Cracked/Dirty RV holding tank

[Lauri]

The holding tank (for fresh water) in our 1988 rv is cracked and dirty.

The crack is near the top corner, probably about 2 1/2" long.
I have heard that plastic, can be "welded". Has anyone ever repaired this type of plastic?


If the tank gets repaired, I would like to clean it out. At the present time, you can see dark, moldy looking stuff, through the plastic.
Any suggestions on how to clean?

Thank you

[Bearfootfarm]

Plastic can be welded, but MarineTex is easier and cheaper:

http://www.marinetex.com/

[wyld thang]

once you get the crack fixed, you can fill it up with water. Let it soak to loosen up the gunk, dump a little out so there is room for the water to slosh, then add some bleach and go drive around and try to go over bumpy hilly stuff what you can so the water sloshes and scrubbs the tank. Then dump it and run a lot of water through to rinse it well.

[wyld thang]

ps, I wouldn't use the fresh water for drinking however. It should be fine for washing dishes(boil it), or bathing/flushing.

[Just Cliff]

Originally Posted by Lauri

The holding tank (for fresh water) in our 1988 rv is cracked and dirty.

The crack is near the top corner, probably about 2 1/2" long.
I have heard that plastic, can be "welded". Has anyone ever repaired this type of plastic?


If the tank gets repaired, I would like to clean it out. At the present time, you can see dark, moldy looking stuff, through the plastic.
Any suggestions on how to clean?

Thank you

Hey Lauri:
Yes. More than likely it can be welded. It is probably made of polyethylene. Look in your yellow pages for someone that may do it. If you can't find it there look at the Thomas Register site: http://www.thomasnet.com/michigan/we...3610335-1.html
There are several in Michigan. Don't know exactly were you live so you will have to search a bit. I would check to see how much a replacement tank would cost before getting that one repaired. It might be cheaper just to get a new one.

I worked part time for several years as a machinist and plastic welder. I do have my own equipment that I do an occasional job with. It's kind of expencive if your going to do just one job but if you were to get into it, some decent money can be made. It's really not that hard to get the hang of it. You can also do things like putting threaded fittings and mounting bosses on tanks. Just a thought.

As far as cleaning it... Plug all but your main fill holes fill about half way with dish detergent and a bit of bleach. Put some cloths and 3M pads in it, cap off your fill hole and ride it around in your truck bed for a few days. Yeah I know it sounds red neck... but it does work without a great deal of work To get the cloths out use one of those parts grabber things that are about 2 feet long and has little fingers that come out of it. Works pretty well.. I hope this helps.

[Just Cliff]

Originally Posted by wyld thang

once you get the crack fixed, you can fill it up with water. Let it soak to loosen up the gunk, dump a little out so there is room for the water to slosh, then add some bleach and go drive around and try to go over bumpy hilly stuff what you can so the water sloshes and scrubbs the tank. Then dump it and run a lot of water through to rinse it well.

Ok you were posting while I was typing. I'm glad im not the only one that does this!

[wyld thang]

Originally Posted by Just Cliff

Ok you were posting while I was typing. I'm glad im not the only one that does this!

arrrrrr! more power!

[Navotifarm]

One of my favorite books ever is "Travel Trailer Homesteading for $5,000." I can't find my copy just now but I believe the author rejuvenated the freon in his camper refrigerator by chauffering it around over bumpy terrain in the back of his truck. He also put his laundry, detergent and hot water in a garbage can and bungy-corded on the lid and took it on safari in the back of his truck. I have no clue how to remove an rv holding tank but that sure seems like a good way to clean it and the price is right!