
Emptying the sewage tank of a camper or RV is a necessary, if unglamorous, part of owning a recreational vehicle. The process is not complicated, but it does require attention to keep the system in good working order. There are two main types of wastewater tanks: the grey tank and the black tank. The grey tank holds wastewater from sinks and showers, while the black tank holds sewage from the toilet. It is important to empty these tanks regularly to avoid backups and clogs. When emptying the tanks, it is recommended to start with the black tank, as the grey tank water can be used to rinse the black tank water from the sewer hose. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, should be worn during the process to protect against harmful gases and bacteria.
What You'll Learn
Use a bucket to empty your camper sewage
Using a bucket to empty your camper sewage is a straightforward process, but it can be messy and requires caution. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Prepare the Necessary Equipment:
Firstly, you will need a few essential items for this process: a 5-gallon bucket (or larger), a pair of disposable or reusable rubber gloves, and a wide-mouthed funnel (optional). It is also recommended to wear protective clothing, such as old clothes, and a face covering.
Locate the Discharge Line and Place the Bucket:
Find the discharge line of your camper's sewage system. Place the bucket underneath the discharge line, ensuring it is large enough to catch any waste. Even if you expect less than 5 gallons of waste, a bigger bucket is always better to avoid spills.
Open the Valve Slowly:
Now, carefully and slowly open the valve to start filling the bucket with waste. Opening the valve slowly will help minimise splashing, but you may still want to cover your nose, wear a face covering, or use gloves to protect yourself.
Close the Valve When the Bucket is Full:
Once the bucket is nearly full or the tank has finished emptying, close the valve securely. Ensure that you do not overfill the bucket, as this can lead to spills and increase the risk of exposure to harmful waste.
Locate the Sewer Cleanout:
The sewer cleanout is usually a PVC pipe with a screw cap located above ground, typically between your house and the septic tank or your house and the city sewer connection. Unscrew the cap from the sewer cleanout to access the port.
Optional: Use a Funnel or Bucket Lid:
If you want to minimise spills and keep the process as tidy as possible, you can use a wide-mouthed funnel or a 5-gallon bucket lid with a spout. Place it on top of the bucket or inside the sewer cleanout before pouring in the waste.
Carefully Dump the Waste into the Cleanout Port:
Now, carefully pour the contents of the bucket into the cleanout port, ensuring that you are pouring it into the septic or city sewer connection. Be cautious when handling the waste, as it can be dangerous if exposed to or inhaled.
Repeat the Process if Necessary:
If your grey or black water tank still has waste, you will need to repeat the above steps until the tank is completely empty. Remember to clean and disinfect the bucket after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs.
Caution for Septic Tank Access:
If your septic tank does not have a cleanout, you can use an access port, but this requires extreme caution. Septic tanks contain harmful gases that can be fatal if inhaled. Always use the access port closest to your home, as this is where the inlet baffle is located, ensuring waste passes through before reaching the tank.
Using a bucket to empty your camper sewage is a simple yet effective method, especially for smaller amounts of waste. Remember to prioritise your safety and comfort during this process, and always dispose of waste responsibly and in accordance with local regulations.
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Use a macerator pump to empty your camper sewage
Using a macerator pump to empty your camper sewage is a convenient and efficient way to dispose of waste. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Understand the Macerator Pump
The macerator pump is a powerful tool that grinds solid and liquid waste into a slurry, similar to a garbage disposal unit. It can drain waste over longer distances through a smaller sewer hose, making it a neat and discreet option. The pump can even push waste uphill, which is a significant advantage over traditional gravity-based systems.
Step 2: Prepare the Pump and Connections
Before using the macerator pump, ensure that you have the correct fittings and hoses. You will need a sewer hose, a macerator pump, and a power source (usually 12V DC). Additionally, you may want to invest in a garden hose and a fresh water supply for rinsing the system after use. Make sure all connections are secure to avoid any messy accidents.
Step 3: Position Your Camper
When preparing to empty your camper sewage, position your camper so that the macerator pump hose can reach the dump station or sewer connection. If necessary, use a trestle to keep the waste moving downhill. Ensure that the sewer drain is away from your freshwater connection to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 4: Drain the Black Water Tank
Now, it's time to drain the black water tank, which holds wastewater from the toilet. First, open the grey water tank valve for a moment to check for any leaks, and then close it. Next, open the black water tank valve and attach the macerator pump hose to the tank's drain outlet. Place the other end of the hose into the dump station or sewer connection. Remember to rest the hose on a trestle if needed to maintain a downhill slope.
Step 5: Operate the Macerator Pump
With the hose in place, it's time to turn on the macerator pump. Open the drain valve fully and let the pump do its work. The automated pump will push the waste through the hose. Be patient, as this process may take several minutes depending on the volume of waste.
Step 6: Rinse the Black Water Tank
Once the black water tank appears to be empty, it's time to rinse it. Connect a rinse hose to the water supply and the black water tank's rinse hose inlet. Open the water valve and let water spray into the tank for 3-5 minutes to remove any remaining debris. Then, turn off the water and allow the tank to drain completely.
