Thetford Toilet

[Michael_5123947]

When flushing the toilet a load of black gunk is coming out. Could this be a problem with seal or just a consequence of leaving water in the tank for a long period when it should have been drained?

 

[Dave_374330759]

It's what happens if you don't drain the tank properly - bacteria starts growing in the tank Get some milton and fill the tank, leave it for 24 hours and pump it through. You'll probably get the gunge for quite a while until you've killed it all. Milton is quite a good steriliser and won't damage the pump seals. Don't use bleach in the flush tank and make sure you drain it every time you've fifnished with the van.

 

[mistermac]

Just a thought....

The 'pink' stuff that one puts in the cistern....is that designed to inhibit this mould-growth?

Mac

 

[Carl-GreyhoundsrUs]

I use the pink stuff and still get the black bits now and again, Milton seems to sort it out.

 

[Damian]

From the n umber of toilets I have serviced and repaired, the worst affected by algae growth have been those in which "pink" has been used.

Draw your own conclusions.

 

[Hamer_5041128]

Michael,

I had this problem in my previous caravan, and initially in my present caravan.

The solution is quite simple. Stop useing the pink Thetford aquarinse, flush the remainder of the thetford from the loo, and use Elsan pink flush.

Myself and others have done this and we have had no further problems.I don't know why it works but it just does. I still use the Thetford aquakem (blue) in the bottom tank.

Hamer

 

[Cubbington]

My experience is that the pink additive gives rise to the problem. Why the makers do not add a biocide to the mix, I do not know. I read somewhere that a better additive to the flush water is the block which you can buy to drop into a domestic cistern. Apparently a quarter of one block is sufficient. I have not tried it yet but do intend to do so.

 

[Rod_5041370]

In general, biocides are a "no no" for travelling toilets as many sites use septic tanks or cess pools or the like as they are not on mains sewage.

Biocides kill off the bacteria needed for the breakdown of waste matter.

In France I frequenly need to add bacteria to ensure the health of the septic tank.