If you recently bought a recreational vehicle (RV), the idea of emptying the waste tanks can be intimidating. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the memories that come with owning and camping in an RV!
With the right information and the right supplies for your camper sewer hose , dumping your RV waste tanks doesn’t have to be a difficult task to learn.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll go over the basics of how to dump RV waste tanks, as well as a few best practices to keep your RV tanks operating at their best.
Let’s get dumping!
Find a Place to Dump Your RV Tanks
When looking for a place to dump your RV tanks, the first step is to check local regulations. You must make sure that you are following the rules and regulations of the area. Once you have done so, you can begin searching for a dumping station or approved disposal site.
These sites have been specifically designed to safely and properly dispose of waste from recreational vehicles such as yours. It is important that you take your time to find an appropriate location.
Do not try to dispose of your waste improperly. Doing so could result in hefty fines and other legal repercussions. Make sure that you follow all local guidelines when disposing of your RV camping waste.
Sewer Hook-up at Campsite:
If you are camping at a campsite that has functioning sewer hook-ups, then you are in luck! This means, you won’t have to take your RV or your waste water anywhere before you can dump it.
Dump Station at Campground:
A dump station at a campground typically consists of two inlets. One for the wastewater and one for the fresh water, as well as an area for disposing of trash. Some dump stations also have a hose attachment that can be used to wash down the RV after it has been emptied. Dump stations are usually located in or near campgrounds so that RV campers can easily gain access to them when needed.
Dump Station at Rest Area or Truck Stop:
A recreational vehicle (RV) dump station at a rest area or truck stop is an important convenience for RV owners. It allows for the safe and efficient disposal of waste tanks, and helps keep local public lands and waterways clean. The dump station typically includes a sewer connection, water supply, and a disposal drain.
Quick Guide: How to Dump Your RVs Grey and Black Waste Water Tanks
You’ll need to empty your waste water tanks once they are full. This can seem like a daunting task the first time you do it or if you need a refresher.
The first step is to make sure you have the right RV dumping supplies: an RV sewer hose, rubber gloves, and a sewer hose adapter.
Once you have all of your equipment gathered, you should park your RV on level ground as close to the dump station or sewer drain line as possible.
Short step-by-step how to guide to dump your tanks for RV beginners
- First, make sure to check your user manual for any specific instructions from the manufacturer
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves
- Remove the caps from your sewer hose
- Attach one end of your sewer hose to your RV’s black tank drain pipe
- Remove the cap or cover from the sewer drain line in the ground
- Secure the other end of your RV sewer hose to the sewer drain
- Locate your RV’s waste holding tank valves
- Slowly and smoothly pull your RV’s black water valve
- Allow the black tank to drain completely
- Flush the black tank with water to rinse it
- Repeat steps 7 and 8 for your RV’s gray tanks
- Close the grey and black holding tank valves
- Remove the RV sewer hose from your RV water tank
- Rinse the inside of your sewer hose with water
- Disconnect the sewer hose from the sewer drain line
- Place the sewer cap or cover back on the sewer drain line in the ground
- Reattach the caps for your RV sewer hose
- Safely and securely store your RV sewer hose and accessories
How to Dump RV Waste in Detailed Steps
1. Attach the sewer hose to the RV’s sewage outlet
The first step to correctly disposing of your RV’s waste is to attach the right sewer hose to the RV’s sewage outlet. To do this, you’ll want to locate the sewer outlet on your RV. This can usually be found near your RV’s wet bay or RV sinks. Uncoil the sewer hose and connect one end to the RV’s sewage outlet.
Take care to ensure that it is securely connected and that there are no gaps in the attachment. Once you have the sewer hose securely attached, you can move on to the next step.
2. Connect the sewer hose to the sewer drain line
Once you have your sewer hose connected to the RV, the next step is to attach it to the RV sewer drain line. Start by removing the cap from the sewer drain line. Then connect your RV sewer hose to the opening.
Make sure to tightly secure the RV sewer hose. This can be done with a hose clamp or RV sewer adapter. Securing the hose will help make sure that it doesn’t come loose when emptying your grey and black water tanks.
3. Open your RV waste holding tank valves
After you’ve securely connected your sewer hose to the RV’s sewer outlet, it’s time to open the RV’s black and grey water valves. These valves are usually located in or near your RV’s wet bay and are labeled accordingly.
If you have multiple waste holding tanks in your camper, you may find that you have multiple RV tank valves. Please refer to your RV’s manual for the exact location of your gray water tank and black tank valves.
Once you’ve located your holding tank valves, you’ll be ready to pull them smoothly and slowly. First, pull your black tank valve to allow the black wastewater to flow freely. As the dirty black water drains, monitor the flow and make sure clogs do not form. If they do, close the valves and clear the clog before dumping further.
4. Flush the waste out of the RV tanks
Flushing out the waste from RV tanks is an important part of proper maintenance and sanitation. This process should be done regularly to keep the tanks free of debris, bacteria, and odors.
After the black tank is empty, it’s time to flush it out. And not by using your toilet. To do this, you will need a sewer hose and a flushing wand or, if you have one, you can use your RVs automatic flush system. Connect the sewer hose to the RV’s drainage port and insert the flushing wand into the tank’s opening. Next, turn on the water supply and let it run for several minutes —the longer it runs, the better your tank will be flushed out.
5. Rinse your RV sewer hose and store it safely
To safely and properly disconnect the sewer hose from the wet bay, be sure to wear protective gloves for your safety. Then, hold the hose firmly and pull up on the adapter to release it from the hose. Make sure the hose does not kink when pulled away from the adapter, and then set aside. Finally, use a storage system to store your RV sewer supplies.
6. Clean up any spilled waste
After you have finished dumping your RV waste, it is important to clean up any dirty water that spilled. You should use a garden hose designated for your black water. Use this hose to spray off any areas where waste has spilled or splashed.
Learning How to Dump RV Tank Waste for Beginners
In conclusion, dumping RV waste is a necessary part of owning an RV, and knowing the proper way to do it will help ensure that you are following the law and helping to protect our environment.
Make sure you know the rules and regulations for dumping RV waste at home in your state or find a dumping station that is convenient for your travels. With a little knowledge, you can make sure you are disposing of your RV waste properly and responsibly.
