Instead, full-time RVers should fill black tank (s) half or three quarters full with water (depending on anticipated usage), add one bottle of Tank Cleaner per black tank (or less for smaller tanks), and continue regularly using your toilet, ideally letting the solution work for a full 72 hours before dumping.
Full Answer
Should I empty the Black or gray water tank first?
The reason you empty the black water tank first is so that the relatively “cleaner” water, coming from the gray water tank, can flush out any waste left in the hose (from emptying the black water tank).
How do I take care of my black and gray tanks?
Always dump your black and gray tanks immediately after each trip Always rinse/flush your black tanks after dumping (ideally for 20-30 min) Store your black and tanks with clean water and a bacterial tank treatment when there is no danger of freezing
How do I prepare my black water tank for storage?
Once you have prepped your black water tank, follow the same cleaning and sanitizing directions as above. Since Fresh Water Tanks are sealed, there is very little storage preparation necessary. However, it is always a good idea to drain and sanitize them if they will be sitting for log periods of time.
Do I need to sanitize my grey water tank?
The same might hold true for the grey water tank, but owners often don't realize that it's just as important to sanitize the fresh water tank as well, for health's sake if nothing else. To clarify, the fresh water tank is used for faucets, toilets and showers.
How do you prepare a black water tank for storage?
Always rinse/flush your black tanks after dumping (ideally for 20-30 min) Store your black and tanks with clean water and a bacterial tank treatment when there is no danger of freezing....Always rinse/flush your tanks after each trip.Misreading sensors.Increased likelihood of odors.Clogged and compacted tanks.
How much water should you put in your black tank before use?
Start your travel journey with a freshly cleaned tank and add at least two gallons of water with the appropriate amount of chemicals, which are environmentally friendly, biodegradable and work with enzymatic magic to break down solids.
How much water should I put in my black tank after emptying?
The materials used for a deep clean vary among RV owners, but the method usually stays the same: drain your waste tank completely before filling it ¾ full with fresh water and either a small amount of bleach or Pine-sol, or laundry soap.
How do you flush a GREY and black water tank?
1:243:27How to Empty & Clean your RV Black and Grey water Tanks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext you're going to go back out and open your gray water tank which is your shower and sink waterMoreNext you're going to go back out and open your gray water tank which is your shower and sink water wait just five seconds and close the black tank valve.
Should I put water in my black tank before use?
Empty your black tank on a regular basis, and especially before you put your RV into storage (whether long or short term). Use the black tank flush RV feature if available on your rig. After emptying the black tank, always add fresh water and your choice of black tank chemical.
How many gallons does an RV black water tank hold?
The average RV black water tank size can vary from as little as 15 gallons to 60+ gallons. The larger the RV, typically the larger the RV black tank size.
How do you treat a black water tank?
RV Black Tank MaintenanceTreatments and Cleaners. In order to properly clean out your RV's tank, you will also need a treatment of some sort. ... 1) Dump Your Tank. ... 2) Remove Buildup by Flushing Your Tank. ... 3) Add Water. ... 4) Add Treatment or Solution. ... 5) Rinse. ... Knowing the Time and the Place. ... Toilet Paper.More items...•
How do you flush a black water tank?
0:301:44How to use the Black Tank Flush on an RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply turn off your external. Water you're gonna want to come over here. And just connect yourMoreSimply turn off your external. Water you're gonna want to come over here. And just connect your water line you can remove that come back in replace. Your plug.
How long can black water stay in RV tank?
You should not leave matter in your black water tank for more than a week. Your black water tank should be emptied once it's ⅔ full and/or at the end of every trip. If that isn't possible, make sure to add water to the tank and add a holding tank cleaning chemical to avoid odor and backup.
How do you rinse a GREY tank?
Fill the gray tank with water and drive around Fill the tank with water. Drive your RV around and let the cleaner slosh around and break down the gunk. Let the cleaner stay in the tank for a day or two if possible. This is a good thing to do when traveling and stopping at another full-hookup site.
How much Dawn is in black tank?
