Draining Your Camper's Black Tank: The Complete Guide

Draining your black tank on a camper van or RV is an essential but unpleasant part of RV ownership. The black tank collects wastewater from the toilet, and it's important to keep it clean and odour-free. This can be done by using commercial chemicals and deodorizers, as well as regularly deep cleaning the tank. When it comes to emptying the black tank, the process can be broken down into several steps, including locating the sewer hookup, connecting the sewer hose, putting on protective gear, dumping the black water, flushing the black tank, dumping the grey water, cleaning the sewage hose, and filling the fresh water tank.

How to locate the black tank valve

To locate the black tank valve, you'll first need to locate the black tank itself. This is the tank under your RV that holds wastewater from your toilet. It is one of two waste tanks on board your RV, the other being the gray water tank, which collects water from showers and sinks.

Once you've located the black tank, you should be able to see the black tank valve, which is where you will attach the sewage drain hose to empty the tank. The black tank valve will typically be located on the outside of the camper, near connections for your city water and cable/satellite hookups.

When locating the black tank valve, be sure to also identify the gray water tank valve, which will be nearby. The gray water tank valve is usually smaller in size than the black water tank valve. It's important to know which valve is which to ensure you are emptying the correct tank.

Before attempting to locate and open the black tank valve, be sure to put on protective gloves and, if necessary, a protective mask. This will help protect you from any possible leaks or spills during the tank-draining process.

What to wear when draining the black tank

When it comes to draining your camper's black tank, it's important to wear the right gear to stay safe and hygienic. Here's what you should wear for the task:

Disposable Gloves or Reusable Rubber Gloves:

Before handling anything related to RV waste, it's crucial to put on a pair of gloves. Disposable gloves offer convenience, while reusable rubber gloves are a more environmentally-friendly option, provided they are thoroughly sanitised between uses. Gloves create a protective barrier between your skin and any harmful bacteria or contaminants present in the wastewater.

Protective Mask:

If you are sensitive to smells or want an additional layer of protection, consider donning a protective mask. This can help minimise your direct exposure to unpleasant odours and potential airborne particles.

Protective Eyewear:

Consider wearing protective eyewear, such as safety goggles or glasses, to safeguard your eyes from any splashes or accidental contact with wastewater. This is especially important if you wear contact lenses, as wastewater exposure could contaminate them.

Old or Disposable Clothing:

When draining the black tank, there's always a risk of splashes or spills. It's advisable to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or stained. Alternatively, you could opt for disposable coveralls or overalls that can be easily discarded after the task.

Closed-toe Shoes with Good Traction:

Choose a pair of closed-toe shoes with good traction to protect your feet from any accidental spills or slips. Shoes with a sturdy sole will provide better grip on potentially slippery surfaces.

Apron:

An apron made from waterproof or resistant material can provide an additional layer of protection for your clothing. Look for an apron with good coverage, preferably one that extends below the knees.

Remember, safety should always come first when dealing with wastewater. By wearing the appropriate protective gear, you can help minimise the risk of accidents and potential health hazards.

How to drain the black tank

Draining your black tank is an essential part of maintaining your RV. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to drain the black tank on your camper:

Step 1: Prepare for Draining

Before you begin, locate the dump valves on your RV or trailer. Position your RV as close as possible to the dump station, leaving enough room for you to work. Put on disposable gloves or gloves that you store specifically for handling your sewage hose to protect your hands from any leaks or spills. The sewer waste valve is usually black, while the grey water tank cover is typically grey. Do not store your fresh water hose with your sewage hose.

Step 2: Connect the Hose

Take your sewer hose from its storage compartment. Ensure you have a good-quality, thick hose to prevent pinholes and leaks. Connect one end of the hose to the black tank valve on your RV securely. Place the other end of the hose down into the dump station spout, which is usually a hole in the ground with a cover. Some covers have a foot lever, while others may need to be held in place with rocks.

Step 3: Drain the Black Tank

Pull and twist the lever to release the black tank water. You may need to move the hose up and down to help it drain. Go inside your RV and flush the toilet with fresh water to rinse the bottom of the black tank. Continue flushing until the black tank is empty. You can also fill the black tank with a few gallons of clean water and open the valve for an extra flush to remove any remaining debris.

