All About Dumping

HOW TO DUMP THE TANKS

How to Dump the Tanks? 4/18/06 Lots and lots of articles have been written about the proper method of dumping holding tanks on an RV and most of them focus on the RV the author has experience with. It is difficult to discuss the �proper method� so I will address the common things to all RVs with holding tanks. 1. The equipment supplied by the RV manufacturer. As you may know most RV manufacturers do not supply any components to safely transfer waste from the RV to an approved sewer inlet. Those that do usually throw a cheap vinyl hose in the water bay. The reason for this is that the Mfgs. are not required to provide you with a system to safely do this job. Their responsibility ends at the sewer cap, which they must supply along with a label that says �This cap must be attached while coach is in motion�. 2. You as the owner must decide how to and what equipment to use so off you go to an RV accessory store to choose from an array of products made by numerous component suppliers. 3. After deciding what to buy you assemble the components, remove the cap (hopefully no surprise lurks behind the cap), connect the bayonet fitting attached to the hose, stretch the hose to the sewer inlet and insert the fitting on the sewer inlet end of the hose into the hole as required. 4. If everything appears to be OK you return to the coach, (say a silent prayer) and pull on the Black tank valve. If your connections are all secure and the sewer inlet end stays put, the Black waste runs through the hose and into the sewer. 5. Next you close the Black valve and open the Grey tank valve. If your RV is equipped with tanks flushers you go through the process of rinsing the tanks with clean water. 6. After closing both tank valves and milking the sewer hose to remove excess waste water it�s time to remove the hose from the RV in order to further rinse the hose prior to storage. 7. Compress the hose to remove excess water and store hose where ever you feel is the most convenient. 8. Check around the dump site for any mess you may have made and clean up as best you can. We can hopefully assume that you purchased disposable rubber gloves and used them during the process. Remove and toss in the trash. There are products on the market that take a different approach to the dumping process however dumping using gravity feed remains the simplest and most effective method to safely remove waste with minimal problems. The real key to the �safe and sanitary transfer of human waste from an RV to an approved sewer inlet� is to use products best suited for the task.

About Manual Valves

Manual valves have been the standard for many years in the RV industry. Installation of this type of valve including the cable pull style needs to be installed in a manner consistent with good plumbing practices. The design of the manual valve when installed incorrectly will shorten the valves useful life. The valve seals provided with the valve are not interchangeable other than with valves manufactured by the same company. A seal from one company will not work with a seal from another company. In addition valve model changes may affect the seal performance making the valve harder to pull, push or not seal properly. The manual valve should be oriented so the pull is horizontal or slightly up and should be directly in front of the user so he/she can pull the handle straight out. Side pull exerts force on the side of the valve and causes premature wear. Placing the pull position in any other than a straight out position can cause the users had to slip off resulting in injury to the customer. You will get a negative comment directed at you. In no case should the pull be in a downward direction. The reason for this is simple, when the valve is opened liquid begins to flow. As it does there exists a �back pressure� for a period of time and water (waste and urine) will fill the gate area with the gate body in the down position. Having the valve in a slight up position will allow any liquid that gets into the gate area to drain as the �back pressure� subsided. Good plumbing practice requires the valve to be placed as close as possible to the outlet of the holding tank. The further from the tank the valve is, the more chance there is that the waste in the black water piping gets compacted and forms a cork. When this condition exists the valve opens and nothing happens. A very unpleasant experience clearing this blockage.

DUMPING CHECKLIST/HINTS LIST

Make hooking-up a routine

Do everything in sequence so that nothing is forgotten.
Always do clean jobs first ending with dirty.
Keep the following items in the service bay
Disposable latex gloves.
Spray bottle of bleach water.
Clorox bleach wipes.
Paper towel instead of rags.
Plastic bags for disposing of gloves, paper towel and bleach wipes.

Hook-up routine:

Put on disposable latex/vinyl gloves. We recommend disposable over the rubber gloves which don�t get cleaned and stay in the bay 20/80 bleach/water solution.
Use paper towels and bleach wipes to clean up any spills or to wipe down the fresh water hose before you store it.
Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap after all hookup jobs are done.
Remove gloves by turning one inside of the other for disposal.
Place gloves, paper towels and bleach wipes in the plastic bag for easy and safe disposal.

