Dumping your RV tanks is a necessary part of owning an RV. While it may not be the most glamorous task, it is important to do it correctly in order to maintain the sanitation of your RV. In this article, we will show you how to dump your RV tanks at home.
What You Will Need
In order to dump your RV tanks at home, you will need:
- A sewer hose: This is a specialized hose that is used for draining wastewater. It is important to use a sewer hose specifically designed for RVs as regular garden hoses are not equipped to handle the wastewater from an RV.
- A sewage dump station: This is where you will connect your sewer hose in order to empty your tanks. You can find a list of dump stations near you by visiting the website of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Gloves: It is important to wear gloves when handling sewage as it can contain harmful bacteria.
Also, check the article "How to Permanently Hook Up your RV to Septic?" https://www.rvcampgear.com/how-to-permanently-hook-up-your-rv-to-septic/
How to dump RV tanks at home
Step One: Connect the Sewer Hose
The first step is to connect the sewer hose to your RV. The hose should be connected to the black water tank, which is the tank that contains human waste. Once the hose is connected, open the valve on the black water tank.
Step Two: Drive to the Dump Station
Once the black water tank is open, drive your RV to the nearest dump station. Most dump stations are located at campgrounds or RV parks.
Step Three: Connect the Sewer Hose to the Dump Station
When you arrive at the dump station, locate the sewer connection. This is usually a large pipe with a cap that can be removed. Once you have located the sewer connection, connect your sewer hose to it.
Step Four: Open the Black Water Tank Valve
Once the sewer hose is connected to the dump station, open the valve on the black water tank. This will allow the sewage to flow from your RV into the dump station.
Step Five: Wait for the Tank to Empty
It can take several minutes for a black water tank to emptied completely. It is important to wait until the tank is completely empty before disconnecting the sewer hose.
Step Six: Disconnect the Sewer Hose
Once the black water tank is empty, disconnect the sewer hose from the RV and then from the dump station. Be sure to put the cap back on the dump station connection.
Step Seven: Close the Black Water Tank Valve
The last step is to close the valve on the black water tank. This will prevent any sewage from leaking out of your RV.
Tips for making the process easier and faster
- Use a macerator pump: A macerator pump is a device that grinds up sewage so that it can be pumped through a small hose. This can make the process of dumping your tanks much easier and faster.
- Use RV holding tank treatments: These products help to break down waste and prevent odors. Adding a holding tank treatment to your black water tank will make it easier to empty and will also help to prevent odors.
FAQs about dumping RV tanks at home
Can I dump my gray water tank at home?
It is not recommended to dump your gray water tank at home as it can contain harmful bacteria. Gray water should be dumped at a designated dump station.
What should I do if my black water tank starts to overflow?
If your black water tank starts to overflow, immediately close the valve on the black water tank. Then disconnect the sewer hose from the RV and the dump station. Once the hose is disconnected, open the valve on the black water tank to allow any sewage that has leaked out to flow back into the tank.
How often should I dump my RV tanks?
It is generally recommended to dump your RV tanks every 3-5 days. However, this will vary depending on the size of your RV and how often you use it.
