# Travel >> Transportation >> RV

How to Eliminate Holding Tank Odors

When you are traveling in your RV, it is important to have a safe and sanitary mode of transportation. A RV is not only a vehicle, but also a home away from home. The holding tank stores human wastes, and proper care of the tank is necessary to keep your environment smelling livable. Holding tanks can also be found on buses, boats, and airplanes. If you take the necessary steps for upkeep, you will have a proper smelling and safe mobile bathroom.

Holding Tank Treatment
Tank Vent Line

Instructions

Holding Tank Care
- 1
  Check the vent line for blockages or snags. Make sure the vent line is short and horizontal. A standard size vent line is 5/8th's of an inch. For larger tanks, use a 1 inch line, and if the line has to run around a 45 degree corner, you can use a larger line, but no larger than 2 inches.
- 2
  Backflush the vent line to remove blockages if necessary.
- 3
  Rinse the holding tank with one part bleach to one part water.
- 4
  Use a bacteria eating chemical that is environmentally safe to sit in the holding tank once it is thoroughly cleaned of old waste.
- 5
  Keep the system emptied when stopping at receptacles. The best way to limit the amount of odors your system puts out is to frequently remove the waste contents.