Water Hose Care:

Sanitize your fresh water hose often to prevent mold/mildew.
Use small amount of hydrogen peroxide (It�s ingestible so it won�t hurt you) and water in your water hose.
Attach caps at both ends of the hose and let it slosh around in the bay as you travel to your next location (also good to do before you store your coach).
Caps and plugs are available at hardware stores.
Use white water hose for fresh water supply only.
Purchase a different colored garden hose to use for alL other jobs.

Sewer Hose and Attachments:

Never use your fresh water hose to wash your sewer hoses/attachments.
Put sewer hose and attachments in a plastic box or plastic bag and clean or replace container often.

ALL ABOUT BIFFY

BIFFY - So many Important Features...Read more The Biffy� hides quietly along the edge of your toilet. Push its handle and it swings out and turns on. The spray pressure can be adjusted with light pressure from your thumb. Release the handle and it shuts off and hides back away. The Biffy� spray nozzle retracts inside of its protective housing when not in use. Before and after each use, it rinses itself with a turbo spray of fresh water. The Biffy� is the only rinse available today in its price range with a built-in sophisticated anti-siphon system to provide extra protection for your water supply and fixtures. Designed to meet ASME and ASSE national standards for plumbing fixtures, you can be sure the Biffy� is safe for your home and water supply! The Biffy� is constructed of the same indestructible polycarbonate used in jet aircraft and Ferrari automobiles! It also uses stainless steel, brass, nylon, rubber and silicone. The Biffy� achieves its performance and quality through careful engineering and select materials. We are proud to warrant it unconditionally for two full years The Biffy lets you be close - AND clean The Biffy� lets you be personally clean - anytime. It enhances intimacy, improves sexual relations and preserves dignity. You will be more comfortable and confident day or night. You really won't believe that you ever lived without it! Designed to help you be healthy The Biffy� was developed by a medical doctor to limit the spread of infection and help prevent urinary tract infections. It aids the healing of hemorrhoids and provides relief for both constipation and diarrhea. The Biffy� is a great addition to feminine hygiene. Using the Biffy� Sit comfortably on the toilet seat. Push the handle back and the clear hygienic spray arm swings out, automatically turns on and rinses you with fresh tap water. When you release the handle the Biffy� shuts off, cleans itself and hides away at the edge of the bowl. It does all the work. You'll love your Biffy�! Easy 3 Step Installation 1. Simply remove the toilet seat and place the Biffy� on the rim of the toilet. 2. Re-mount the toilet seat with the Biffy� in place. 3. Finish by connecting the hose to the water supply. The Biffy� is UPCc Approved The Biffy� Model UPC-1 is certified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials to pass all requirements of the Universal Plumbing Code for both the United States and Canada! How does this help you ??? 1. The Biffy protects your water supply with it's built-in Vacuum Breakers and Backflow Prevention. 2. The Spray-Arm protects you because it retracts and Cleans Itself everytime you use it. 3. The Biffy is built to last, it can handle prolonged high pressure surges of over 250 PSI. 4. It can withstand over 75,000 successive uses without fail. That's 30 years in a typical home! 5. The Biffy is safe & approved for your home and business facility, including hospitals, hotels, etc. The Biffy Universal model features the same performance, safety features and durable construction, but, has a more compact design for home use. It is our recommended model for non-commercial installations. Your Biffy� has a great warranty The Biffy� has a one year warranty. We stand behind the Biffy unconditionally! In fact, we offer a complete 100% Satisfaction Guarantee that you'll love you're Biffy or we'll refund your money in full - no questions asked!