The water softening process is important to get the solid waste off the inside walls of the black tank. You also need one cup of laundry detergent or Dawn dish soap. This helps to rinse away the waste and clean the sensors.
How much Borax do I put in a black tank?
¼ cupYou can also add 1 cup of the original “blue” Dawn dishwashing detergent. Or, add 1 cup of eco-friendly laundry detergent to the black tank when you add the water softener. This helps to further clean and deodorize the tank. Many RVers also include ¼ cup Borax to the black tank along with the detergent.
What's the difference between gray water and black water?
As mentioned above, gray water is the wastewater that comes from your sink taps and shower -- whereas black water is the waste that comes from your...
What are some tank maintenance tips?
Click to read them all now!
Does my toilet use affect anything?
Your RV toilet isn't like the one you have in your home! Flushing trash, feminine products, and non-quick-dissolve toilet paper can lead to a clog...
bobandwendy1972
We are new motorhome owners. We are about to take our new RV for our first trip. I have already pre-sanitized the fresh water tank. What suggestions do experienced RV'ers suggest for preparing the grey & black tanks prior to leaving.
wolfe10
You don't need to do anything, other than making sure there is some water in the black tank before using the toilet and that both dump valves/blade valves are CLOSED.
tbutler
It's not preparation, just management that is a concern. Be certain that the dump valves are closed! You should dump the black water tank when it is near full. If it isn't full after a weekend trip, it should still be dumped, don't let the black tank sit for long periods of inactivity in a partially full state.
wildebill308
We are new motorhome owners. We are about to take our new RV for our first trip. I have already pre-sanitized the fresh water tank. What suggestions do experienced RV'ers suggest for preparing the grey & black tanks prior to leaving.
wayne77590
Definitely make sure the valves are closed. Ask my DW how she knows that and will never get near a grey tank (or any tanks) valve.
wildebill308
I want to add that it would be a good idea to get a clear sewer hose adapter so you can see if it is flowing clear after you flush out the tank. They come in many angles and length so you should be able to find one that works. I used this as it was the first good picture. You can get them from Camping world or Amazon or walley world.
bobandwendy1972
Thanks for all the advice. If anyone has any other advice please keep them coming. I will be sure to update after we complete our first trip.
What is a grey water tank?
To clarify, the fresh water tank is used for faucets, toilets and showers. The grey water tank is where the water goes after being used in the sinks or showers. The black water tank is where waste goes from the toilet. Let's start with the fresh water tank.
How to get bleach out of grey tank?
Eventually, you'll need to flush through the system thoroughly to get the bleach out, but this process will definitely sanitize the tank. When it comes to the grey tank, bleach again is the key. First scrub the shower and sink drains thoroughly, and then dump the grey tank at an appropriate facility. Then pour one cup of bleach for every 15 gallons ...
How to sanitize a water tank?
The way to sanitize the fresh water tank is by adding a cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of stored water. When you add it, you need to make sure that all faucets and valves are turned off. Once it's in there, fill the tank with water and then flush it a bit before leaving the bleach in there for a few hours.
How to get rid of black water smell?
As a final step to prevent odors, add a half-cup of bleach for every three gallons of water in the tank, and you're good to go. The black water tank is more challenging, and here you'll need to employ water softener, laundry detergent and bleach. Basically, after dumping the black water tank, you should add one cup of liquid water softener ...
Can you pour bleach into a black water tank?
When needed, pour bleach into the black water tank to neutralize odors. Some RV owners don't understand the necessity of cleansing and sanitizing all three tanks, and instead just dump and/or fill them when necessary. However, for the health and comfort of all travelers, to say nothing of mechanical issues, frequent sanitizations are necessary.
How to make sure your black tank doesn't get clogged?
The best steps you can take to ensure the plumbing to and from your black tank doesn’t get clogged is to watch what you put down your toilet. Use RV toilet paper or toilet paper you know to be safe for RV use.
How to get rid of black water in RV?
Drain your tank. Remove any buildup in the system thoroughly. Add some water to the tank. Add a good black water treatment. Obviously, the key step here is step two. This can be done by purchasing a tank sprayer that you insert into the toilet to spray out the inside of the tank, use the RV’s already installed tank flushing or spraying system ...
