How to dump your RV’s holding tanks
Susan J
If you are new to the world of RV-ing, then you may not know how to properly dump your RV’s holding tanks. This post will explain the basics and provides some tips on making it as painless of a process as possible.
First of all, you will need to get a sewer hose, and a separate rinse hose separate from your fresh water hose. This can be just a garden hose. You will also need a holding tank adapter to connect your hose to the outlet. It is best to use a clear one so you can see once the tanks are done draining. Rubber gloves are also a good idea in case you get any material on you.
When you are ready to dump your tanks you need to find an RV dump station. You should dump once your tanks are at least 2/3 full. Here is a link to help you find dump stations in the US and Canada: //www.rvdumpstations.info/.
Once you find a dump station pull up and get out your gear. Take the sewer hose and insert it about a foot into the dump station hole to prevent splatter. Use something heavy to hold the hose in place, but not something that could fall into the dump station hole and clog it up. Then attach the other end of the sewer hose to the adapter. Then remove the cap to the holding tank outlet and attach the adapter. Make sure that everything is fitted securely because you don’t want any leakage! Try to position the hose to where the material will flow downwards into the dump station hole.
Now you are ready to dump the contents of the tanks. Open the black water (sewage) valve and let all the contents run through the hose. If you use a clear adapter you will be able to tell when it is done. Once it is finished close the black water valve and open the grey water valve, letting the contents of the gray water tank flow out. You should always drain the black water tank first so that when you drain the gray water tank the soapy water will help to wash out the sewer hose.
Next you should rinse your tanks. Make sure the valves are closed and fill up the tanks to about 2/3 full and repeat the draining process again. Some RVs have a holding tank rinsing system which makes it a little easier. Once your done rinsing, close all the valves and disconnect the sewer hose from the RV. Remove the sewer hose from the dump station and use a garden hose to rinse it off.
Finally, add a few gallons of water to the black tank and add some holding tank treatment.