How to Dump RV Tanks the Right Way

Dumping your tanks takes about 10 minutes once you have a routine. The rule that matters most: black tank first, gray tank second. The soapy gray water rinses the hose after the black tank.

What you need

• Disposable gloves
• Sewer hose with a clear elbow and the right adapters
• A hose for rinsing that is never used for drinking water (a different color helps)

Steps

1. Put on gloves. Connect the sewer hose to the RV outlet, then put the other end securely in the dump station inlet.
2. Open the black tank valve and let it drain completely.
3. If your RV has a black tank flush, connect the rinse hose and run it until the water in the clear elbow looks clean. Close the black valve.
4. Open the gray tank valve to empty it and rinse the hose.
5. Close the gray valve, disconnect at the RV end first, and lift the hose so it drains into the station.
6. Rinse the hose with the non-drinking hose, put the caps back on, and wash your hands.

Tips that prevent problems

• Keep the black valve closed at a campsite with a sewer hookup, and only dump when the tank is at least two-thirds full. Leaving it open lets liquids drain and solids pile up into a clog.
• Use plenty of water when you flush the toilet.
• Use RV-safe or quick-dissolving toilet paper.
• Add a tank treatment after dumping to control odor.
• Tank sensors are often wrong. A flush and a good rinse helps them read better.