Step 7: Drain the Grey Water Tank
After the black water tank is empty and rinsed, it's time to move on to the grey water tank, which holds wastewater from sinks and showers. Connect the sewer hose to the grey water tank outlet, ensuring that the exit end remains in the dump area. Open the drain valve and let the tank empty. Remember that grey water tanks do not usually have a rinse capability, so once it's empty, close the drain valve.
Step 8: Clean and Store the Hose
After emptying both tanks, take a few minutes to ensure that the sewer hose is completely empty. Then, replace all the drain valve caps and store the hose securely in its designated place. Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the hose!
Using a macerator pump to empty your camper sewage offers several benefits, including greater discretion, less mess, and reduced odour. While the process may take a bit longer than traditional methods, it can be a neat and efficient solution, especially when dumping at home or at campsites without dedicated dump stations.
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Find the right location to empty your camper sewage
When it comes to emptying your camper sewage, location is key. You don't want to be caught out with a full tank and nowhere to empty it. So, where can you go?
Campgrounds
Many campgrounds have dump stations on-site, and some even have sanitation connections at each spot. These are often clearly marked and easy to find. If you're staying at a campground, this is likely to be the most convenient option.
Public Communal Dump Stations
If you're not at a campground, you can look for public communal dump stations in your community. Many are free, while some charge a small fee. You can usually find listings of public RV dump stations online or through organisations like the Alberta Motor Association.
At Home
If you can't get to a dump station, you may be able to empty your tanks at home. However, this can be a more complex process. You'll need to make sure you're allowed to do this by checking local laws and regulations, and you may need to purchase a portable holding tank to transfer the waste into your sewer system.
Other Options
If none of the above options are available to you, there are a few other ways to empty your camper sewage. You can use a macerator pump and a garden hose to empty your tanks, or you can use a bucket to manually transfer the waste. These methods can be messier and more time-consuming, but they may be necessary in a pinch.
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Understand the different types of tanks in your camper
Most RVs have three types of tanks: a fresh water tank, a grey water tank, and a black water tank. These tanks are located on the underside of the RV.
The fresh water tank holds potable water, which is used for drinking, cooking, and other sanitary purposes. It is important to maintain and sanitise this tank regularly to prevent contamination.
The grey water tank collects wastewater from sources such as the shower and kitchen sink. Some older RVs or used campers may not have a separate grey water tank, in which case all wastewater is directed to the black water tank.
The black water tank is used for holding sewage and wastewater from the toilet. This tank should be emptied regularly and properly sanitised to prevent clogs and foul odours.
When emptying your RV tanks, it is important to follow the correct sequence. Start by emptying the black water tank first, followed by the grey water tank. This helps to flush out any solids that may be stuck in the sewer hose.
The frequency of tank emptying depends on usage and the number of people travelling. As a general guideline, tanks should be emptied when they reach about two-thirds of their capacity. This ensures a better "flow" during the dumping process. Additionally, always use designated dump stations for emptying black and grey water tanks.
It is also worth noting that some RVs may have multiple grey and black water tanks, especially in larger units with widely separated discharge points. These tanks will have discrete valves that control the discharge of each tank.
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Know how to maintain your camper sewage system
Maintaining your camper sewage system is a necessary part of owning a camper or RV. Here are some tips to help you keep your system in good working order:
- Understand your sewage system: Know the basics of how your sewage system works. Typically, there are two main parts: the grey water tank and the black water tank. The grey tank holds wastewater from sinks and showers, while the black tank holds sewage from the toilet.
- Empty your tanks regularly: There is no hard and fast rule for how often to empty your tanks. It depends on how much you use them and how many people are using them. As a general rule, wait until your tanks are about two-thirds to three-quarters full before emptying. This creates a better "flow" when dumping and reduces the chance of clogs.
- Use the right toilet paper: Always use single-ply toilet paper in your camper toilet. Two-ply toilet paper can clog the tank.
- Flush regularly: Regular flushing will help keep your system running smoothly. Always add water to the toilet bowl before flushing.
- Sanitize your tanks: Sanitize your tanks after dumping. You can find special chemicals for this at RV stores or in the RV section of big-box stores.
- Clean your tanks: Clean your tanks regularly by putting a garden hose down the toilet. This will help flush your system and clear any build-ups.
- Use the right products: When emptying and cleaning your tanks, use bacteria and enzyme treatments instead of chemical treatments. Chemical treatments can disrupt the healthy bacteria colony in your septic tank and cause problems down the line.
- Maintain your fresh water tank: The fresh water tank also requires maintenance. Always use a potable water hose when hooked up to water or filling the tank. Insulate the hose during freezing weather and drain the tank in extreme heat to prevent water stagnation. If the tank starts to smell, clean it with household bleach.
- Know when to dump: While most RVs have tank sensors, they can sometimes be incorrect or fail over time. Learn to trust your own experience and instincts to know when your tanks need to be emptied. Don't wait until the black tank is completely full, as this can cause backups.
- Choose the right dumping location: There are a few options for RV dumping locations, including full-hookup campsites and public communal dump stations. When using a full-hookup campsite, keep the grey water tank valve open but always ensure the black tank valve is closed until dumping.
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