Step 4: Drain the Grey Tank

Now, release the grey valve to drain the grey tank. Leave the black valve open while doing this to allow any remaining debris to wash out. Draining the grey tank last will clean any black tank debris from your valves and hose. After it has drained, run fresh water down your sinks to clean out the grey tank further.

Step 5: Close the Valves and Clean the Hose

Once both tanks are empty, close the black tank valve and then the grey tank valves. Clean out your sewage hose before storing it. Rinse the hose with fresh water, ensuring you remove all remnants.

Bonus Tips:

• Use thin, septic-safe toilet paper.
• Try waste tank drop-ins to break down solids and deodorize the black tank.
• Do not rinse grease from animal fat down the sink drain, as this will cause clogs.
• Regularly dump and empty your black water tank, especially after each camping trip or every 3-5 days during a trip.

How to clean the black tank

The black water tank collects wastewater from your RV toilet, including liquid and solid waste, as well as the water used to flush the toilet and toilet paper. Here are the steps to clean your black tank:

Step 1: Prepare the Tank for Cleaning

• Before embarking on a camping trip, add a dose of RV black water tank treatment. These treatments can be in liquid form or pods that you drop into the toilet and flush.
• Along with this, add about a gallon of water to help the chemicals work effectively.
• These chemicals will help to break down solid waste and toilet paper, making it easier to dump the tank and keep it odour-free.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Black Tank

• Between camping trips or before storing your RV, perform a deep clean of the black tank.
• First, drain the waste tank completely.
• Next, fill it 3/4 full with fresh water and a small amount of bleach, Pine-sol, or laundry soap.
• Then, drain the tank again and refill it 3/4 full with fresh water.
• Repeat the process of draining and refilling with fresh water until the water runs clear.

Step 3: Regular Maintenance

• Dump and empty your black water tank at least after each camping trip or every 3-5 days during a trip.
• It is important to avoid storing your RV with wastewater in the tanks as it can lead to clogs and odour issues.
• Always use RV-specific toilet paper, as it is more easily degradable and less likely to clog the plumbing system.

Step 4: Dumping the Black Tank

• When dumping the black tank, locate the sewer hookup and position your trailer accordingly, ensuring the sewer hose can easily reach the hookup without overstretching.
• Connect one end of the sewer hose to the black tank valve on your RV and the other end to the valve at the sewer line or dumping station.
• Wear rubber gloves for protection and double-check that your sewer hose is in good condition.
• Pull the valve to empty the black tank completely, allowing it to drain fully.
• Flush the black tank with water to clean it. You can use water from your grey water tank or a freshwater source if available.
• Drain all the water from the tank.
• Close the valve and remove the hose, rinsing the inside of the hose before disconnecting it from the sewer connection.

Step 5: Prevent Clogs

• Keep the tank valves closed until the tanks are at least three-quarters full. This allows liquids to help flush solids when you open the valves, reducing the chances of a clog.
• Avoid leaving the black tank valve open continuously when camping with full hookups.
• Use RV-friendly toilet paper to avoid clogs.
• If using RV chemicals, ensure the black tank is at least 3/4 full to allow the chemicals to adequately break down solids before emptying.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and maintain your RV's black water tank, ensuring a more enjoyable camping experience.

How to prevent clogs in the black tank

To prevent clogs in your black tank, there are several measures you can take. Firstly, always keep your black tank valve closed unless you are actively dumping a full tank. This is because leaving the valve open will cause liquids to drain out, resulting in a pile-up of solid waste that can lead to clogs.

Secondly, use a high-quality, bacteria-based tank treatment designed for RVs. These treatments help to liquefy the waste, making it easier to drain and reducing the chances of clogs.

Thirdly, avoid using chemical cleaners and antibacterial soaps, as these can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank treatment, rendering it ineffective.

Additionally, use plenty of water when flushing. Water helps to soften the waste, preventing it from sticking to the walls and floor of the tank. It also aids in odour control and keeps the bacteria in your tank treatment healthy and active.

Furthermore, maintain the temperature of your tank between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of bacteria-based treatments, so regulate the temperature accordingly.

Finally, perform regular deep cleaning and rinsing of your tank. This will remove any residual waste particles that may accumulate and contribute to clogs over time.

Frequently asked questions