Tricks to Dumping Your RV Grey Water and Black Water Tanks
Don’t worry, dump happy! Dumping your RV grey water and black water tanks doesn’t have to be a hassle, just follow these tips and tricks to start dumping like a pro.
The Basics
Freshwater tank
This tank is for potable water only, make sure you only use clean water and clean hoses to fill this tank. The water that comes out of here flows out of the sinks, bath, shower, and toilet.
Grey water tank
Grey water is what comes out of your sinks and shower, which is relatively clean water, and is stored in the grey water tank.
Black water tank
The black water tank is what holds all of your sewage, the stuff that comes from the toilet.
Hooking Up to Your Campsite Sewer
Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Pro Tip: If you book your trip with us, we provide disposable pairs in your welcome package.
Double check that all of your RV’s sewer valves are closed and the caps are securely fastened.
Remove the sewer connection hose and elbow adapter from your RV’s storage. Connect the elbow piece into the campsite’s sewer.
Connect the sewer hose to the elbow piece, then extend and connect the other end to the RV’s sewer outlet. Make SURE that the fitting is completely and tightly connected to the RV and that the fitting to the elbow is secure. Note that both grey water and black water flow through this hose into the sewer.
Slowly open the black water valve and completely drain the tank into the sewer. Let it completely empty before closing the valve.
Double check that the black water tank is closed, then slowly open the grey water valve. Grey water is cleaner than black water, so emptying this second helps clean out the sewer hose. Leave the grey water valve open and keep your black water valve closed during your stay.
What if your black water tank fills up?
Empty your black water tank every 2-3 days while at your campsite. To do so, close your grey water valve then slowly open your black water valve. Once your black water tank is empty, close the back water valve and reopen your grey water valve. To finish, run some water in your sink or shower (15 seconds) to flush out the sewer line.
Disconnecting From Your Campsite Sewer
A few hours (or even a day) before you disconnect, close your grey water valve to build up some water in the tank to rinse the system. If you forget this step in advance, don’t worry.
Slowly open your black water valve and leave open until the tank is entirely empty.
Completely close the back water valve.
Slowly open the grey water valve and let the built-up grey water rinse the black water out of the sewer hose. If you forgot to build up grey water, run the kitchen sink or shower for ~15 seconds while the grey water valve is open.
Close the grey water valve.
Put on your rubber gloves and make sure that both the grey water valve and black water valve are completely in the “Off” position.
Disconnect the RV end of the sewer hose and hold it up high to drain out any last liquid into the sewer. Clean the hose and elbow then put them away. Pro tip: Some stations have a non-potable water source, leave the sewer end of your sewer hose connected and spray the non-potable water into the RV end.
Put the cap back on the RV’s sewer outlet and clean up the station. ALWAYS leave the dump station cleaner than you found it.
Flush the toilet once and turn on the sink for about 15 seconds to add some fresh water back to both tanks. This keeps anything from permanently drying to the walls of the tank. Add any tank additives at this time.
Give your hands a thorough cleaning and then give yourself a pat on the back… you’re all done!
Using a RV Dump Station
Dump stations are pretty darn common at campgrounds, state parks, and national parks. If you are having a hard time finding a dump station, we recommend downloading the iOverlander app or visiting RVDumps.com to find the closest one.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves. Pro Tip: If you book your trip with us, we provide disposable pairs in your welcome package.
Double check that all of the RV’s sewer valves are closed and the caps are securely fastened.
Remove the sewer connection hose and elbow adapter from your storage. Connect the elbow piece into the sewer.
Connect the sewer hose to the elbow piece, then extend and connect the other end to the RV’s sewer outlet. Make SURE the fitting is completely and tightly connected to the RV and that the fitting to the elbow is secure. Note that both grey water and black water flow through this hose into the sewer.
Slowly open the black water valve and completely drain the tank into the sewer. Let it completely empty before closing the valve.
Double check that the black water tank is closed, then slowly open the grey water valve. Grey water is cleaner than black water, so emptying this second helps clean out the sewer hose. Once the grey water tank is completely empty, close the valve.
Make sure both the grey water valve and black water valve are completely in the “Off” position.
Disconnect the RV end of the sewer hose and hold it up high to drain out any last liquid. Clean the hose and elbow then put them away. Pro tip: Some stations have a non-potable water source. Leave the sewer end of your sewer hose connected and spray the non-potable water into the RV end.
Put the cap back on the RV’s sewer outlet and clean up the station. ALWAYS leave the dump station cleaner than you found it.
Flush the toilet once and turn on the sink for about 15 seconds to add some fresh water back to both tanks. This keeps anything from permanently drying to the walls of the tank. Add any tank additives at this time.
Give your hands a thorough cleaning and then give yourself a pat on the back… you’re all done!
Ready to test your new skills?
Now that you know how to dump your tanks, it’s time to take your next RV vacation!
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