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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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
clear 45 degree elbow
yes this was the best investment, there is a fitting (with a check valve)you can hook up a hose to on the fitting and push water into your black tank to really wash it. There was poop and paper that kept coming out that was stuck in there.
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
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.
Dump station hose
The dump station hose is usually marked as 'non-potable' water for just that reason. If all you use it for is flushing grey and black water tanks and your sewer hose it's a non issue. These also hook up to your black tank rinse fixture if your unit has one. A short 'garden' hose for use at the dump station is also a good idea as the ones at dump stations go missing, or the end fittings get wrecked.
Use your 'food grade' white hose at your site for connection or filling your fresh water tank NEVER use it at the dump station.
Ri nsing tanks when dumping
When I am emptying while traveling and when I am not carrying my own hose, I take my wastebasket and fill it with water and lug it into the camper and pour it in the toilet and into the gray water tank and continue pumping. I travel in a Roadtrek, so my tanks are not large, but I use up to 3 wastebaskets full till it comes out clear. I use some of that water as retention water so I can put in the camper approved chemicals into the tank. My sensors clean when I use the commercial one that contains some coconut oil.
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.
A 10' length of plastic Rain
A 10' length of plastic Rain Gutter cut in two works well for laying your sewer hose in. You can overlap it to create the length you need, and prop it up with a couple of blocks of wood that you carry for leveling your trailer to get the necessary slope to drain properly. I bungee cord mine to the top of the rear bumper while traveling.
I found the hose I use most
I found the hose I use most often to clean the tanks is too short for it to fit into the bumper area anyways, I have a 15 foot hose and it wouldn't fit in it anyways.
Most campers have a hollow
Most campers have a hollow rear bumper with a rubber plug. That is for the black water hose storage.
Storing hoses in RV
We were told by dealer to store dump hose in the rear bumper. Our trailer has rubber caps on both ends. As for regular hoses, just keep them in regular storage. Maybe have smaller plastic boxes. One for clean water hose and one for garden hose.
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
Gloves?
Did you wear gloves when you changed your baby's diapers?
or maybe when you went potty
or maybe when you went potty today?
only if i get cheap t.p. lol
only if i get cheap t.p. lol
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.
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.
Dry camping grey tank
If you are try camping and your grey tank fills up fast from showers or washing hands I. The bathroom I dig a 1 and a half foot hole and run the sewer hose to that. And if your trailer/rv/motorbike has a galley I do the same thing for it:)
Hello U RVers
I am new and need help learning things the right way. Should I use toilet paper that is specifically for camping? Do I just need to pack waste paper separate and then dispose later? Explain how to use the clear elbow, and install this feature. Just want to be able to do the right thing and not screw up the environment along the way.
Deborah
clean water
I'm a new owner of a used Rv. How does one insure that the clean water tank is
safe to drink from? Or does one just wash hands from it? I have now clue.
I'll ask questions about the rest of the tanks later.
Thanks.
Clean Water
If you are unsure of the potable water tank, I would suggest a mild bleach and water solution be added to the tank, than take the rig for a ride on some windy roads or a parkinglot to slosh the mix around. Drain the tank and repeat with clean water. Caution on a strong bleach mix as you could damage the tank.
Clean water - sanitizing your potable water tank
Your owner's manual will provide the sanitizing procedure with a bleach solution.
Alternately, from http://rvbasics.com/techtips/sanitizing-your-rv-fresh-water-system.html
"Start with a nearly full fresh water tank.
Turn the water heater off and let the water cool.
Dilute 1/4 cup of household bleach for each 15 gallons of tank capacity in to a gallon of water.
Add the chlorine/water solution to the water tank. (Never pour straight bleach into the RV fresh water tank. )
One faucet at a time, let the chlorinated water run through them for one or two minutes. You should be able to smell the chlorine. (Make sure you are using the water pump and not an external water supply.)
Top off the RV fresh water tank and let stand for at least three hours over night is better.
Completely drain the system by flushing the faucets for several minutes each. Open the fresh water tank drain valve to speed up emptying the tank.and Open the hot water tank drain plug and drain until it is empty.
Close all valves and faucets and drain plugs.
Fill water tank with fresh water.
Flush each faucet for several minutes each repeating until the tank is again empty. (Make sure you are using the water pump and not an external water supply.)"
-------------------------
Use plain bleach, not scented.
Even with sanitizing the tank, we carry a water filter pitcher (Pur is good) for filtering drinking water from the fresh water tank or the campsite direct water line.
clean water
Go to Walmart and buy a rv water filter for about $18. Hook your filter to city water intake and then attach hose and your drinking water is fresh, clean and filtered.