THE DRAIN MASTER ELECTRIC WASTE VALVE

This product, redesigned for simple installation as well as simple operation enables RVers to empty holding tanks at the flip of a switch.... We are always looking for ways to make our lives a little easier, and that is no exception for RVers. Especially when it comes to the nasty task of dumping the holding tanks on our RVs. OK how many of you ladies have to deal with this dirty task as well. When you think about what your hands are coming in contact with, you just may want to read on . . . Phase Four Industries the manufacturer of Drain Master electric RV waste valves continues to improve on a product that has been around for 8 years. The majority of electric and pneumatic dump valves available today are add-on units that actuate an existing standard blade-type dump valve. They accomplish this by attaching their mechanism to the stem of the valve, and thus operate in this manner. The Drain Master valve takes a different approach � Drain Master is actually an electric valve that replaces the standard gate valve on most RVs. The actuating motor and gears are built into the body to create a compact, unitized valve (valve dimension = 10� w x 6� h x 1 �� depth). The valve has been redesigned after recommendations were received when the company solicited RVers� input. Newest improvements have been the new �cutter� feature on the valve which allows the blade to assist in cutting any TP that may become lodged in the gate area along with a change to the double sided manual override. The override now consists of 1/8� Allen Wrench head. The blade-style Drain Master valve is driven by a tiny but powerful and fast 12-volt DC motor. The motor draws less than 2.5 amps during operation, and draws no power when held in the open or closed positions. The product is designed to reduce the time and energy required for emptying holding tanks. After the owner attaches the drain hose as usual, a simple flip of a switch opens or closes the Drain Master valve. The Drain Master is available in a 3-inch valve size, as many RV manufacturers are using 3-inch plumbing on both the black water and gray water holding tanks. This is probably the result of larger tanks taking longer to empty waste through the smaller lines. An adapter kit, sold separately, allows Drain Master to be used with 1 �� or 2-inch pipes. Phase Four Industries supplies detailed instructions that explain how to remove the old valve and install the Drain Master. Several safety precautions are emphasized, the most prominent of which is printed on a card protruding from the valve itself. The card includes a warning not to operate the valve prior to installation, because the plastic gate has a sharp leading edge and takes only a second to activate. This could cause injury to a couple of fingers. Drain Master should fit into service areas on most RVs. Before starting the installation, empty and flush the holding tank(s). Remove the four bolts connecting the old valve to the flanges, separate the plumbing, and remove the old valve and the seals. Before installing the new Drain Master valve, be sure the gate is in the closed position. New seals are provided and it is critical for a trouble free operation that the correct Drain Master seals are used. The seals are a snug fit and should be placed directly onto the flanges on the existing piping after they are lubricated with the supplied lubricant (Dow111 recommended). Please note the seals should not be installed on the valve � very important). The valve can be installed in any position other than the motor down position. There is a newly redesigned double sided manual override to operate the valve in case of an electrical failure on the RV and the valve must be opened manually. You just need 1/8� Allen Wrench to operate the override � old design used a flat blade screwdriver. The valve comes with a rocker switch and stick on labels to identify the black or gray water tanks, and the wiring is color coded. Naturally, 12 volts must be available for the electric motor to operate. Instructions call out for a 5-amp fuse in the supply line. The Drain Master is compact enough to fit into close quarters, yet is simple to install (complete installation should take no more than one hour). Operation is simple as well. Suggested retail pricing is $108.27. It comes with a two year warranty. Drain Master is available at most Camping World stores and many RV dealerships and repair shops. For more information, contact Phase Four Industries directly at (877) 787-8833 or visit www.drainmaster.com.

