Dump Station Tips
Here are some tips to follow when emptying your RV's holding tanks. (See below for a suggestion on how to empty your RV's holding tanks.)
- When emptying both the black and gray tanks, dump the black-water tank before the gray-water tank so the "soapy water" from the gray tank can clean the residue from the hose.
- Don't dump the black-water tank until it is at least two-thirds full. Don't leave the black-water tank valve open when hooked up at a campsite. This will cause liquids to drain, leaving solid waste behind to harden on the bottom of the tank.
- Use a heavy-duty sewer hose about 6 to 8 feet long to make handling easier.
- Carry an extra garden hose for rinsing in case the dump station doesn't have one. Store this in an area where it won't come into contact with your drinking water hose.
- Never use your fresh water hose for rinsing sewer hoses or the dump station area.
- Wear protective rubber gloves and avoid touching the outside of the gloves.
- If others are waiting to use the dump station, skip the tank flushing and hose rinsing steps. Pull away from the dump station and then add some water and chemicals to the holding tanks.
- Never put anything other than the contents of your holding tanks into the dump station.
- Leave the dump station area cleaner than you found it.
How to Empty Holding Tanks
Here's a suggestion on how to empty your RV's holding tanks.
First of all, don't open any valves until the proper time! Doing so will be met with rather unpleasant results. You may consider wearing a pair of rubber gloves in the event some effluent gets on your hands. Some folks will also wear rubber boots. As long as you're careful, any splashing is minimal.
Remove the holding tank outlet cap and connect your three-inch sewer hose to the outlet of your holding tank. Extend the hose to the opening of the dump station, which is usually a hole in the ground that is slightly larger than the three-inch hose.
Insert your sewer hose into the dump station's hole about four to six inches. Use the hole's cover, a brick, or something heavy enough to hold the sewer hose in place so it doesn't come out of the hole.
Once you're sure that all is connected and held down, open your black tank valve. You'll hear the effluent flow and eventually it'll slow, then stop. Close the black tank valve.
Now open the gray tank valve. Again, you'll hear water flow, then slow, and stop. Close the gray tank valve.
At this point, you're almost done. If you want to flush and rinse your tanks once more, you can do so by filling your tanks to two-thirds full and repeat the emptying process. If others are waiting to use the dump station, skip this step.
Recheck that both your black and gray water tank valves are closed and disconnect the sewer hose from your tank outlet. Replace the tank outlet cover. Lift the end of the sewer hose (the end you just disconnected) to completely drain the hose into the dump station. If a non-potable water hose is available, run water through the sewer hose to rinse it out. Remove the sewer hose from the dump station hole and rinse the outside of the hose. Rinse the area around the hole to ensure that any spillage has been cleaned up and cover the dump station hole.
Go in to your RV and add about five gallons of water (about three flushes) to your black tank and then add the appropriate amount of holding tank treatment. If you use a treatment for your gray tank, do that as well.
The task of emptying your RV's holding tanks is finished! Now it's time to move on to your next destination.
Dump Station Abuse
For years RVers have been pulling into Interstate rest areas and other areas with free dump stations to empty their holding tanks. But because of abuse, many states are removing dump stations from their rest areas and campground owners and others view their dump stations as an expensive maintenance headache. Dump station abuse amounts to folks leaving a mess or putting things into the dump drain that just don't belong there. Remember, somebody has to clean up the mess or clean out the drain. Dump station abuse causes aggravation, creates a health hazard, and costs money. You can do your part to ensure RVers will continue to have free and clean dump stations by following the simple tips mentioned above.
Please Note
Although efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Roundabout Publications shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly by the information contained herein.
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Dump Stations
Please all of us take care of our dump stations. It would be bad to have a full tank and have to drive 300 miles in look for another dump station due to most closing down.
Rv-er
Robin Williams on How Not to Dump
A picture is worth a thousand words and in this case a thousand laughs if you checkout Robin Williams' attempt to dump his rental RV in the movie by the same name (RV). Rent it and learn from it.