What can go down the toilet in an RV?
The only things that should be going down your RV’s toilet are human waste, water, and toilet paper.
What is the black tank in a toilet?
The black tank holds all the waste and wastewater so that you don’t constantly have to be hooked up to a sewer connection. It lets you essentially store your waste ...
Can you dump a black tank?
Don’t dump your black tank unless it is at least mostly full or all the way full. When I say partway, I mean like two-thirds of the way full. The reason for this is because if you drain the system when it’s not full or at least close to it, you may not wash away all of the solid waste inside the tank.
Who is Wade Thiel?
Wade Thiel. Wade divides his time among various outdoor activities in both urban and rural environments. An adventurer by nature , he is always up for a challenging hike, fun hunt, or day out on the water with friends and family.
How long does bleach sit in a tank?
The procedure is simple: Empty the tank completely. Fill it 3/4 full of water you know is good. Pour one cup of bleach in and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Empty the vessel again. Refill again as before and let the liquids sit for about 10 minutes.
How to clean a septic tank with bleach?
The procedure is simple: 1 Empty the tank completely. 2 Fill it 3/4 full of water you know is good. 3 Pour one cup of bleach in and let it sit for about 20 minutes. 4 Empty the vessel again. 5 Refill again as before and let the liquids sit for about 10 minutes. 6 Empty again, and continue to empty and refill until you no longer smell the bleach. 7 Once the bleach has been cleaned out, and you no longer smell it, you are finished.
Why flush a gray water hose?
Since gray water usually has detergent and soap residue in it, flushing the hose with it after cleaning out the other tank helps to keep the hose clean and sweet smelling. Once you have prepped your black water tank, follow the same cleaning and sanitizing directions as above.
Why is it important to protect your tanks when you park your coach?
Protecting your tanks when it comes time to park your coach for long periods of time prevents problems and extends their lives. This is one of the lesser considered issues with regards to maintenance, but ignoring it is a mistake.
Do you drain a fresh water tank?
However, it is always a good idea to drain and sanitize them if they will be sitting for log periods of time. If you store one in very cold weather, definitely drain it before putting it away.
Do you have to pay extra for camping at a dump station?
This, of course, will entail paying an extra fee for camping, because a dump station will not work in this situation. It makes no sense to clean and sanitize tanks and then use them!
Can you use antifreeze on RV tanks?
Some people use antifreeze for this protection , but if you leave the tanks mostly empty, this should not be necessary. As you have seen here, doing a good job of preparing your RV tanks for storage may take a few hours, but it is easy to do and is relatively inexpensive.
What happens if you store your RV with a gray tank?
If you store your RV with a gray tank full of water, residual soap scum and grease can be lifted off the bottom of your tank and become suspended in the water. This soap scum and grease can coat your gray tank walls and sensors, causing misreading gauges and odors.
What happens if you leave waste in a holding tank?
If waste is left inside your holding tank during storage, it will dry out and solidify, potentially causing: Misreading sensors. Increased likelihood of odors. Clogged and compacted tanks. We recommend that you always dump your black tank before storing it and thoroughly rinse the tank using a built-in tank rinser, flusher, ...
When will RV holding tanks be available?
November 25, 2020. There are dozens and dozens of RV holding tank treatments out there, and it can be overwhelming when it comes to knowing which one is the best for you.
Can you rinse your RV with fresh water?
To prevent the above-mentioned issues, we recommend that you store your RV with a black tank full of fresh water and a full treatment of RV Digest-It. Even if you rinse your tank very thoroughly, you will likely still have some residual waste clinging to your tank walls.
Can you store a freshwater tank in a plastic tank?
Freshwater Tank. Short term storage of your freshwater holding tank is simple. We recommend that you fill your tank with water before storage. Not only does this help prevent the plastic tank from drying out, but it’s also a good idea to keep your fresh water tank full of clean water in case you have to leave your home unexpectedly ...
