We all enjoy the fun sides of camping, sitting around the fire with family and laughing, waking up to the perfect sunrise, or just sitting around the campground reading a good book. Unfortunately, there is the dirty job of emptying the tanks after each outing. The dreaded black tank and his friend the stinky slinky are just waiting for you to come to play. If you have been doing this for a while it is just second nature now, but some, have no idea where to start. We will try to make things easier with RV black tank cleaning in a few simple steps.
We will cover your different tanks, how to use them properly, daily maintenance, and how to correctly empty them with no smelly disasters happening.
Your tanks
What is the freshwater tank?
As you might imagine, Fresh water tanks are holding tanks filled with fresh water for you to use as needed. Wash dishes, shower, and flush the toilet. Some people use it as drinking water but I refrain from that myself (bring bottled water). Located inside of the RV usually, under a dinette or bed area.
What is a gray tank?
The gray tank is used to hold used water from sinks and showers. The sinks and shower drain into your gray tank are to be stored until a proper dumping station is available to be used. Located under your RV. When possible leave this tank closed to collect water that can be used at a later time to help flush while emptying the black tank.
What is the black tank?
The black tanks are designed only to collect waste/wastewater from your toilets. This tank is also located under your RV and requires the most care in how it is used and maintained. Your solid/liquid waste, quality biodegradable toilet paper and a tank treatment to help break down the waste are all that should be put into the tank.
Check here for the best black tank treatment – good read
Using plenty of water after each use is key to a happy toilet/tank
Not only is Happy Camper the most effective odor neutralizer, but it is also one of the most cost-effective products on the market.
Happy Camper’s highly concentrated water-activated mineral blend eliminates odor without covering it up with perfume like many chemical deodorant treatments.
Happy Camper works most like an enzyme or bioactive treatment but is not affected by residuals (previous tank treatment chemicals) and unlike enzyme treatments, you do not need to regularly add more treatment.
How often should the black tank be emptied?
Depends, a good rule of thumb is every 3-6 days but you also should dump once you reach the 2/3’s mark. This will control odors entering your RV and keep your tank from becoming too heavy. An overloaded tank could become detached from your rig or cause cracking in seams.
RV Black Tank cleaning in a few simple steps
Other options
If you are someone that likes to stay off the grid for an extended amount of time, there are options. With the help of a portable 36-gallon holding tank, you could extend your outing for a few more days without the need to dump.
Camco Rhino Heavy Duty 36 Gallon Portable Waste Holding Tank-Durable Leak Free and Odorless
The portable waste holding tank is constructed of extremely durable blow-molded, UV-stabilized HDPE that won’t leak or deteriorate in the sun. Ready-to-use kit includes everything needed to transport waste from your RV or trailer to a dump station when you’re parked too far away for an RV sewer hose.
The kit includes accessories to clean, maintain and store the tote tank when not in use. Large, heavy-duty, no-flat wheels with bearings make transporting the tow tank smooth and effortless. The removable steel tow adapter allows you to easily roll the tote tank as you would with a suitcase or luggage. You can also transport it by towing it slowly behind a golf cart or truck.
Should I leave my black tank open or closed when hooked up to the septic at the campsite?
Your black tanks should be left closed when hooked up to the sewer. This allows liquids to remain in the tank and keep solids from becoming…. well solid. If you leave the tank open it will let fluids out and solid waste will build up and create the dreaded poop pyramid. You should leave the tank closed with a quality tank treatment, this will let the enzymes break down solids and in turn, make your trip to the dump station go so much better.
How do you get rid of the poop pyramid?
Don’t let it happen from the start is the simplest answer. When you go to the bathroom always let the water run for a minute to assure you have enough fluid in the tank. Of course, this will fill your tank quicker, but you will thank me at the dump station.
The best practice is to make sure you are leaving your tank closed and allowing plenty of water to stay in your tank. This allows for the natural breakdown of solid waste to occur.
Emptying my tanks 101: How do you handle the smelly stuff?
Check here for the best black tank treatment – good read
Can I travel in my RV with a full black tank?
Only in an emergency, experts say that you should only travel with empty black and gray tanks. The only time you should really have fluid in tanks during travel is if you are cleaning them. The last thing you want is a full black tank splashing around and omitting smells and debris.
How long does it take to fill your black tank?
Depending on your usage pattern, 4-6 days for a couple and less if you are traveling with children. Some people will use the park restrooms when available and others strictly use the RV bathroom for all their potty needs.
Remember you will want to dump your tanks at 2/3’s capacity when traveling. The black tank should last much longer than the gray as far as usage fill.
What is the process for RV black tank cleaning?
The fun begins!
- Start by buying a good pair of rubber gloves and using them. You don’t want this stuff on your hands.
- Hook up one end of your sewage drain hose to the black tank valve on your RV. Secure the other end of the hose to the valve at the sewer line or dumping station.
- Make sure both ends are secure before you begin. Seen many people pull the handle and the hose just pops off. Ewwwww!
- Pull the valve to empty the black tank, allowing it to drain completely.
- Flush the black tank with water to clean it. Depending on your setup, you may be able to do this using the water from your gray water tank.
- Drain all of the water from the tank.
- Invest in a clear elbow attachment to allow you to see the color of the water coming out.
- You may want to partially fill your black tank with water once again and release it if the water is not looking clear enough.
- Next, drain your gray tank. This will clean out your hose of anything left over from the black tank.
- Close the valve and remove the hose from your RV water tank.
- Rinse off the inside of the hose before disconnecting from the sewer connection or dumping station.
- Remove the sewer hose and properly store it.
