Is Rid-X Safe For RV Tanks?
Cleaning and treating our RV water tanks may not be a fun process, but it’s a necessary one. Picking the right cleaning agent will help keep the system running smoothly, reduce odors, and prevent blockages. With so many products on the market, many people have wondered, “Is Rid-X safe for RV tanks?”
Rid-X is safe to use in RV tanks as long as it is only applied in small quantities. Usually a mixture of 3 oz Rid-X and 1 gallon of water is enough to clean a standard tank. If this substance is used too often, it can slow down the helpful bacteria in your tank that break down waste.
At the end of the day, it is generally safe to use Rid-X in your RV tanks, but it may not be the perfect solution. This chemical is quite potent and needs to be diluted so it doesn’t cause problems. It certainly has helpful benefits, but you may want to consider alternative methods as well. Below we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using Rid-X in your RV tanks.
Why choose Rid-X for RV tanks
If you’re simply asking is Rid-X safe for RV tanks, the answer is yes! This chemical has been approved for use in home sewage systems, RVs, boats, and other portable toilet systems. Its application may vary a bit depending on the size and type of sewage system it’s used in, but it can work with almost any setup.
Eliminates odors
One of the main purposes of Rid-X is to cut off odors at the source. Nobody wants an RV tank that stinks up the whole vehicle. With a few treatments of Rid-X, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling RV with little hassle. The specific Rid-X product that is best for odor elimination is Rid-X Holding Tank Deodorizer.
Comes in multiple forms
There are a few different products under the Rid-X umbrella brand, and they tend to come in the form of liquids or pellets. This is useful because some forms work better for specific problems.
The liquid form is usually a bit cheaper and it tends to last longer because it needs to be used in small, diluted quantities. A single container can last a long time! Pellets can simply be poured down the toilet before you dump your tanks, so they require little effort. However, they don’t last quite as long and tend to be more expensive.
Fairly cheap
All types of Rid-X are also quite affordable. This is a very accessible cleaning agent that can be purchased in large quantities. A 12-month supply of Rid-X will only cost about $50 (or about $4 per month). You won’t need to buy refills very often because a single container lasts quite a while. Either way, Rid-X won’t break the bank.
Breaks down sewage and blockages
Some forms of Rid-X are more aggressive and can actually break down waste and blockages in your tank system. Others are more mild and only focus on odor control. If you deal with blockages a lot, Rid-X Septic System Maintenance could be the product you need. This product uses natural bacteria and enzymes to break down toilet paper, grease, sewage, and anything else that could clog up your RV tanks.
Works within a few hours
Rid-X also works quickly. You’ll notice a reduction in smell and should have cleared out blockages within a couple of hours. If you pour some Rid-X into the system 2-4 hours before you head to a dump site, you should be cleaned out by the time you arrive. This makes it perfect for an easy overnight solution if you don’t want to worry about monitoring the cleaning process.
Arguments against Rid-X
Of course, no cleaning product is perfect. If you wanted to know is Rid-X safe for RV tanks, you now know the answer is yes… most of the time. Rid-X has its fair share of downsides as well, so let’s talk about some of them.
It can disrupt the bacterial system in an RV tank
RV sewage tanks have a delicate ecosystem of bacteria that needs to be maintained in order to help them break down waste. Although it seems like it would be good to kill or thin out the bacteria in your RV, this isn’t the case. Fewer bacteria means that the waste will stay there for longer and tends to develop a worse smell. Some types of Rid-X are hostile to bacteria and make it harder for them to thrive and reproduce.
Some types are less efective
As we mentioned before, there are different types of Rid-X. If you need something that can break down the waste in your tanks, you should use a more aggressive form such as Rid-X Septic System Maintenance. If you just use a deodorizer, this won’t solve your blockage problems. It’s not a one-size-fits-all product, so don’t treat it like one.
Unnecessary for some people
Finally, some RVers have found that Rid-X just doesn’t give them any significant benefits. It may not hurt the system, but it may not make much of a difference either. If you can avoiding paying for an unnecessary product, most people prefer to just use something else or forgo it entirely.
Alternative tank cleaners
Is Rid-X safe for RV tanks? Yes. Is it the only solution? Of course not! RVs have been around for a long time, and Rid-X is not the only product that has been used to keep the tanks clean. Everyone has their preferred method, but some of the most popular ones are listed below.
Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn dish soap is a classic in the world of RV tank treatments. This is an eco-friendly soap that is perfect for reducing odors, breaking down grease, and lubricating the tank. It’s also quite cheap and easy to find in bulk. You can’t go wrong with Dawn on your side!
Plenty of water
Some people get along just fine with no cleaning products at all! Plain water is a great treatment for RV tanks because it can hose away physical blockages and doesn’t affect the helpful bacteria. As long as you keep on top of your cleaning schedule and use plenty of water each time, this can be a very effective cleaner.
Enzyme Cleaners
If you’d like to use a commercial tank cleaner that’s a little safer than Rid-X, there are plenty of enzyme cleaners that will do the job beautifully. Some of the best options include:
- Camco TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus Scent RV Toilet Treatment Drop-Ins
- Walex Bio-Pak RV Black Holding Tank Deodorizer and Digester
- Caravan RV Sensor and Tank Cleaner
There are plenty of safe RV tank treatments, and Rid-X is a good option to keep in mind. If you already have some at home or are thinking about buying a container, just know that it’s safe to use in your holding tanks as long as you use the proper product and amount.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance from RV LIFE. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
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