RV Fresh Water & Sanitation: Expert Insights on What’s New

Whether it’s washing dishes, doing laundry, flushing the toilet or simply staying hydrated, clean water is at the core of daily life. This is even more true in an RV, where water resources can be limited — especially if you’re going off-grid. RV PRO spoke with several industry experts for insight into RV fresh water and sanitation.

What’s new & innovative in RV fresh water & sanitation products?

Tony Butler, sales manager, Walex: Innovation in RV sanitation continues to center around cleaner chemistry, easier maintenance and smarter system performance. Walex’s new Commando 32-ounce Liquid Holding Tank & Sensor Cleaner combines powerful cleaning agents and advanced enzyme technology to break down waste and paper buildup that causes clogs and inaccurate sensor readings.

Jordan Martindale, marketing manager, Icon Technologies Limited: We’re really excited about our expanded aftermarket offerings in both fresh and waste tanks that have direct configurations for many OEM applications. We’re trying to make it easier for RV dealers and owners to find the specific configuration for a replacement tank so they don’t have to fuss about too much with changing plumbing out and reconfiguring a tank.

Tim Kowalski, founder, president & chemist, Bio-Kleen Products: Based on feedback, we have identified a recurring issue regarding holding tank odors. Our dealers have consistently reported that when Kleen Waste is not used in sanitation systems, the gases from the gray water tank sometimes trigger the O2 sensor, indicating a false problem. One ounce of Kleen Waste poured down each sink has proved to be an effective solution by helping to eliminate odors that trigger the O2 sensor.

Richard Peter, co-founder & CEO, CompoCloset: The biggest innovation is the shift away from traditional black tank systems toward alternative toilet solutions. For decades, RVers have been tied to dump stations, but new technology is finally breaking that chain. For example, we’re introducing the S1, a urine-diverting dry flush sealing toilet. By combining the hygiene of a sealing system with the efficiency of urine diversion, we solve the two biggest problems in RV sanitation: water usage and waste volume. It allows travelers to conserve their fresh water and eliminates the need for black tanks entirely.

What have customers been asking for most regarding fresh water & sanitation?

Butler: RV owners and service technicians alike have been asking for an easier, more effective way to solve the recurring issues of sensor errors, tank buildup and stubborn odors. The new Commando 32-ounce Liquid Holding Tank & Sensor Cleaner is designed to tackle the toughest problems — residual odors, paper and waste “pyramids,” and clogs that lead to inaccurate sensor readings. Commando Liquid restores full system function with a simple pour-and-go formula. It’s become a trusted maintenance essential in service centers and among RV owners who want to keep their holding tanks performing like new and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Martindale: The newer generation of RV owners wants peace of mind in using their fresh water and waste systems. In the past, many owners avoided using their tanks for waste storage, but we’re really seeing that trend change. RV builders and parts suppliers are making it easier to approach without anxiety. Education and access to the information on how to do things properly has also really improved.

Kowalski: Customers have been asking for a solution that effectively controls odors and excels at breaking down materials in both black water and gray water tanks. We have consistently received positive feedback from our dealers and customers at trade shows regarding the performance of our holding tank treatment, Kleen Waste.

Peter: Our customers are asking for freedom. They want to extend their time off-grid without the constant stress of finding a dump station. They are asking for solutions that conserve their fresh water supply and eliminate the “yuck factor” and odors associated with traditional RV toilets. They want sanitation systems that feel as modern and clean as the rest of their RV interior.

What impact has the increased popularity of off-grid camping & full-time RVing had on RV sanitation? What should dealers be doing to best meet their customers’ needs?

Butler: The rise in off-grid camping and full-time RV living has made reliable, low-maintenance sanitation solutions more important than ever. With limited access to dump stations and fresh water, RVers need products that work efficiently in every situation — from extended boondocking to full hookups. For dealers, recommending Commando gives customers a powerful, maintenance-free option that prevents the most common sanitation issues before they start.