THE COMING CRISIS IN

When we enjoy the RV lifestyle, whether it is in a pop-up camper in the state forest or in a luxury motorcoach in an upscale RV resort, there is one miserable task that probably all of us could agree on. That would be the emptying of porta-potties, cassettes, holding tanks and removing dirty water and human waste from the RV to an approved sewer connection, dump station, or septic system. It is, by far, the task that RVers really dislike and wish the industry would do something about it. The RV industry is probably the only industry that deals with the disposal of human waste and we do it without any standards, government regulations, or oversight authority that makes sure it is being safely disposed of so that the health and well-being of all RVers is being protected. We are one of a few industries that have managed to avoid the watchful eyes of government regulations and it is only a matter of time before the folks in Washington and our state capitals find out that the way the RV industry deals with this topic is completely unacceptable when you consider the consequences when it is not done right. And we all know how many times it is not done right. There probably isn�t anyone reading this article that doesn�t have their own horror story that includes a dumping disaster. Perhaps the ones we have experienced may not have been as bad as Robin Williams� fecal shower as depicted in the recent movie titled RV. Sure there were a lot of laughs in theaters across the country, but when the laughter subsided and the movie was relegated to the clearance racks at video stores and your local Wal-Mart, the thought of just how ugly and messy this task can be . . . and how dangerous it may be to you and other members of your family. There�s a reason why you don�t see many women rushing to complete this task when you break camp or pull into a dumping station. They want no part of this one guys! This is when they invoke that famous line; I�ll take care of things on the inside (pink jobs), and you can take care of things on the outside (blue jobs)! As As our industry grows and we continue to see an increase in the number of RV�s sold, and the many new baby boomers enjoying the lifestyle, we are going to have to change the way we do things because this new generation of camping enthusiasts is not going to stand for business as usual, especially when it comes to their health and environment. The The tide does appear to be changing and one Circle of Trust member company is head and shoulders ahead of the competition when it comes to changing the way we evacuate waste from an RV. That comp That company is Phase Four Industries of Hollister, CA (www.phasefourindustries.com). Under the direction of Doug Swarts, the president, this forward thinking group has an interesting selection of products that deal specifically with waste evacuation. Doug retired several years ago after he sold his semiconductor business and hit the open road in a converted bus. As an engineer and inventor, it wasn�t long before he was once again tinkering with things and trying to improve those areas of RVing that he really detested. As he traveled around the country he soon realized that he wasn�t alone in his distaste for emptying his holding tanks. Think about it; have you ever met anybody in your camping travels that told you they did enjoy emptying their holding tanks? I doubt it. The first RV invention Doug developed was an electric dumping valve. It is absolutely amazing to me, and most RVers, that manufacturers continue to build everything from pop-up campers to million dollar motorhomes and then put those stupid and worthless cable pull valves at the exit point of your waste management system. Doug�s invention, called Drain Master, is quickly becoming an industry standard and can be found on the shelves of most RV dealers parts and accessories stores and on the racks and in the catalog of Camping World. Many RV manufacturers are now starting to include the Drain Master valves as standard equipment. As more new people discover the joys of camping and RV travel, they also join the rest of us in wondering why emptying the holding tanks has to be such a distasteful task. This increase in active RVers is also bringing with it a significant upswing in the number of incidents of raw waste spills at campgrounds, RV resorts and dump stations. Doug is leading a group of concerned industry advocates who are working with the RVIA to proactively address these problems before the government intervention, penalties, or enforcement policies that force the industry to make the changes under the watchful eye of a government agency or regulatory body. Also helping out in the campaign is Also helping out in the campaign is Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, a respected author, instructor, and consultant in the RV industry. Gary can be read in several RV publications and now has a new television show titled RV Roadtrips on the DIY network on cable television. The Rally Park at Lazydays, the industry�s largest RV dealership, recently had to post notices in the park that explained a recent enforcement policy from the EPA that prohibited the washing of RVs. It seems the EPA didn�t want any soap or detergents going into the city storm drains. And this was just dirty water. Can you just imagine what the EPA would be like if they ever took soil samples around dumping stations or waste outlets in campgrounds or RV resorts! I�ll bet you can, and that is why the industry must now step up and establish standards and procedures for the efficient and healthy disposal of human waste, and change the plumbing codes that govern how a manufacturer addresses this situation with their products. Swarts wasn�t content with replacing cable pulls with electric valves and went to work on a totally automated waste management system that would guarantee a safe and environmentally friendly way to empty holding tanks. Phase Four Industries recently introduced the Waste Master system of products that remove all of the distasteful aspects of emptying one�s holding tank and replaces the process with an extremely durable sewer hose that is connected to the RV. At the end of a hose is a nozzle that does secure the evacuation system in an approved sewer outlet, without touching the hose or the outlet. Several manufacturers are ready to announce the manual version of the Waste Master system on their RVs. This is the ultimate system-The nozzle and sewer hose are pre-connected, pre-stored and ready to go. Open the bay door and simply extend the industrial grade sewer hose with special nozzle attached. It is a lot like extending a gas nozzle from a gas pump. There�s no stooping and fumbling to plug it into the ground inlet. Now, just open the lever and push two buttons. It�s so clean; you could even do it with white gloves on. When you�re done, all you do is close the lever, press the button, and it retracts itself fully. No mess. No dripping. No coiling. And best of all; it�s totally sanitary. As our politicians like to remind us each election season; Help is on the way! This time is actually is and Phase Four Industries is leading the change.

WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE IN SYSTEMS FOR DUMPING WASTE FROM MY RV?

There are three methods in use today for dumping human waste from an RV. The first method is the system (well not really a system) currently supplied by the RV manufacturer. Oh, sorry but most RV manufacturers leave it up to the RV owner to figure out what to buy at a retail RV accessories store. If you were to buy an RV that has a �starter kit� for hook ups, they are not supposed to be actually used, they are supplied by the manufacturer or the dealer to give you the feeling they are concerned about you having a �safe and sanitary method of removing waste from your RV�. The fact is, this kit should be tossed in the trash because of the poor quality. It WILL cause you to have a bad first experience. Assuming you didn�t get this kit, you need to buy a sewer hose or two. There are three or four choices here depending on the store. All of the sewer hoses available are made of vinyl or in one case �polyolefin� which is a material used for shrink wrap applications. The method of construction is most important here, and all sewer hoses for sale in retail stores (with a couple of exceptions) are made the same. The wire inside the hose is sandwiched between a layer of material. Drag the hose on the ground and chances are really good that you will see the wire, which means you have a leak - Time for a new hose. Now for the fittings, both at the RV and the sewer inlet. The bayonet style fittings are the most commonly used and are simply poorly engineered for the application. You push the fitting on to the receiving fitting, after removing the cap, and then twist the unit which causes the seal to distort. If not immediately, over time you will get a drip of the nasty. If all goes well, and you have successfully transferred your waste from the RV to an approved sewer inlet, you must disconnect the hose from the RV, clean the inside (to avoid unpleasant odors) and find a suitable space to store the unit. Try doing this without spilling any water on the ground around the site. One would think after 30 plus years, that the RV manufacturers would have designed a system that would protect you, as well as the environment, from this nasty but necessary task. The second method used by some is a macerator pump system. These can be purchased in RV accessory stores, as well as an option by a couple of RV manufacturers. The first question I have is: If these are so good, why do the high end bus style converters not use them? They can buy and install any system because cost is not a factor. The reason is that they have in the past used them, but the difficulty of use by the average RVer, coupled with the maintenance required, the energy needed to run, and the time it takes to dump the tanks, makes no sense. What drives people to use these pumps is two fold: One- they have not had a durable long lasting 3� sewer hose and the proper fittings to do the job. Two- they need to use a pump on occasion to pump uphill to the clean out. Ninety nine percent of the time the pump is not needed, so why go to the expense and time to do a simple task? The third method is a system called Waste Master. This system comes in about 6 or 8 different configurations depending on the RV it is being installed on. The premise for the system is the result of identifying the problems associated with the transfer of waste itself. #1 Problem: Besides the pain of disconnecting and cleaning of the 3� hose, there is the mess left by others to deal with, and the mark it leaves in our environment. #2 Problem: The components used to do the transfer, which are not suited to stand up to the initial pressure when the dump valve is opened. In addition, the fitting going into the sewer inlet, has no way of being shut off, if a leak is detected. The only place to stop the flow is back at the dump valve. Needless to say, the mess left after an accident is embarrassing, as well as, contaminating the space we all come to enjoy, the great outdoors. Waste Master is the simple solution. It starts with having the proper tools used to transfer waste. With that in mind, we went in search of the best hose suited for the job. The Sewer Master hose is made out of the right material and constructed in such a way that it is extremely durable. Next, we designed a nozzle for the approved sewer inlet with a handle, a swivel, a compression donut to hold it in the sewer hole and a lever to stop the flow, if necessary. In addition, when the nozzle is in the stored or closed position, no drips or fumes can escape. Next comes the coach connection. We decided that if the hose is connected to the RV at all times, it would not need to be cleaned. So we found industrial grade 3� threaded fittings and the proper hose barbs, to insure a leak, drip free connection between the fitting and the hose. When installed on any RV, you simply pick up the nozzle and walk it to the approved sewer inlet, wedge the compression donut on the nozzle into the hole and when you are satisfied all is well, open the nozzle valve. Then go back to the coach and open the Black valve, by pushing a button and the transfer begins. Time now to dump the Grey water which cleans out any Black water contaminates. The holding tanks can be flushed as well, if the RV has sprayers for this purpose. When the task is complete and the hose is empty (it can have up to � gallon of water left in the hose), simply close the nozzle valve, lift the nozzle out of the sewer hole (replacing the sewer hole cap) and return it to the RV. You are finished and have not soiled the environment or yourself. In addition, the dumping process took less than 5 minutes. A pump system would have taken 2 to 3 times longer. Remember, I said in some cases you may need to use a pump, in which case, you simply remove the compression donut from the nozzle and connect the pump, using an adaptor, open the valve on the nozzle, open the dump valve, turn on the pump, wait until the pump sounds much louder than it did. Then turn it off, close the dump valves, then the nozzle valve, remove the adaptor, clean the adaptor and pump, as well as the small hose and, well you get the idea. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic simply go to your web site www.wastemaster.net and write to me, Dumper Doug using our forum.

