If the ground is severely uneven, use jack stands to level the RV before connecting to the dump site. Once you’re parked, close the RV’s windows and vents to keep noxious smells and fumes outdoors. If you’re purchasing a new sewer hose, opt for one that is long, flexible, and made of durable material. Hoses are designed to fit a 3 in (7. 6 cm) drainpipe (the standard size on modern RVs).
Dispose of your gloves in a waste bin at the dumping station and wash your hands thoroughly after emptying your tanks. Carry disinfectant wipes with you as well. Wipe down any surfaces you come in contact with before and after dumping, (like hoses, tank valves, and dump station inlets) to prevent the spread of germs.
The waste tanks are usually located on the driver’s side of the RV. Look for a 3 in (7. 6 cm) connection valve to secure your hose to. Some RVs have one hose connection for all waste tanks, while others have separate connections for the black and gray tanks. Hooking up to the dump station inlet first allows any old waste left in the hose to drain into the dump site rather than onto the ground.
Always empty the black water tank first. The gray water tank has soapier water that cleans out the sewage hose after waste goes through. If needed, use sewer hose supports to elevate the hose near the RV and gradually slope it downwards to the dump inlet. Once the tank is empty, turn or push the release valve handle back to its original position to close the tank.
If your RV has separate hose connections for each tank, disconnect your hose from the black tank and move it to the gray tank before opening the valve. On most RVs, the gray tank valve handle will be on the side of the valve where you connect your sewer hose to the gray tank (and likely labeled). If you have multiple gray or black water tanks, repeat this emptying process until all are empty (always finishing with a gray water tank).
For a thorough cleansing, fill and drain the tanks until the water runs mostly clear. If there is a line of RVs waiting to use the dump site, skip this step and flush the tanks later.
Double check once more to make sure all waste tank valves are fully closed. Close all outlet covers on your waste tanks and the dump station inlet hole.
Common storage places include the RV’s basement storage compartment, hollow bumpers, a designated bucket, a plastic storage bin, or an underside rack. Once the hose is put away, wipe down any compartment handles, latches, valves, or other surfaces you touched with disinfecting wipes.
Treat your gray water tank every 2 to 3 dumps. Regular treatment prevents waste buildup, reduces harmful bacteria, and neutralizes bad odors. Once your tanks are treated, you’re done emptying waste and are ready to hit the road again!
Connect and empty your tanks like normal in these locations. You may need a sewer fitting to ensure the hose fully seals around the pipe. Check your local ordinances to make sure it’s OK to dump into the city sewer line. Some municipalities do not allow this. Some sanitation district headquarters have dump sites travelers can use, usually for a small fee.
Use mobile apps like RV Dump Stations and RV Dumps, or websites like http://www. RVDumps. com and https://www. sanidumps. com to research rest stops and gas station dump sites along your travel route.
