Which deodorant product should I use?
Can I use household products to deodorize or clean my RV's sanitation system?
Are formaldehyde-based holding tank deodorants banned in some states?
Are formaldehyde-based deodorants treatable in waste treatment systems?
Should I use a special RV tissue?
Why are specialty products sold separately instead of being included in the deodorant products?
How are Thetford's holding tank products developed?
Some products claim to be a top deodorizer and waste digester, while also lubricating valves, and cleaning sensors and the holding tank. Do these products really do all this?
Why are label "warnings" on Thetford's packaging so prominently displayed?
What happens if deodorants freeze?
Can I safely dump my holding tank in my home septic system?
Which deodorant product should I use?
It's a matter of personal preference - based on what you're looking for.
If you seek unsurpassed deodorant performance - even in extreme weather conditions - and superior waste digestion, top-selling Aqua-Kem is your choice. If you prefer a non-formaldehyde product that has excellent odor control, choose Aqua-Kem®Green. If odor control isn't vital and you'd like an enzyme-based product, Aqua-Zyme® is your best bet.
Once you decide on the formula, select which type of dosage is right for you. All three formulas are available in liquid, and all but Aqua-Zyme are available in dry forms. The newest member of Thetford's holding tank deodorant lineup, convenient Aqua-Kem®TossTabs, is based on the Aqua-Kem Green chemistry.
Can I use household products to deodorize or clean my RV's sanitation system?
No! Use only RV specific holding tank deodorants and cleaners.
"Homebrews" (a single or combination of household products) can damage your toilet - even possibly forming a dangerous, explosive mixture - and should never be used!
Are formaldehyde-based holding tank deodorants banned in some states?
No. Some campgrounds restrict its use, but this is the campground management's individual decision - not based on a state (or federal) law. Generally, a campground bans the use of formaldehyde due to misinformation about its treatability and biodegradability.
Are formaldehyde-based deodorants treatable in waste treatment systems?
Yes. They've been studied extensively, and independent studies substantiate that formaldehyde is readily biodegradable and treatable as long as the treatment system is properly sized and operated (for treating holding tank waste).
RV holding tank waste is so concentrated (compared to household waste), it can cause problems in undersized or improperly maintained treatment systems even if no deodorants are present.
Should I use a special RV tissue?
Yes. Rapid breakdown of toilet tissue helps prevent clogs - an issue when dumping an RV holding tank.
Most household toilet tissue manufacturers are unconcerned about fast disintegration because:
- Many times more water is used in flushing a household toilet than a RV or portable toilet.
- Most households are connected to a city sewer with 3-foot diameter lines, while a RV's highly-concentrated waste is emptied through just a 3-inch diameter opening.
Thetford's Aqua-Soft (2-ply) and RV/Marine Toilet Tissue (1-ply) are specially made to break down to fine fibers. Thetford thoroughly tests each lot of tissue to assure it meets our high standards and that each roll will rapidly disintegrate in the holding tank.
Why are specialty products sold separately instead of being included in the deodorant products?
Because they aren't needed each time the deodorant is added.
Thetford's Drain Valve Lubricant, for example, soaks into the seals of the valve, providing lubrication for several dumpings of the holding tank.
Adding it to the deodorant would increase the price of that deodorant and force the consumer to use an additive that is not necessary each time the deodorant is changed.
How are Thetford's holding tank products developed?
Thetford has the RV industry's only full-time chemistry staff dedicated to recreational vehicle sanitation products.
That Chemical Engineering staff, based in Ann Arbor, Mich., starts by researching new products. Often, new product ideas come from RV'ers seeking "a better way."
The staff also formulates the new products, which then are extensively tested - often over many years in "the field." Thetford takes the time necessary at the testing stage to assure that a product is "as good as it can be" prior to its release to the market.
Some products claim to be a top deodorizer and waste digester, while also lubricating valves, and cleaning sensors and the holding tank. Do these products really do all this?
It's easy to make product claims - far tougher to live up to those claims.
What you describe may be a case of the old adage "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."
Be skeptical of holding tank deodorants claiming to "do it all" - especially if they "do it all" via a relatively small tablet and/or dosage and for a small price.
(By the way, Thetford "marketing claims" are reviewed - and substantiated - by the Chemical Engineering staff prior to packaging production.)
Why are label "warnings" on Thetford's packaging so prominently displayed?
We're glad you asked because package "warnings" are a safety issue the people at Thetford feel strongly about.
After all, Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations exist to protect the consumer, something we're committed to.
As part of that commitment, Thetford has a chemist whose area of expertise is governmental regulations.
Through her efforts and others on staff, Thetford is careful to strictly adhere to CPSC regulations. Other companies may not be as careful - which may explain why the product "warnings" on their packaging aren't as prominent.
What happens if deodorants freeze?
Aqua-Kem is not "stable" in long-term freezing conditions. It will turn to a partial solid that doesn't readily dissolve. It can still be used, but you may notice a slightly reduced deodorant performance.
All of Thetford's other liquid products will freeze, but are fine once thawed. And, the dry products are completely stable in freezing conditions.
Extremely high temperatures can have an adverse effect on all products. It is best to store the products in standard room conditions.
Can I safely dump my holding tank in my home septic system?
Yes - as long as your septic system is fully functioning, adequately sized and properly maintained. If you do, it's important to use only the recommended amount of deodorant in your holding tank and only empty when the tank is full.
Also, because holding tank waste is very concentrated and breakdown takes longer, we recommend you dump only one RV holding tank in a home septic system per week.