Can you empty gray tanks in RV?
Keep in mind, simply emptying your gray tank doesn't mean you are insulated from freezing. If your RV may encounter freezing temperatures, you will have to completely winterize your RV, not just empty the tanks, to ensure no lines get damaged from freezing.
How to empty a holding tank?
To empty your holding tanks: Always empty the black water first. Wear rubber gloves at the least. You will not get splashed, if you are very careful. Remove the cap that covers the holding tank outlets, and connect your sewer hose. Put your sewer hose in the dump hole, at least four or five inches deep.
What is the difference between black and gray water?
Black water is the very dirty waste water that’s collected from what you flush down the toilet, including human waste and toilet paper. Gray water, on the other hand, is the relatively clean waste water collected from your sink and shower drains.
How does a grey water tank work?
Just like the black water tank, your grey water tank will gradually fill up over time as you go through the day-to-day adventure of camping. Each time you wash your hands, clean up after dinner, or tank an onboard shower, your grey water tank will collect the waste and begin to fill.
What is grey water tank?
Your grey water tank is the one that holds the waste water that comes from your sinks and showers — that is, everything other than the toilet. It’s the relatively clean waste water that includes soap, dirt, and food particles. And your RV grey water tank is the place it goes after it disappears down the drain… which does require some basic ...
Can you flush a grey water tank in an RV?
Just as your black water tank does, your RV’s grey water tank may come with a flush system — though power-washing the tank isn’t as critical as it is in the case of black tanks, which hold much more potent waste. You can thoroughly clean your RV’s grey tank by running it through with soapy water or even a heavily diluted bleach solution, and some campers also add ice to the mix to help scrub the inside of the tanks.
Can you dump grey water in the sewer?
Be sure you’re dumping in a designated city sewer connection only! Although grey water may be less toxic than black water (and is even legal to dump on the ground in some states), it’s always the best practice to dump your tanks into the actual sewer, where the water can be treated and reused.
Can you drain grey water in an RV?
Just as with your black tanks, you want to make sure you regularly empty and drain your RV’s grey water tank — though it’s a good idea to drain it after your black tank, all that relatively clean, soapy water can flush your sewer hose of the truly icky stuff. Ideally, you should keep the valve closed, and allow the tank to fill up before dumping it.
How to clean a black RV tank?
To do this, just connect a garden hose to the barrel and then pick either the hose or tank setting to guide the water flow where you want it to be.
What prevents water backflow in RV?
Flush valves also prevent the water backflow since they have in-built backflow preventers. It makes sure that the black water doesn’t back up into the hose. Moreover, most of the flush valves have clear barrels that allow you to see whether your RV tank is cleaned by clean water flow.
How to dump a black tank in an RV?
Step 1: Before dumping your RV black tank, make sure it is 3/4 full. But if you are going to dump your tank before this, make sure to fill the tank first. Step 2: Make sure to dump the black tank first and then the gray tank. This will help you to flush out anything inside of the sewer hose.
What is grey water tank?
A grey water tank is a storage tank that stores the water coming from both shower and sinks. At the same time, the black water tank stores the wastewater of the toilet. Now, you might be thinking that it is an easy task as it sounds, which is not valid. Dumping the black tank of an RV is not enough.
What is geo treatment?
GEO treatment is one of the most popular DIY treatments used by many RVers. It is excellent to prevent solids and from adhering to the tank sensors. This is also the oldest treatment used by most RVers. It includes a cup of liquid softener, such as Calgon or Broax, and a detergent cup used for laundry.
Can you hook a black tank flush to a RV?
Many RVs come equipped with an in-built rinsing system, known as a black tank flush. If your RV also has this system, you can hook a separate hose to the RV ’s black tank flush inlet water valve. It is recommended to keep the black tank valve open when you flush the RV black tank to prevent water buildup and to come out into the bathroom.
Do you have to clean a black tank in an RV?
Just like that, if you have an RV, you have to clean and flush RV black tank to keep it in its optimal conditions. If you are an RV enthusiast, chances are you already know that most of the RVs come with a grey and black water tank.