BACK TO BASICS WITH DUMPING RV HOLDING TANKS

Before you begin emptying the holding tanks of your RV, there are a few important things to take into account in order to avoid another �Happy Hour� story. � Do not open your dump valves until you have properly hooked your connections to the coach and the approved sewer inlet. � Consider wearing a pair of rubber gloves or even boots if you are not using the Waste Master System and are concerned about human waste (yours), getting onto you and the surrounding area Connecting to the Dump Station RVs have two different holding tanks, the black tank and the gray tank. Waste from the toilet flows into the black tank while the gray tank collects dirty water from the sinks and showers. Both tanks have a common termination point in a designated storage bay (usually on the roadside of the vehicle) where the sewer hose is to be connected. Be sure both the black and gray tank valves are closed before removing the outlet cap. When removing the cap it is recommended you have a container under the outlet in case a valve did not close all the way, and remove the cap slowly. Next, connect your hose by inserting it onto the bayonet spigot and turning clockwise until it locks into place. Extend your hose to the dump station (usually a hole in the ground that is slightly larger than 3�) and insert it about six inches into the hole. We recommend using a fitting and some weight to hold the fitting in place. Go slowly when undoing the hose to avoid tearing it from the fitting you just connected to the coach. To avoid rips and tears in your hose (which could lead to an unsightly mess) be sure to avoid pulling it across the ground. (It is also highly recommended that you invest in a heavy duty sewer hose such as Sewer Supreme or Sewer Master to avoid unnecessary leaks/holes) Acceptable connection methods to dump stations vary based on local codes, so be sure to use the method specified for you in this area. If a precise connection method is not specified, you should be sure to use something heavy, such as the lid of the dump station or a brick, to secure the hose so it does not come out while are emptying your tanks. With your hose secured, you now have two options for emptying your tanks. If your coach is equipped with the Waste Master System or Drain Master electric waste valves, skip down the page to that header. For all other types, continue reading. Emptying the tanks To empty your tanks: � Manually open the larger (3�) valve, which connects to the black water tank. The waste will flow through the sewer hose and you will be able to hear it when it eventually slows. Be sure all the waste has emptied from the tank before closing the black tank valve. � Open the small (1 ��) valve, which connects to the gray tank (depending on the coach manufacturer, this may be a 3� valve). You will again hear water flowing; wait until it has stopped before closing the valve. � It is optional, but recommended, to flush and rinse both tanks for sanitary reasons. To do this, fill your tanks 2/3 of the way with water and repeat the above steps. With the Drain Master Electric Waste Valves � Push �black water Drain Master switch� towards open position and hold for one to seconds � the valve will open and waste flows into the sewer. � Turn on the black water tank flush (if equipped). � Close Drain Master black water valve while leaving tank flusher on. � Fill black water tank half full, then push Drain Master switch to open position. � Close valve when empty and repeat until the water runs clear. This process is optional but ensures that the tank is clean and free of odors. � Turn off the black water sprayer and close black water valve. � Repeat this process with the gray tank. With the Waste Master System � Open the compartment that houses the Waste Master hose/nozzle assembly. Once you have the Waste Master nozzle in hand, walk it over and place nozzle in the ground inlet (if equipped with the Waste Master 6 automated system, you will use the remote key and push button 1 to automatically extend the hose; once you reach the ground hole, release the button, and insert nozzle into ground inlet) wedging the nozzle in with the compression donut. If a longer hose is needed to reach the sewer inlet, remove the compression donut from the nozzle and screw on an extra length of hose. � Raise the gray handle on the nozzle to the open position. � Now refer to the above instructions on coaches equipped with the Drain Master Electric Waste Valves. � When you are done dumping and ready to go, all you do is go to the nozzle which is still in the ground inlet, close the gray handle, manually push the hose back into the coach until the nozzle rests in its storage