RV Holding Tanks vs. Septic Systems: Why the Difference Matters

First, understand that your RV holding tanks are just that, “holding tanks”. They are not septic tanks or septic systems. The purpose of your waste holding tanks is to contain the waste until you get to a suitable sanitary dump station.

A septic system by design separates the solid and liquid waste. The solid waste is broken down by bacteria and slowly digested over time. The liquid waste flows out of the septic tank into the drain field (sometimes referred to as a leach field) where it then filters down into the earth over many years. Contrast this to a holding tank which keeps the solids and liquids together and for a much shorter period of time (5-7 days being typical). Then the contents of the holding tank are “dumped” into an appropriate sewer reception site.

Why does this distinction matter? Treating your RV waste holding tanks like they are a septic system causes problems — typically unpleasant odors — and can lead to clogs and very unhappy campers. We are of the mindset that tank treatment products that break waste down faster do not help your RV. What we advocate for is keeping your solid waste floating with the liquid in the holding tanks. When you pull the handle for the gate valve to release the waste into the sewer system you want all the liquid and floating solids to make an immediate and hasty exit from the tank so that nothing remains behind.

The Calgon/Pinesol mixture is intended to help keep your tanks flowing at their best. Neither of these products is known to break the solid waste down like a bacteria or enzyme product does. The Calgon works as a water softener and lubricant to make the interior of the tank and waste pipes slippery, helping to keep “stuff” from sticking and remaining behind. The Pinesol component is intended to provide odor control not sanitization as some people think.