Community Forums

62_inrightlane · 04-23-2011, 03:51 PM

See Sewer Question post (below)

These two threads have been merged.

62_inrightlane · 04-23-2011, 03:55 PM

When hooked into sewer do you hold your black (with chemicals) and gray until about 3/4 full or do you keep the valve open and run waste straight through?

I've always held until about 3/4 full and then dump black followed by gray?

DRosedale · 04-23-2011, 04:02 PM

Unless my black tank is close to 2/3, I don't even hook up my hoses. I usually end up having to dump my gray tank before my black tank even gets close to 2/3 full. When the black tank does need dumping, I dump it, followed by a black tank flush, of course don't forget to leave the black tank valve open while doing this, then I will dump the gray tank. Before putting up my hose, I then use my black tank flush hose to wash out my hose before storing it.

Sounds like a lot of work, but the DW has it down pretty good. I don't even have to watch her now to make sure she doesn't make a mistake.

GaryKD · 04-23-2011, 04:06 PM

Hi mdy1950,
For me the black valve is closed. The grey valve is open. When black gets to 3/4, the grey valve is closed. When grey gets full, the black is dumped and then grey.

DRosedale · 04-23-2011, 04:11 PM

I do pretty much the same, but most of the time I don't even hook up the hose unless the black tank is 2/3 full or close. When it is time to dump, hook up hose, dump black tank, do a tank flush, then dump gray. Then the hose used to do black tank flush is used to wash out hose before putting it back in storage.

Sounds like a lot of work, but DW has it down pretty good, I don't even have to watch her anymore.

Ottawa · 04-23-2011, 04:17 PM

Unless the tanks are close to full you will not get the venturi effect which helps to clean all the "crap" out of the tank. Allowing a tank to empty before being close to full will allow stuff to sticki to the sides of the tank and it will be be difficult to disloge it.

paz · 04-23-2011, 04:23 PM

I leave the black closed until full (or almost full). I leave the gray open because we have a washer/dryer, and closing it could easily result in an overflow.

Leaving the black open can allow most of the liquid to drain away and leave a "cone" of solids under the toilet. Waiting until the black tank is at least 2/3 to 3/4 full to dump provides enough momentum that the liquid draining out will carrying the solids with it.

Some people feel the same way about the gray tank and leave it closed until almost full. The gray water can also be used to help rinse the black tank. Dump the black tank first, leave the black valve open then dump the gray water, and the gray water will partially fill the black tank and help rinse it. As I said, however, I always leave the gray valve open and haven't had a problem with either tank in 5 years of full-timing.

WheelingIt · 04-23-2011, 04:37 PM

We leave both tanks closed until close to full. I always feel the pressure helps to get a cleaner dump. On occasion we'll leave the grey open (e.g. if we're running a bunch of laundry), but we never leave the black open.

Cat320 · 04-23-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

I leave the black closed until full (or almost full). I leave the gray open because we have a washer/dryer, and closing it could easily result in an overflow.

.

Same here.

Also, we use no chemicals...only a cap of Calgon with a gallon of water put in just after dumping and closing the gate. If your system is properly set up, no chemicals are needed.

ga traveler · 04-24-2011, 02:50 PM

Closed until 3/4 full for sure. I once made seventy Five dollars for going to south Atlanta KOA and cleaning out a full timers black tank that he always kept the valve open on. (Hardest seventy five bucks I ever made)

RickO · 04-24-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi mdy1950,
For me the black valve is closed. The grey valve is open. When black gets to 3/4, the grey valve is closed. When grey gets full, the black is dumped and then grey.

Ditto except I've started closing the grey tank valve to let it fill a bit more often lately to ensure a good flushing effect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRosedale

Unless my black tank is close to 2/3, I don't even hook up my hoses. I usually end up having to dump my gray tank before my black tank even gets close to 2/3 full. When the black tank does need dumping, I dump it, followed by a black tank flush, of course don't forget to leave the black tank valve open while doing this, then I will dump the gray tank. Before putting up my hose, I then use my black tank flush hose to wash out my hose before storing it.

Sounds like a lot of work, but the DW has it down pretty good. I don't even have to watch her now to make sure she doesn't make a mistake.

Several points...

First of all... you are a GOD if you've really gotten your DW to take on the dumping duties.

Secondly, do you mean that you never leave your sewer hose connected... even with both valves closed?

Lastly... although I've been bitten by it, I close my black tank valve when using the San T Flush so it will fill with clean water and then have a strong flushing force. Get distracted just one time while doing this and.... well, that's the topic of another thread.

Good luck...

Rick

lilgreek7 · 06-24-2013, 09:53 PM

So, how would one flush out the grey tank if the DW thinks we have a garbage disposal? I cant seem to get my indicator lights to clear on the grey tank. Black water lights clear fine, but ofcourse theres a flush line to that tank. Other than filling full and dumping, is there another way of getting a good flushing of the grey tank? Thanks in advance!