Community Forums

HoleInOne · 06-26-2013, 09:28 PM

I tried the search but didn't get the answer I needed. I have read if you are camped to let your tanks fill before dumping. What if you have a partially full tank and are done camping? I have heard from one source to keep the tank until it is full before emptying and from another to empty when you're done even if it is not full. Opinions?

SarahW · 06-26-2013, 09:33 PM

I suppose the answer is, "it depends."

How long do you estimate it will be before you use the RV again? We always dump our tanks and then add a few gallons of fresh water to the tanks before storing, but our motorhome spends a lot of time in storage.

docj · 06-26-2013, 09:48 PM

I think you're taking the "fill it up" rule a bit too literally. As long as there is a reasonable amount of liquid to drain you should be OK. What people are urging you to avoid is draining the tank after just a day or two's use. Of course, you can always hold the toilet pedal down for a while to add water to what is in the tank.

Mr_D · 06-26-2013, 10:02 PM

I dump just before we leave a park with hookups. If the tanks aren't at least ½ full I add more fresh water.
Been doing this since RV's started having grey and black tanks and have NEVER had a build up of anything in the tanks.

flaggship1 · 06-26-2013, 10:13 PM

Here in North Texas it gets hot in the summer to say the least. If I'm putting her up, even for a week she's getting dumped, flushed and a few gallons of fresh water added to the black tank. I don't worry about the gray being stored dry. I will also drain the fresh tank and HWH if 2 or more weeks down time is expected. Fresh water can get skunky pretty fast around here too.
Steve

BFlinn181 · 06-26-2013, 10:26 PM

Just add water until about 2/3 to 3/4 full then dump. Why carry it around with you? If you're at a campground with a dump station or sewage hook up, take advantage of it.

HoleInOne · 06-27-2013, 09:21 AM

Thanks for the info. I didn't see the need to carry it around.

mccsix · 06-27-2013, 09:25 AM

Dump, flush out as many times as you can, add a couple gals of water, and finally a couple oz of Dawn. Drive wherever you're going and your tank will be clean and stink free.

Dr4Film · 06-27-2013, 09:40 AM

With regards to the gray tank, it doesn't matter what level it is at, you can dump it whenever.

HOWEVER, with the black tank, if it is not at least half full, then add more water until it is half full or more, then dump the black tank first followed by the gray tank.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Playtime III · 06-27-2013, 10:35 AM

I think the concept is to have more liquid/less solids in the tank and a fuller tank will provide more pressure when emptying with a slinky giving you a cleaner tank when done. However if you have a macerating pump vice a slinky the more liquid/less solids are even more important for a cleaner tank.

Wayne M · 06-27-2013, 10:46 AM

More liquid less gunk is always the best option with any hose system in my opinion.

However, with the newer model back flush systems I dump when I feel like it. Most of the time it is after a minimum of two days in one place. In all cases I use the back flush built into the MH, and in all cases I dump, flush for a bit, close the valve and time it for 1 minute, dump, rinse, and repeat the flushing process. About every 3rd time I ask DW to fill the bowl to the top twice and flush. This takes care of any little build-up at the bottom of the tube. Rinse a little longer, close the valve and fill for 1 minute or a little more, go inside and dump two cap fulls of water softener (can't remember the brand) and one smell-um-good packet. I have never had any smell build up even after sitting for 3 months.

I also thoroughly rinse the slinky with one of those adapters one can purchase at Wally-world.

Just sayin'!

3rd stage · 06-27-2013, 11:29 AM

I'm retired Continental Airlines. We used to call those little packets POOIT Packs. (Prevention Of Odors In Toilets)- Just thought you'd like to know.

Andy).

wa8yxm · 06-28-2013, 06:39 AM

Two answers:

If it's at least half full (Some say 2/3 but half should do) DUMP

2: Add water and DUMP (in that order)

Then add more water to rinse and dump again.

Falcon190 · 06-28-2013, 01:51 PM

It depends if it's half full or half empty!
Me? I empty the black water tank whenever I can (always before emptying the grey water), then use the internal tank sprayers to put in a few gallons of water, plus a tablet of deodorizer.