Bruce Wilson
Cave Creek, AZ
RV - Robin Williams
I bought this Video for my brother-in-law for christmas (I wanted to watch it myself too) I laughed so hard, I couldn't breath. He kept asking if it was something I had experienced. I could only answer "OH YEAH!" Great Movie and can actually see everything happening to a first time RVer.
My Boss at work traded RV's so often, it became a joke that he would keep them till the holding take got full and then trade it in.
Carra Cole
Oakwind Dog Den
Terry 26A, Ford Diesel Excursion
Nashville, TN
Green Turd sorry
I read the internet at night, my wife just woke up and said what are you doing? I said I am reading a shi_ ty story about proper waste dumping from the RV. While I was reading these I was thinking about the RV movie with Robin Williams. I was laughing silently to myself and was crying inside. Then I was telling her about it and came across your post. Then I started laughing outloud. It is 1:00 am in the morning and once again I can't sleep. Thank you for really making me laugh...
Al. Welcome center
Ladies please don't put your personal items on the dump site. Please wrap them and put in the garbage cans at dump stations. These cause problems with the breakdown in the holding tank.
J Chamblee
Mississippi
"The Rule of Thumb" for RVs and Boats
I was tought many years ago when boats were my means of travel. "If you did not comsume it, don't put it in the head". This rule goes for my RV and has yet to have failed me.
ugh, we don't consume toilet
ugh, we don't consume toilet tissue. Just how far do you carry this.
That was his point, not to
That was his point, not to put tissue in the toilet.
Except...
Tissue that is made especailly for RVs and is biodegradeable is ok. It costs a little more, but going Green is worth it.
New RVr hopefully full timer
Being new at this, I have only done it twice and I learn from every "event". Thanks to all the words here and elseware most problems have been averted. I have run over my first outlet cover, hopefully not again! I hope one day to be able to get out on the road and the thought of others ruining places I may want to use in the future is frustrating. I consider myself a respectfull person, and have yet to leave a mess for somone else to clean up. My hope is others will do the same allowing shop owners to see RVrs as respectfull and honest potential customers.
Luke,
KS
Texas Rest Stops
Is Texas still operating Dump sites at their Rest Stops. Used to be one on I-10 at 590 marker.
Texas Rest Stops
While evacuating for Gustav, it appears Texas Rest stops NO LONGER have this service. Louisiana I20 eastbound (Shreveport area) is closed for renovations, likewise Louisiana I10 westbound (Slidell).
CT state Dump Station
As of 1/12/09 the CT rest stop dump sites are closed. The employees were unable to tell me when they would reopen. I dont believe it is a seasonal thing as when we pulled in to the Exit 1 Welcome Center on Friday night 1/09/09 it was open but unfortunately our septic hose had cracked and we couldn't dump
As to toilet paper, test the
As to toilet paper, test the brand you plan to use with a glass of water. Put in a square and swirl the paper around. It should fall apart.
Having said that we use a portable bidet instead of paper.
Where can i find a portable
Where can i find a portable Bidet?
dump station locations
We will be at a dog show in Katonah, NY at the FDR State Park. They do not have a dump station. Does anyone know of one near this area? Thank you.
Dumping
I don't know why all people don't do this, but you can save yourself a ton of guess work if you attach a clear 45 degree elbow to your dump, then the hose to that. You can watch and see if your take is clean and done flushing or if there is still poo-poo coming out. I am surprised at how many people do not have this clear fitting that makes life so easy.
"window" for hose
we got one of those clear pieces that creates a "window" for hose - best investment - highly recommended! pdq
to help you drain
we have been traveling over a year.have found if you put some calgon down the toliet it keeps it draining easier,alson if you get clogged up add a few bags of ice and drive on to next dump.ice will slosh around sharp edges loosens up the clog. hope this helps someone.
How much Calgon and how
How much Calgon and how often? Do you just flush it down when you are ready to drain? I;m a complete newby, so I know NOTHING.
