Emptying Tanks: When To Do It When Camper Is Hard-Plumbed

Emptying your camper's tanks is a necessary part of RV life. While it may not be a fun job, it's important to know how to do it properly to avoid any nasty surprises. Most RVs have three tanks: a freshwater tank, a grey water tank, and a black water tank. The grey tank holds wastewater from your shower and kitchen sink, while the black tank collects wastewater from your toilet. It's recommended to empty your tanks before hitting the road, as it can affect your fuel economy.

So, how do you know when to empty your tanks? There's no hard and fast rule, but a good guideline is to wait until your tanks are about two-thirds full. You can also monitor the levels using the sensors that most RVs are equipped with. Additionally, you may need to empty your tanks more frequently if you're travelling with a large group.

When it comes time to empty your tanks, there are a few steps to follow. First, locate an RV dump site or a sewage connection at a full-service campsite. You'll need to use a sewer hose to dispose of your wastewater. Connect the hose to the RV and the sewer inlet, ensuring everything is secure. Start by emptying your black water tank first, followed by the grey water tank. This will help rinse your hose of any leftover waste. Remember to always dispose of your wastewater in designated dump stations to avoid any environmental hazards.

The black tank holds wastewater from the toilet

The black tank is one of two waste tanks on board an RV, the other being the grey water tank, which collects wastewater from sinks and showers. The black tank allows you to use your RV toilet without needing to be hooked up to a sewer connection.

To empty the black tank, you will need to locate an RV dump site or a sewage connection at a full-service campsite. You will need a sewer hose and rubber gloves. Locate the valves on the outside of your RV, which will be clearly marked "grey" and "black". Hook your sewer hose up to the black valve and secure the other end to the sewer you are using. Ensure it is fastened at both ends before pulling the valve.

Start by emptying the black tank first, then the grey tank. After emptying the black tank, it is important to flush it with water to clean it. Depending on your setup, you may be able to use the water from your grey water tank for this.

Some RVs have a built-in black tank flush system, which allows you to connect a hose directly to an inlet valve to power wash the tank. If your RV does not have this feature, you can install one aftermarket. Alternatively, you can manually clean the black tank using a garden hose extension that goes down the toilet.

It is recommended that you empty and clean your black tank after each trip, and at least once every 3-5 days during a trip. You should also thoroughly flush your system before storing your RV.

The grey tank holds wastewater from the shower and kitchen sink

The grey tank in an RV holds wastewater from the shower and kitchen sink. This includes soap, dirt, and food particles. It is relatively clean wastewater, but it still requires regular maintenance and cleaning.

Grey tanks should be emptied at designated dumping stations or city sewer connections. It is best practice to empty the black tank first, as the grey tank's relatively clean, soapy water can then be used to flush the sewer hose of any remaining toilet wastewater. It is also recommended to keep the grey tank valve closed until it is time to dump, allowing the tank to fill up for a more efficient flow when emptying.

To empty the grey tank, first connect a sewer hose to the valve on the RV, and secure the other end to the sewer or dump hole. Ensure that the hose is secure and fasten it at both ends before pulling the valves. After emptying the black tank, pull the grey tank valve and let the tank drain. Close the valve when you can no longer hear liquid coming through the hose. Detach the sewer hose slowly for easy cleanup, and rinse the hose with clean water to remove any remaining waste.

To maintain and clean the grey tank, some people use grey water tank treatment chemicals to control odours. Others create a mixture of warm water and dish soap, which is then drained and flushed with clean water. Vinegar and baking soda can also be used to clean the tank, and vinegar can be poured down the sink to control odours. It is important to regularly empty and clean the grey tank to prevent clogs and maintain a functional RV septic system.

The freshwater tank holds clean water for taps, kitchen, and bathroom

The freshwater tank is an essential component of any RV plumbing system, providing clean water for various purposes. It is typically located on the underside of the RV and is used to store a finite amount of water for on-demand use. The freshwater tank holds water that comes out of your taps, supplying the kitchen and bathroom with water for drinking, cooking, washing, and other essential tasks.

The freshwater tank is filled by connecting a potable water hose to a city water source or filling it with water from a known source when off the grid. It is important to sanitise the freshwater tank regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and algae, ensuring the water remains safe for consumption and other uses.

When connected to a city water outlet, the RV plumbing system functions similarly to standard home plumbing. However, when off the grid, a 12V pump is used to draw water from the freshwater tank and supply it to the faucets, showers, and toilet. This allows RVers to have access to running water even when parked in remote locations.

The freshwater tank's capacity can vary depending on the RV's make and model, typically ranging from 1 gallon to 202 gallons. It is important to monitor the water level and refill the tank as needed to ensure a continuous supply of water during your adventures.

Overall, the freshwater tank is a crucial component of any RV, ensuring RVers have access to clean water for all their needs, no matter where their travels take them.

You should empty your tanks before travelling to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency

Emptying your camper's tanks is an essential part of RV living. It is also important to do so before travelling to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency.

Most RVs have three tanks: a fresh water tank, a grey water tank, and a black water tank. The fresh water tank stores clean water for use in your kitchen, bathroom, and toilet(s). The grey water tank holds wastewater from your sink and shower, while the black water tank collects wastewater from your toilet.

When it comes to emptying your tanks, there is no hard and fast rule. It depends on how much you use them. As a general guideline, it is recommended to wait until your tanks are about two-thirds to three-quarters full before emptying them. This creates a better "flow" when dumping, making the process more efficient.

Additionally, emptying your tanks before travelling is advisable to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. The extra weight from full tanks can decrease your fuel economy.

• Locate an RV dump site or a sewage connection at a full-service campsite.
• Connect your sewer hose to the valve on the RV and secure the other end to the sewer.
• Put on personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable gloves.
• Identify the black water and grey water valves/handles.
• Start by dumping the black water tank first. Open the valve slowly and monitor the process to ensure everything is emptying as expected.
• Once the black water tank is empty, back flush it using a built-in flushing hose or a separate cleaning hose.
• Close the black water valve.
• Open the grey water valve and let the water empty completely. This will also help rinse your sewer hose.
• Close the grey water valve and double-check that all valves are closed, including any safety valves.
• Disconnect and store your sewer hose.

By following these steps and emptying your tanks before travelling, you can reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure a smooth and pleasant RV adventure.

You can use a macerator pump to dispose of waste via a 1 hose

A macerator pump is a great option for RV owners dealing with septic system issues. These pumps grind up solid waste, allowing it to flow more smoothly out of your RV and be disposed of via a 1" hose. This is particularly useful if you need to pump waste uphill to clear your tanks effectively.

The best RV macerator pumps efficiently grind up solid waste and pump it to your desired disposal location. The strongest pumps can move waste uphill as far as 150 feet away, although not all pumps are capable of this level of performance. When choosing a pump, it's important to consider factors such as portability, permanent installation, and power source (12-volt, 24-volt, or 110-volt).

One popular option is the Flojet 18555000A Portable RV Waste Pump, which comes with a handheld on/off switch that allows you to operate it from a safe distance. It also has a dry run protection feature that protects the engine if you forget to shut it off. Another top choice is the SeaLand T-Series Sanipump, which is known for its quiet operation and high capacity, handling up to 240 gallons of waste per hour.

When using a macerator pump, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and use. These pumps typically connect externally to your RV's septic output, where they grind up solid waste and pump it to the disposal location.

Frequently asked questions