The Best RV Holding Tank Treatment (Review & Buying Guide)

In order to uncover which RV holding tank treatments were the best fit for any RV owner, we searched for products that met three key requirements: easy to use, effective at preventing and fighting clogs, and odor-eliminating. Each product that made our list featured a safe mix of waste- and odor-fighting ingredients to wholly dissolve the prime culprits of most RV sewer hose clogs. We took a look at users’ comments and reviews about each product to determine which saw the most overall success, and which could help save time and effort around waste tank cleaning. 

Our pick for the best RV holding tank treatment is Thetford Campa-Fresh Ocean Breeze Holding Tank Treatments, a product that delivers great waste-dissolving power, fights odors, and helps you effectively clear out your tank of solid waste and toilet tissue. If you’re looking for an affordable option that also offers waste-dissolving power, we like the value that Happy Campers RV Holding Tank Treatment can provide in its bulk package.

Wondering how to differentiate the various RV holding tank treatments you’ve seen in stores and online? We’ve got all of the information you need. Find out what factors and features you need to think about, what makes a quality waste treatment, and get your most pressing questions answered.

One of the most common kinds of RV holding tank treatment you’ll come across? Liquid. These bottled formulas are easy to use, as you can simply pour the amount you need right into your toilet bowl. 

Powder RV holding tank treatments are less common, but they’re another easy-to-use option. You just scoop the amount you need for your tank, then dump the powder into your toilet and flush it away. These powder formulas can work just as effectively as liquid products at dissolving and degunking your septic system.

If you’re looking for effortless and mess-free, then you’ll love pod or tablet RV holding tank treatment products. They’re just like the conveniently packaged dishwasher and laundry detergent pods you use at home.

The enzymes that are included in any RV holding tank treatment’s formula are critical, as they’re what get the waste-dissolving process done right. While some can include harsh and potentially harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, it’s better to opt for one that features powerful enzymes. Enzymes will react with your flushed waste and toilet paper to dissolve them in your holding tank, and they’ll even dissolve stubborn clogs. The more effective the enzymes, the more effective the treatment will be.

Can your chosen RV holding tank treatment actually target odors and get rid of what’s causing them? Or does it merely mask the unpleasant smells you’re experiencing? While nearly every RV holding tank treatment solution has a pleasant fragrance, some can only mask odors with overly strong scents.

When it comes to maintaining and cleaning your holding tank, RV toilet treatment products are pretty affordable. You can find powder, liquid, and individually packaged pods of treatment formulas for $10 to $20. Want to buy in bulk? You’ll spend anywhere from $20 to $30 to get gallons, pounds, or multi-packs of pods, which can help you get more value for your money.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers!

Most of today’s RV holding tank treatments are designed to clean out the waste sitting in your holding tank and clean off the sensors so you get a more accurate reading on whether or not it’s time to empty it. However, not all treatments are potent enough to actually clean and clear the sensors. You’ll want to look for an all-in-one formula that’s strong enough to tackle everything, from toilet paper to waste to odor to your sensors, like those on our list above.

While plenty of RV holding tank treatment products can break down waste, not all can get rid of those lingering unpleasant odors. However, once you find a powerful treatment that works for your waste, climate, and holding tank, it should eliminate odors while it works. If you really want to target odors, make sure to look for a product that promises to work on them. You may also want to opt for a treatment that works to dissolve and eliminate odors on a molecular level.

Just like there’s no real hard and fast rule on how often you should empty your black water tank, there’s no real rule about using a holding tank treatment. It depends on how frequently you’re using your RV’s bathroom, how many people are inside your RV, and how quickly that tank is getting messy. If you’re by yourself, you may be able to go as long as a week without treating your holding tank. However, if you’re with friends and family and your bathroom is seeing a lot of action, you may want to use a treatment every other day.