Thanx:)
calgon down the toliet ?????
Check your paper work as some things not designed for the RV toliet can damage it and/or the holding tank
LETS KEEP THEM CLEAN
COME ON FOLKS LETS KEEP THE DUMP STATIONS CLEAN.... IF NOT WE ALL PAY THE PRICE..............THANK YOU
dump
i did clean up of corse who wonts to step in it after breakfast in the morning lol
Dump station hose
I can't think that a dump station hose would be sanitary at all.
In saying that we are never evers and had our first experience at the dump station.
We hooked up the existing hose to flush out the tanks, and the horrors in my head began. Just how clean is that hose where was it last, and why do we have it attached to our "clean" water supply outlet.
Now begs the question, what is the proper sanitary technique for rinsing the tanks.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Dump Station Hose
You can by a clear 45 degree elbo from a RV store that has a water connction on it that will force water into you tank. Another way is to put the dump station hose in the tolet and fill the take to about 2/3 full then drain you tank. If your tank is full then use the hose after you have emptied you full take. The clear elbo works the best.
Waste Caddy
I am staying at a relitives house, my truck is in for extensive repairs and I have no way to pull my RV to a dump site. Has anyone had experience with a portable waste removal system. I am on the web looking at the "Waste Caddy" 28 gallon capacity, $614.99 plus shipping. My RV has a 75 gallon black water capacity. Multiple trips would not be a problem as it's only a 5 minute drive. The price seems a little steep though.
Waste Caddy
My "portable waste removal system" is a bucket. Not fun, but effective. I just need to make sure not to use chemicals that will wipe out my septic system. Also to keep the house doors and windows open for an hour or so. And start to pour while toilet is flushing to minimize splash! Once again: NOT FUN.
america
Thats a great tip, thanks. I feel dumb for not thinking of that.
We purchased a 32 gallon
We purchased a 32 gallon waste caddy for around $200 at our local RV dealer. $614 sounds like overkill.
Waste
Have you looked into a sani-con system? you can macerate it and discharge the waste through a hose to your outside sewer vent.
What goes into your holding tank.................
In the above thread there was the statement that you only put what you eat into your holding tank. That was followed by the statement that "I don't eat toilet paper........" - and then a further statement that "Yes - that is true." SO - WHAT TO DO????
Our solution is to keep a box of small size zip lock baggies next to the toilet and put our used paper products in the baggie which then goes in the trash. Sounds a bit nasty - but it works well if careful. We NEVER have holding tank problems or odor problems.
(We off load our trash frequently.) Of course always be certain to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards as usual. Likewise after using a dump station to empty your black and gray water be certain to wash your hands and I also use an antibacterial/antiviral solution (Purel type).
Doctor Mike
towing a small car
Do most RVers pull cars to get around in when they reach a certain destination? We have a 33' Four Winds Chateau, is it feasible to maneuver this in most locations?
Towing small car
I tow a Hyundai Accent with manual transmission behind my 35' Winnebago. The Winnebago doesn't even feel the car which is very light weight. In my 15 years of motorhome experience I have found that having a tow car helps on fuel bills for sight seeing and is immensely easier to park than the Winnie. Sometimes you are just not able to park a motorhome in the available parking at tourist sites or around a town that you are visiting. Also when you are camping a quick trip to the store for ice is much easier than preparing the motorhome for a short hop for something.
Newbie question: Hoses storing in RV?
Do you store your dump/rince hoses directly into you RV storing compartment or do you keep them in some plastic bags? If you dont use plastic bag, do you get odors even if you did your best to clean them through? (I don't think you can actually clean them 100%!)
Dump hose Storage
I have an RV that is made to store the sewer hose in the utility compartment along with fresh water hoses. Didn't like that much, so as have many others, I added a 4"X8' PVC pipe from Lowe's mounted under the RV, just ahead of the rear wheels. I put end caps on, and drilled air holes in the pipe. Sewer hose slips in slick, and keeps joy in the house. Never noticed odors even in the bay. A little rinse is a good thing...