area. If equipped with Waste Master 6, once again use the remote control, only this time push button 2 until the nozzle rests in its storage area. Note: If you have used an extension hose it will need to be removed, cleaned and stored. Disconnecting the Hose (if coach is not equipped with above Waste Master System) Make sure both the black and gray water tanks are closed before attempting to disconnect the sewer hose. Once you have disconnected the hose from the tank, raise the end you disconnected to drain the remaining water into the sewer. Walk towards the ground inlet while lifting the hose to ensure that all water has been removed. It is a good idea to add holding tank treatments after performing a system flush. First, add enough water to cover the bottom of your black tank, about five gallons (roughly three flushes). Next, allow the toilet to fill again and add the recommended amount of treatment (generally four ounces for every forty gallons) before flushing. Treatment for the gray tank can be used at this time as well. It is also recommended to occasionally pour a small amount of this waste digester down each sink and shower drain. Doing so will keep the p traps clean and odor free. Harmful Chemicals Recently, many free stations have been forced to close down because people choose to use holding tank chemicals that are harmful to septic systems. To ensure that these free dump stations remain open, avoid using formaldehyde containing products, and bleach as they destroy �good� bacteria that aid in breaking down waste. They can also be harmful to animals and pets. Instead, consider enzyme-based chemicals that use these �good� bacteria to decompose waste and control odors. Good Advice Now that you know the basics of emptying your tanks, here are some things to keep in mind. � Wait until the black-water tank is at least two-thirds full before dumping. This is also a good rule to follow when emptying the gray-water tank. � Be sure to disconnect and close the black tank valve after each dumping � leaving it open when camping allows liquids to drain, but leaves solid waste behind to harden in your tank. � A heavy-duty sewer hose (such as the Sewer Master or Sewer Supreme) makes handling much easier. Carrying a spare hose is also recommended. � In case a dump station lacks a hose, it is a good idea to carry an extra garden hose of your own. Be sure to keep it somewhere where it will not come into contact with your drinking water hose. Having two different colored hoses, one for fresh water and another associated with waste dumping is another good idea to avoid confusion. Never use your fresh water hose for cleaning any part associated with dumping waste. � Use only single ply toilet paper or the type designed for RVs. � As a matter of courtesy, skip the tank flushing/hose rinsing steps if you notice other people waiting to use the station. You can add water and apply chemical treatment after pulling out of the way. � Put only the contents of your holding tank into the dump station. � Be sure to keep dump stations clean, otherwise you may have to pay for dump stations in the future. � Make hooking-up a routine o Do everything in sequence so that nothing is forgotten. o Always do clean jobs first ending with dirty. � Keep the following items in the service bay o Disposable latex gloves. o Spray bottle of bleach water. Clorox bleach wipes. Paper towel instead of rags. Plastic bags for disposing of gloves, paper towel and bleach wipes. o Hook-up routine o Put on disposable latex/vinyl gloves. We recommend disposable over the rubber gloves which don�t get cleaned and stay in the bay 20/80 bleach/water solution. o Use paper towels and bleach wipes to clean up any spills or to wipe down the fresh water hose before you store it. o Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap after all hookup jobs are done. o Remove gloves by turning one inside of the other for disposal. o Place gloves, paper towels and bleach wipes in the plastic bag for easy and safe disposal. Water Hose Care Sanitize your fresh water hose often to prevent mold/mildew. Use small amount of hydrogen peroxide (It�s ingestible so it won�t hurt you) and water in your water hose. Attach caps at both ends of the hose and let it slosh around in the bay as you travel to your next location (also good to do before you store your coach). Caps and plugs are available at hardware stores. Use white water hose for fresh water supply only. Purchase a different colored garden hose to use for all other jobs. Sewer Hose and Attachments Never use your fresh water hose to wash your sewer hoses/attachments. Put sewer hose and attachments in a plastic box or plastic bag and clean or replace container often.

