the same place all the time, once a year is recommended. If your unit is going to be stored for a long period it is a good idea to clean the tanks before storing, so the sludge will not dry in the tanks.
Question:
When I open a hot water faucet, I get an odor that smells like rotten eggs, what is that?
Answer:
This odor is caused by a calcium build up in your water heater. Just draining the water heater will not eliminate the odor, but thoroughly flushing the calcium from your heater will solve the problem.
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Question:
How often should I flush the water heater?
Answer:
The water heater should be flushed at least once a year, or just prior to storage. If you are having your holding tanks cleaned, this is a good time to have the water heater flushed also.
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Question:
Do I need to use an anode rod in my water heater?
Answer:
If your water heater is a Suburban water heater, Yes an anode rod is required it is the sacrificial lamb protecting your tank from deterioration. If your water heater is an Atwood/Dometic heater an anode is not needed the plastic style plug, that it is supplied with, is a safety item and is designed to blow out before the tank is damaged in the event of a pressure relief valve failure.
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Question:
When I am in a RV park with full hookups, can I leave my holding tank valves open?
Answer:
At no time should holding tank valves be left open for extended periods of time. Holding tanks should be ¾ full or fuller before dumping. The Black water tank should be emptied first, then the Galley tank, if separate from the Grey water. If you have a clothes washer on board the Grey water valve should be open while the washer is operating, unless the washer is plumbed to drain directly into the sewer.
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Question:
Can I leave the Grey water or Galley tank valve open when we are hooked up to the sewer line?
Answer:
It is not recommended to leave holding tank valves open unless washing clothes. If the sewer line you are hooked up to with your valves open has any little critters living there, you have just invited them into your home.
Question:
Do you have a shop with water and sewer available, so we can come to you.
Answer:
No we do not. We are full time RVer’s and are not always in the same RV park when you call, but I do have several RV parks that are able to work with us to enable you to rent a space in their park (subject to availability) so I can clean your tanks at a time and place that is convenient for you.
Question:
What credit cards do you accept?
Answer:
At this time I am only able to accept Cash or Check.
Question:
What are your hours of operation?
Answer:
My phone is always on my hip, so the phone will be answered unless I am in church (Sunday mornings), or sleeping (10:30pm – 8:00am). Hydro-jetting services in RV parks usually 9:00am – 6:00pm, other locations a little more flexible but for safety reasons I prefer not to operate the hydrojetter after dark.
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Question:
Do we need to use special toilet paper or can we use what we use at home.
Answer:
RV holding tanks can become clogged when the wrong toilet paper is used, any RV or septic tank approved paper should work in your holding tanks as long as adequate water is used. You can test the paper you are using to see if they will work for you. In a large container or bowl fill about 2/3rd full of water just before going to bed place 3 or 4 sheets of the paper in question in the container and walk away, when you get up in the morning lightly shake the container, do not agitate, if the paper falls apart it is good to use if it does not use what you bought sparingly when you need to resupply try a different brand.
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Question:
When I have been in the RV supply store, I have seen clear sewer fittings, I have seen them in straight pieces and 45 and 90 degree fittings do I need these and how do I use them?
Answer:
The clear fittings help you see how your tank is emptying and what is flowing from your tanks. I prefer using straight fittings or 45 degree fittings, I only use 90 degree fittings if it is too close to use any other options as the 90 degree fittings cause a lot of turbulence when dumping your holding tanks.
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Question:
When I was talking to another dealer they said they would fill my tank with water after cleaning it and then dumping it. Do you do that?
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Answer:
No, because I use the higher volume of water I am able to flush the debris as I go.
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Question:
I tried to use a snake on my plugged toilet. It did not work. Why not.
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Answer:
Using a snake on a plugged toilet does not work well, because when the snake hits the blockage it binds in the obstruction and then just wraps up in the 3" tube. If it did go through it would only make a small hole that would plug as soon as you used it again.
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Question:
I have seen on line that I should use vinegar and baking soda to freshen my traps. Does it help?
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Answer:
I do not know how it works in your house , but never use it in your RV. When you use this in your traps it causes a lava like substance. Because we can not thoroughly flush the substance out of our plumbing, over time it causes hardening of the arteries and will eventually plug up your lines.
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Question:
We do a lot of dry camping or boondocking. Is it OK to dump my gray water on the ground?
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Answer:
Each state and county is different, do check with local government before camping. Many states do not allow dumping of gray water, due to salmonella. If your gray tank and galley are separate it may be legal to dump the gray tank. (CHECK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES).
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Question:
I have been reading tips on cleaning and maintaining my RV black water holding tank. There are many suggestions to use products other then enzymes or probiotics (borax, ajax, spic and span). Is it OK to use these products in my black water tank?
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Answer:
It is not a good idea to use any powdered product in your holding tanks, that is not thoroughly dissolved. We recommend using Pine-sol (any scent) and Calgon bath beads, (see bottom of our chemical page for the recipe). The Pine-sol acts as as a deodorant as well as a cleaner and disinfectant, the Calgon breaks down calcium slowing the growth of struvites in your black water tank and plumbing.
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Question:
Some black water tank cleaning tips recommend putting bleach in the tank is this a good idea?
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Answer:
No, bleach should never be used in the black water tank unless it has been hydro-jet cleaned, and then only sparingly . Adding bleach to a black water tank that is not clean can cause gasses that are not good for your health.
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Question:
I am new to RVing and have been surfing the internet, trying to find the best demonstrated practices before we go, there are many different opinions. How do I know which way is best.
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Answer:
1. Majority rules, if most sites mention a certain procedure, it is probably an important thing to do.
2. Consider the source. Is it an RV manufacturer, RV parts
provider, RV repair tech? (this category has hands on
experience, and many times have seen consequences of
improper procedures), is it an RV publication? Research
author or source of the article. Do they have RVing experience
or are they selling a product? Is it a Podcast? Many of these are good sources, but not all are, sometimes they are what that individual does and not what is best. Check with other RV'ers and get a consensus, many times they are the best way.
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Question:
I just read an article that said I should dump my black tank before it is 1/2 full. Is this right?
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Answer:
Regarding the black tank, never leave your valve open, and do not dump your black tank unless it is 3/4 full. ( if you need to dump your black tank before it is full, fill your toilet and flush until it has reached that level, or use your sani-flush and fill your tank). The fuller the tank, the more down force you have the better the tank will empty.