What a mess!
We are new to this and bought a 2008 Jayco. WE've only gone out twice but when we go to dump the tanks, immediately upon opening the screw cap on the trailer, a bunch of sewage comes out (as if it leaks out as we drive?). At first we thought it was because someone had messed with the handle but when it did it again, it's clear that we have an issue. Has anyone else had this problem & is there a solution?
leaks stink
It sounds like the seals in your dump valve is leaking. If your tanks are now empty I would make sure both the gray water and the black water valves are shut and then put some plain water in one and then the other to see which one or both are leaking. Seal kits are available from any RV parts website. The difficulty of this repair depends a bit on how accessable the valves are on your rig.
What a Mess
I had the same problem with gray water, and we are getting ready to dump the sewage. Ii have read that this is somewhat normal on another site. I'm assuming it is just a residual of some sort of seapage that just happens.
Best way to dump the black water
I have found the best method to get rid of that nasty stinko tank sludge, is to get a very long septic hose... Say about 30 feet. Then during the last night of your stay at the campsite, sneak the long hose into a loud and abnoxious neighbors campsite, and let it rip under their camper. Slip out of Dodge before daybreak, and on your way out be sure to leave a complaint form at the ranger station, letting them know you left early because your neighbor's black water tank was leaking.
Best way to dump the black water
You are terrible. lol And, I hope you are joking. :)
lol,
I will have to remember that one..rofl
How long can black/gray water sit in tank?
I cant find any information on how long you can leave the black water and gray water in the tank! We put the chemical in the toilet before use like we were told. We camped rustically and there are no dump stations. It has been one week only but I think it should be emptied asap. The husband begs to differ. Someone please tell me an accurate answer as I dont want my brand new camper to start to smell or destroy the inside of the tanks...!
Black Tank Emptying
My husband and I just picked up our brand new fifth wheel two weeks ago. We are living in it full-time at a place with hook-ups so the grey water tank emptying isn't really an issue for us. However, with the black water tank we were told not to empty it unless it's at least 3/4 full. There were a lot of reasons but the one that sticks in my mind is that you want the chemicals you've put in to do their job and break down all the solid waste so that you don't get a clog somewhere when you're dumping it. We kept an eye on our gauges and did our first dump yesterday (the indicator said we were full) after two weeks and five days. Hope this helps!!
How long can black/gray water sit in tank?
I have a 3 yr old Aljo and my documentation states that you should NEVER travel with anything other than empty gray & black tanks. Now aside from the extra weight issue, traffic accidents happen. I hope not, but if your RV is involved and it’s gray and or black tanks rupture… first you say it, then you see it, everywhere!
GEO Tank Method
There is a detailed method for maintaining your tanks (black and grey) called the Geo method. Just do a Google search on GEO RV Tank. It has some great info. I've started it and it works great. Lot less expensive than those chemicals and it's simple soap.
Geo tank method
Thanks that was a great read!
Black tank clogged
Any suggestions on how to unclogg my poo!
we are in North Carolina
we are in North Carolina with the same problem can someone pleae answer this question:
live in rv full time gray tank stuck open a long time seems to
need help answering question on build up in toilet holding tank with the valve stuck open
Poo Clogged?
You guys are funny!!! I am going to be buying my first travel trailer in a couple weeks. So I am doing as much homework prior as possible. There have been some really good suggestions. Sure hope my Poo doesn't clog too!
Thank you so much
Deborah :)
Vacuum pumps?
We are installing a toilet in our Sprinter Van. We purchased a Sealand/Dometic Gravity toilet with a self contained holding tank. The discharge is 1 1/4 inches. We are planning on running a pipe through the floor. My question is do the RV dump stations have vacuum pumps or do we need to install a macerator pump? Also, what fitting do we need to connect to the dump station?
Black Tank
has anyone tried vinegar and soap in the black tank?
I'm trying a new product---anyone else use it? Digest-It
A friend who is a boater told me about a product called "Digest-It". It comes in an
RV version as well as marine. My black water tank sensor was always showing 2/3 fulls, even after dumping and flushing with the in-tank shower.
The product advertisement claims that after the initial treatment of adding 4 Oz's. of the product to your holding tank for each 40 gals. of capacity, and 2 Oz's. per 40 gal. after that, after 2-3 normal flushes your sensors will be clean. And the bacteria and enzymes will eat all the poo and toilet paper in the tank.
After my first treatment my gage showed 1/3 full after a dump and flush. Progress!
Anybody else have experience with Digest-It?
P.s.:, I'm not affiliated with this company and I'm not trying to get anybody to buy it.