RV Holding Tanks. RV Holding Tank Tips
HOLDING TANKS - There are normally two different holding tanks on most RVs; the gray water tank and the black water tank. The gray water tank holds the waste water from the sinks and showers. The black water tank holds the waste from the toilet.
RV waste water holding tanks are meant only as a temporary storage facility for waste and are not designed to be a water processing or water purifying system.
That is better left to septic systems or municipal water treatment plants. When you dump the contents of your holding tanks into an approved dump station, the disposal and treatment of these wastes become the responsibility of the station.
In the past few years many free dump stations have been closed down and more will follow. Why? ... Some RV holding tank treatments are harmful to septic systems, especially formaldehyde-based chemicals. Formaldehyde is a preservative and destroys the bacteria that are needed to break down waste materials. In addition, unscrupulous people have been illegally dumping everything from paint to oil to hazardous materials of all sorts into these dump stations. RVers Guide to Dump Stations
However, there is much that the RVer can do to control odors and help keep the holding tanks clean and functioning as they were intended to. The use of appropriate holding tank treatments and RV friendly toilet products are a good step in this direction. An enzyme-based holding tank treatment uses "good" bacteria to digest waste solids and keep the odor under control. One very effective treatment is Enviro-Chem
The use of quick dissolving toilet paper helps to keep the waste in a liquid form. To test your toilet paper, fill an empty jar half full with water. Drop in a sheet or two of your favorite toilet paper. Shake the jar for a few seconds. If the toilet paper dissolves it's RV holding tank friendly. If it fails this test, experiment with another brand.
RV Holding Tank Tips
RV Holding Tank-Dumping Tips
1. Prior to pulling the holding tank valve (Don't laugh this can happen to a seasoned RVer as well as a newbie) be sure the sewer hose is connected to the outlet on the RV and the drain receptacle.
2. Use a clear quick connect fitting between the hose and the RV. This allows you to see what is in your tank. Is it a fast moving slurry or a slow movement of solids.
3. Be sure all connections are secure to prevent leakage. Check the RV connection for leakage and the dump connection to make sure it is tight and will not allow odors to seep out. Make sure the receiving drain is lower than the RV drain, and that there are no obstructions.
4. Never dump the black tank uncles it is at least 2/3 full. Add water if needed. Liquid is needed to help carry out the solid wastes.
5. Allow the grey water tank to fill with sufficient water to flush the black water wastes from your sewer hose.
6. When you are finished flushing out the sewer hose, close both tank valves and add several gallons of warm water to each. You are now ready to add the recommended amount of additives to each holding tank.
RV Dump Station Health Risks
Be watchful of how the previous RVers have used the dump station. You will notice inexperienced or lazy RVers rinsing out their sewer hoses with the dump stations drinking water hoses.
In case you don't know, sewage bacteria can cling to almost anything and often does. Where do you think these bacteria will go when you fill your drinking water tank using the same hose?
Holding Tank Dump Health Risks
Do you expose yourself to health risks by handling your sewer and black water connections. Do you further increase your health risks by not thoroughly washing your hands after handling this equipment?
Protect Yourself
Protect yourself by wearing disposable gloves.
They are inexpensive and take minimal storage space and help to protect you from harmful bacteria.
Buy several boxes and keep them in a plastic bag in your sewer valve compartment.
Clogged Holding Tanks
Build-Up Of Solids
The build up of solids is likely to reduce the capacity of the tank.
The waste build up can create a dream environment for harmful bacteria and a dangerous health situations for you.
Cleaning out or eliminating build ups can be very expensive.
Clogged Tank
With a regular maintenance and an effective holding tank additive, clogged holding tanks can be eliminated. However, if your tank does become clogged, follow these steps.
1. Close the tank drain valve then raise the sewer hose as high as you can and have someone else fill it with water. Have the other person reopen the drain valve and quickly place the sewer hose back in the sewer drain hole.
This should create a suction action that often loosens the clog.
2. Rent or buy a manual auger and place it down the toilet and operate it until it turns freely in as many positions as possible. Fill the tank and open the drain valve again.
3. Connect a back flush valve to your drain and back flush the tank from the drain valve with as much water pressure as possible. You can purchase these valves from most RV parts stores.
4. If the park you are at has a honey wagon, have them connect to the drain valve and try sucking the tank with the honey wagon pump.
If steps above do not work, you have 2 more options.
Option 1. Call an RV specialist who has equipment to unclog holding tanks
Option 2. Buy a quart of UNIQUE RV Digest-It. Empty the quart into the problem tank through a toilet or drain connected to the tank.
Purchase a clear drain connector, wait at least 12 hours then open the drain and watch the liquids flow. Problem solved.
RV Holding Tank Odors Gone With the Wind
