How to Empty RV Tanks
Anyone who's driven an RV knows that there's on unpleasant eventuality that inevitably arises: sooner or later, you'll have to dump the holding tanks. Divided into two tanks, the black water and gray water tanks, dumping out these sewage and waste water holding tanks can be a nasty bit of business. However, by following the correct dumping procedures carefully, you can prevent an unpleasant chore from becoming an unforgettable nightmare.
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Things You'll Need
- Disposable latex or rubber gloves
- Garden Hose for non-potable water
- Rubber boots (optional)
- 8 to 20 foot heavy duty RV sewer hose
- Couplings
- Tank treatment chemicals
Instructions
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Flushing the Tank
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1
Locate a designated RV dumping station. Dumping holding tank contents anywhere else is illegal.
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2
Put on rubber gloves and boots, and remove the holding tank outlet cap from the tank.
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3
Attach the sewer hose to the outlet of the holding tank, affixing any couplings required by design or State law, and extend the hose to the opening of the dump station.
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4
Insert the hose into the dump station's hole, approximately 4 to 6 inches. Secure the sewer hose in place with the hole's cover, a brick, or something sufficiently heavy enough to hold it in the hole. Affix any necessary couplings as required by the manufacturer or state law.
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5
Open the black tank valve, and let it flow until it slows and stops. Close the black tank valve.
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6
Open the gray tank valve, and let it flow until it slows and stops. Close the gray tank valve.
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7
If necessary, fill the tank up to two-thirds full with water and repeat the flush and rinse process.
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8
Double check black and gray water tank valves to ensure they are closed.
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9
Disconnect the sewer hose from the tank outlet and replace the tank outlet cover.
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10
Lift the end of the sewer hose that was connected to the tank outlet to drain the hose into the dump station.
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11
Rinse the inside of the hose with non-potable water from either a hose provided, or your own non-potable water hose.
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12
Disconnect the hose from the dump station hole and rinse the outside of the hose with non-potable water.
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13
Rinse the area around the hole and clean up any spillage, and cover the dump station hole.
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14
Dispose of used gloves in an appropriate waste receptacle and replace all hoses and couplings in their storage areas.
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15
Add five gallons of water to the black tank, and mix in the directed amount of treatment chemicals for the tank's size. Add any necessary treatment to the gray tank as well.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Remember to always go black tank, then gray tank. The gray tank contains water from the kitchen and sinks, which has soap content. It helps to clean the hose of any residue left by the contents of the black tank, which holds sewage from the toilet.
Always use tank treatment chemicals for the black water tank. They reduce build-up, odor, and ensure the tank runs properly.
Research where you're traveling to and through, and carry the appropriate couplings and hoses. Some States have more strict laws regarding RV dumping than others.
Don't dump your tank unless it's about two-thirds full. This helps ensure proper emptying of the tank and the removal of any solid material.
Leave the dump station clean and neat as a courtesy to the next user.
Never turn on the valves before everything is properly in place. Doing so can result in a decidedly unpleasant mess.
Never dump illegally, on the side of the road or down rabbit holes. It's illegal, and can result in a serious fine and contaminate the groundwater.
References
- Photo Credit rv on highway image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
