It’s a Dirty Job…RV Waste Tank Survival
03-16-2016
Oh the joys of camping with the family. Taking that long needed week off to get out of town, enjoy some peace and quiet, and smell that clean fresh…what is that awful smell? Everyone has had that moment when you think “I used chemicals. Why does it still smell?” If you understand your plumbing system and are using the correct chemicals you may not have to wonder any longer. Yes, cleaning and draining the tanks will still be a “dirty Job” but it will be a little easier to do.
Black/Grey Tanks
In an RV or trailer there are three different tanks: fresh water; grey water; and black water. These tanks are exactly as they sound: fresh water is for fresh water; grey water is for water from doing dishes, showering, etc. and black water is from your toilet waste. Your grey tank water will typically drain from a 1-1/2” draining system that goes from your grey tank to a 1-1/2” drain valve. The black tank drains from a 3” draining system that will lead to a 3” draining valve. However, every coach is made differently to fit water lines and plumbing around all that your coach has configured under your flooring. With each manufacturer building differently it is important to know how your system is constructed and all it takes to clean it.
Keep It Clean
Before you begin cleaning or even using your water tanks, there are some easy ways to keep that smell from getting out of hand. Fresh water tanks will need to be sanitized every so often especially if they sit for a long period of time without being used. There are different things that can be used on these tanks. I recommend using the Thetford Fresh Water Sanitizer. With the black and grey tanks it is important to keep them clean using several different types of cleaner. First, you will want to use a deodorizer for the tanks and also use a level gauge cleaner to keep you monitor readings correct. Then you will want to use a tissue digester to assist in breaking up the waste. Thetford also has great deodorizers for the grey and black tank as well as tissue digesters and gauge cleaners. Whichever brand you decide on be sure to follow directions on the packaging and use as directed.
D-D-D-Dumping…
So, now that you have deodorized and cleaned your tanks it is time to discuss the dreaded dumping. Once you find a dumping location, be sure that you have a durable sewer hose and an extension if needed. There is nothing worse than splitting a hose in the middle of dumping. Once you have hooked up be sure to dump the black tank before you dump the grey tank. Dumping the grey water after the black water will help to flush out the sewer hose. It is always best to dump your tanks when they are at least 2/3 of the way full. If you are planning on storing your coach it would be best to dump all of your tanks before dropping it off for an extended period of time.
There are so many new gadgets on the market to clean your tanks and keep your coach smelling fresh. However, I do understand that it is a dirty job but…as the saying goes, “someone has to do it.”
Black/Grey Tanks
In an RV or trailer there are three different tanks: fresh water; grey water; and black water. These tanks are exactly as they sound: fresh water is for fresh water; grey water is for water from doing dishes, showering, etc. and black water is from your toilet waste. Your grey tank water will typically drain from a 1-1/2” draining system that goes from your grey tank to a 1-1/2” drain valve. The black tank drains from a 3” draining system that will lead to a 3” draining valve. However, every coach is made differently to fit water lines and plumbing around all that your coach has configured under your flooring. With each manufacturer building differently it is important to know how your system is constructed and all it takes to clean it.
Keep It Clean
Before you begin cleaning or even using your water tanks, there are some easy ways to keep that smell from getting out of hand. Fresh water tanks will need to be sanitized every so often especially if they sit for a long period of time without being used. There are different things that can be used on these tanks. I recommend using the Thetford Fresh Water Sanitizer. With the black and grey tanks it is important to keep them clean using several different types of cleaner. First, you will want to use a deodorizer for the tanks and also use a level gauge cleaner to keep you monitor readings correct. Then you will want to use a tissue digester to assist in breaking up the waste. Thetford also has great deodorizers for the grey and black tank as well as tissue digesters and gauge cleaners. Whichever brand you decide on be sure to follow directions on the packaging and use as directed.
D-D-D-Dumping…
So, now that you have deodorized and cleaned your tanks it is time to discuss the dreaded dumping. Once you find a dumping location, be sure that you have a durable sewer hose and an extension if needed. There is nothing worse than splitting a hose in the middle of dumping. Once you have hooked up be sure to dump the black tank before you dump the grey tank. Dumping the grey water after the black water will help to flush out the sewer hose. It is always best to dump your tanks when they are at least 2/3 of the way full. If you are planning on storing your coach it would be best to dump all of your tanks before dropping it off for an extended period of time.
There are so many new gadgets on the market to clean your tanks and keep your coach smelling fresh. However, I do understand that it is a dirty job but…as the saying goes, “someone has to do it.”
Comment
RobinBrodenAugust 23, 2020 | 02:20 PM
we are looking to buy a Portable Waste Tank so we have more options at campgrounds. What should we look for in a portable tank? How big should it be for 2-3 people? Is there a brand that people have experienced that is better than other brands. Thanks for any input you can give Robin Kennebunkport ME
Author: Tammy Daly
