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RVing is a great way to see the country and spend time with family and friends, but one of the less glamorous aspects of the lifestyle is dealing with waste. RV wastes are different from those produced in a traditional home because they are usually liquid in nature. That means you can’t just flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly dispose of your RV waste so you can keep enjoying the road. Also, we’ll share some tips on how to prevent waste buildup in your RV in the first place.
Steps for Dumping RV Waste
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To properly dispose your RV waste, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Find a dumping station
The first step is to find a dumping station. Most campgrounds and RV parks will have one, and they are usually well-marked. If you’re not sure where to find one, ask a park ranger or another camper. Once you’ve found the station, Park your RV so that the sewer hose is close to the dumping station.
- Connect your sewer hose
Next, you’ll need to connect your sewer hose to the RV’s waste valve. The valve is usually located near the back of the RV, and it will have a handle that says “waste” or “sewer.” Once the hose is connected, open the valve to allow the waste to start flowing into the hose.
- Open the black water tank valve
Once the sewer hose is connected, open the black water tank valve. This valve is usually located next to the waste valve, and it will have a handle that says “black” or “sewer.” Opening this valve will allow the waste in your black water tank to start flowing into the hose.
- Open the gray water tank valve
If your RV has a gray water tank (some do, some don’t), you’ll need to open that valve as well. The gray water tank is usually located under the RV, and it will have a handle that says “gray” or “sewer.” Opening this valve will allow the waste in your gray water tank to start flowing into the hose.
- Flush the tanks with water
Once the waste is flowing from all of the tanks, you’ll want to flush them with clean water. This will help to rinse out any remaining waste and prevent clogs. To do this, simply open the fresh water tank valve and let the water flow through the hose until it comes out clear.
- Disconnect the sewer hose
Once the tanks have been flushed, you can disconnect the sewer hose. Be sure to close all of the valves before disconnecting the hose, or you’ll have a nasty mess on your hands. Once the hose is disconnected, you can put it away until next time.
Tips In Preventing Waste Build Up In Your RV
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The best way to deal with RV waste is to prevent it from building up in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
- Only flush the toilet when necessary. If you have a black water tank, only flush the toilet when it’s absolutely necessary. Every time you flush, waste is added to the tank.
- Don’t let the water run. This is a good rule to follow in general, but it’s especially important when it comes to your RV. Every time you let the water run, waste is added to the gray water tank. So, be mindful of how much water you’re using and only let it run when necessary.
- Use biodegradable soap. When you do need to use water, be sure to use biodegradable soap. This type of soap is designed to break down quickly and won’t add to the waste in your tanks.
- Dump your tanks regularly. Even if you’re being mindful of your water usage, it’s important to dump your tanks on a regular basis. Depending on the size of your RV, you’ll need to dump them every 3-5 days.
- Use a wastewater treatment product. One of the best ways to prevent waste buildup is to use a wastewater treatment product. These products help to break down waste and prevent it from building up in your tanks. There are a variety of treatment products on the market, so find one that works best for you and your RV.
- Drain your tanks regularly. To prevent waste from building up in your tanks, be sure to drain them on a regular basis. Most RVers recommend doing this every two weeks or so.
By following these tips, you can keep your RV waste to a minimum and enjoy the road without having to worry about disposing of it.
Conclusion
Dumping RV waste is a necessary part of owning an RV. However, it doesn’t have to be a difficult or messy task. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily and effectively dispose of your RV waste. Just be sure to follow the tips above to keep your tanks clean and prevent waste from building up. Also, be sure to check out our complete guide to RVing for even more tips and information on all things RV.
My name is Ryan Wicks and I am the founder of rvneedthis.com, a blog dedicated to RV living. I have been an avid RVer for over 10 years, travelling across the US and Canada to explore scenic routes and beautiful national parks. Through RVblog.com, I share my knowledge and experiences to help others learn more about RVing and become better equipped to enjoy it too. I hope to make RVing more accessible and enjoyable for everyone interested in it. I look forward to continuing my journey with others!