Martindale: Regarding tanks, there have been more considerations around capacity, weight and haulability. When a dealer is replacing a tank, they should have a conversation with the owner about their specific waste-hauling needs. A typical RV tank can hold waste to the dump site at the end of the campground, but off-grid applications require hauling of waste much farther, and an installation often needs to be beefed up to accommodate. Proper support of the tank belly and flanges can make all the difference to those types of RV situations.

Kowalski: The growing popularity of off-grid camping and RVing has created a consistent need for effective RV sanitation products nationwide. Bio-Kleen’s Kleen Waste has proved to be an economical and environmentally friendly solution for these expanded sanitation requirements. Due to the increase in RVing, demand for Kleen Waste has expanded across the country.

Peter: The explosion in off-grid camping has changed the requirements for onboard sanitation. Standard RV toilets rely on water to flush, which depletes fresh water reserves and fills waste tanks quickly — the exact opposite of what a boondocker needs. For dealers, this means a “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer works. Dealers need to identify if a customer plans to stay in full-hookup parks or explore public lands. To meet the needs of the latter, dealers should be offering waterless or urine-diverting sanitation options as a standard upgrade or aftermarket install.

What do dealers need to be aware of or educate their customers about regarding RV sanitation products?

Butler: Dealers should remind customers that not all sanitation products are created equally. The chemistry behind the product makes all the difference in performance, odor control and tank health. Walex, a family-owned company since 1987, has earned its reputation as an industry leader in odor control and sanitation by focusing on real science and proven results. Walex employs two full-time Ph.D. scientists — one in chemistry and one in molecular biology — who develop and test every formulation in-house to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. Science truly matters to us, and it’s what sets Walex apart. If our products can keep a tank clean and odor-free on a construction site used by 20 workers every day, imagine how well they perform for a few people in an RV. By helping customers understand this difference, dealers can confidently recommend Walex products that deliver lasting performance, cleaner systems and peace of mind.

Martindale: Proper flushing techniques and dumping procedures can make all the difference to customers wanting to get the most out of their waste systems. Combatting anxiety around the use of their waste tanks starts with the dealer and the education aspect.

Kowalski: There is a difference in the manufacturing of holding tank treatments [and] the efficacy of these products … more expensive does not always work better. Kleen Waste RV holding tank treatment deodorizes, cleans sensors, lubricates the valves, maintains clean lines and breaks down waste and real toilet tissue not only in your RV but also boats and portable restrooms. [It is] a holding tank deodorant that is effective and formaldehyde free [and it] leaves a holding tank or head clean and smelling like fresh, wild Michigan cherries.

Peter: Dealers need to educate customers that the “sewage smell” comes from mixing urine and solids. Once you separate them, that chemical reaction never happens, and the odor issue disappears. Dealers should be prepared to demystify dry sanitation. It isn’t “gross” or “primitive”; it’s actually more hygienic and environmentally friendly. Educating the customer on how easy the maintenance is — often easier than dealing with a sewer hose — is key to adoption. For products like the S1, dealers can highlight the cost savings. Because we divert the liquid (which is 80% of waste volume), the sealing liner bags last five times longer.

What else should our readers know about RV fresh water & sanitation products?

Butler: Readers should know that Walex is one of the few suppliers in the RV industry solely dedicated to odor control and sanitation — it’s not just part of what we do; it’s all we do. That singular focus drives us to continually refine and improve every formula we make, ensuring our products perform at the highest level in every environment. We take tremendous pride in providing our dealer partners with dependable, science-driven products that deliver real results for the end user.

Kowalski: We wanted to highlight the key differences that set Kleen Waste apart from other holding tank treatments on the market. Product consistency and quality are critical. Furthermore, some treatments can develop an unfavorable odor even before being opened. Kleen Waste maintains quality for at least two years; is highly concentrated; and is a biodegradable, nonaerosol solution that is not immediately harmful to skin, making it a safe and effective choice.

Peter: Sanitation is usually the last thing people want to think about, but it’s the first thing that forces them off the road. If we can solve the “toilet problem” — by removing the need for water and dump stations — we unlock true freedom for the RVer. That is the goal of CompoCloset.