I never use the 4" steel
I never use the 4" steel bumper on the trailer for storing "stinky slinky." The inside of that bumper is rusty almost the day it leaves the factory. Rust is just like rough sandpaper on the thin plastic of the hose. Some folks use the store-bought plastic storage tubes. Others have made their own using PVC drain pipe and fittings or 5"x5" vinyl fence post stock. My personal choice is a plastic tote box (Rubbermaid or similar) - full length and width, but the shorter ones that are 8" tall or so. I have one devoted to black and gray water hoses, fittings, etc. Another is for propane hoses and adapters and more, and a third for fresh water only hoses, filters, and fittings. I just got a fourth one that is used to store bungies, tie-down straps, rope, etc. The tote used for black/gray water can be kept sweet smelling by spraying a 10% mix of bleach & water on the hoses and fittings inside before closing the lid.
Also, I never let "stinky slinky" lay on the ground or concrete at the dump station. Concrete in particular is just like sandpaper and will quickly wear a hole in the hose. Instead, I carry 3 pieces of 4" thin-wall drain pipe about 24" long, and cut in half lengthwise. I can nest them to create a secure cradle for the hose so that it doesn't lay on the concrete. Additionally, if there is a tiny leak in the hose, the drain pipe contains and runs it right to the dump port. If I need extra length to reach the dump port, the lid of the plastic tote box can be used, too.
Keep the hoses in a plastic
Keep the hoses in a plastic storage bucket with a cover.
Water or Detergent?
I'm not sure if this question has been asked but do you just rinse the house with water or do you use some detergent to clean it? The odors can be quite overpowering at times. Thanks, Ed
I keep a sprayer filled with
I keep a sprayer filled with a 1:10 mix of bleach and water in the RV. When I am done rinsing the hose, etc. I just spray everything with the bleach mix before storing it.
I wear surgeons gloves when
I wear surgeons gloves when dumping, You can get them at any drug store
Absolutely, gloves are a
Absolutely, gloves are a must, you just cant dump without wearing them. Then when I'm done I make sure I scrub really good. Not the most pleasant task in the world but it needs to be done. Amy
decreasing odors
A lifetime of living on a boat has taught us that two separate toilet systems, one for each partner eliminates a lot of odors. He uses a Thetford Casette style portapotty, (sometimes referred to as bucket and chuck it) and I use the on board toilet with the holding tank. We both use "blue" treatment. By keeping to your own toilet, the bacteria in your guts doesn't mix, and this greatly keeps down the stink factor. Also, we have a metal foot pedal type waste can for all our toilet tissue, using small trashbags, which we empty frequently in appropriate dumpsters. I don't trust any paper in my holding tank. Also, a deoderizing Lysol antibacterial spray around inside the toilet after each use makes it more pleasant.
Travel on State Highway 54 in Kansas
Has anyone traveled on Rt 54 thru Kansas? How were the roads and were there any rest stops ?
traveling rt 54 in Kansas
Thanks to anyone who gave me info about Rt 54. The travel was very easy and very little traffic.
quick fill tip
When I am camping for a few days and I don't want the gray water tank to get too full I will wash all dishes using the three bucket method. One bucket for hot soap, one bucket for hot rinse and one for cold rinse. When I am done washing the dishes all water goes into the toilet. This gives me plenty of volume for a good flush when I am done and prevents my grey from filling early.
Dumping
I am from the UK and rented for a month late last year from Denver and around the Grand Circle, Great country.
I found that it hard screwing on the hose each time I didn't look forward to it all. Just came to me after washing it through with grey water why not let it drain then leave it connected and put it in a large strong plastic bag.
Coming over again in April for three months driving across from Los Angeles (pick up)) Texas New Mexico and all points east.
Thanks everyone all the info was received and noted.
We did find all you RV drivers helpful and great company.
Freddy
Plymouth
Devon
UK
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