PRESS RELEASE - HORRORS OF DISPOSING RV WASTE

RV Movie Staring Robin Williams Depicts the Horrors of Disposing Human Waste from an RV, Trailer, or Motor Home Summary: The manufacturer of Waste Master hopes the public is not turned off to camping in an RV or trailer by seeing the problems of dumping the holding tank experienced by star Robin Williams in his new movie. Hollister, Calif. -- Robin Williams stars as Bob Monro in the new film "RV" in which he is shown covered with human waste, but the real world offers a solution that prevents such problems. The standard equipment that comes with most RV and trailer units is hard to use, and it is hard to avoid spills when dumping human waste, but an aftermarket product removes all the mess and keeps things sanitary. "We want the public to know that it does not have to end up in the horrible mess that Robin Williams got himself into in the movie," said Doug Swarts of Phase Four Industries. "Emptying the holding tanks of human waste is just plain offensive, and it is a major reason many people will not use an RV. We want the public to know there is a better way." The popular movie depicts the challenges Williams has as he tries to bring his family on vacation in a rented RV. In the scene where he empties the holding tanks, Williams ends up covered from head to toe in human waste. He has to be hosed off, which gets laughs, but also causes the public to think that it could happen to them as well. "It doesn't have to be that way," says Swarts. "As an RV owner I knew there had to be a better way to take care of this unpleasant task. I came up with the Waste Master (tm), and now there is a way to easily empty the holding tanks, in a totally sanitary and environmentally friendly manner." Could it happen in real life? "It certainly could, and it does. Far too often," said Swarts. "But all those problems can be avoided, and the task can be clean and sanitary, but too many RV owners do not know there is an easy, inexpensive solution." The Waste Master is stored in a bay door on the side of an RV. It is designed to prevent spills and be completely sanitary. "The nozzle and sewer hose are pre-connected, pre-stored and ready to go. Open the bay door, and with the press of a button, simply extend the industrial grade sewer hose with special nozzle attached. It is a lot like extending a gas nozzle from a gas pump. There's no stooping and fumbling to plug it into the ground inlet. Now, just open the lever and push two buttons. It's so clean, you could even do it with white gloves on. When you're done, all you do is close the lever, press the button, and it retracts itself fully. No mess. No dripping. No coiling. And best of all it's totally sanitary," explained Swarts. Watching Williams in the movie "RV" may be entertaining, but Swarts hopes it does not cause people to avoid using an RV. All of the problems Williams encounters can be avoided, and the task of emptying the holding tank can be simple and clean. Phase Four Industries provides a web site with extensive information at http://www.PhaseFourIndustries.com. Contact: Doug Swarts 877-787-8833 doug@phasefourindustries.com

PRESS RELEASE - "RV" The Movie

Robin Williams Shows the World the Challenges of Disposing of Human Waste from an RV, Trailer, or Motor Home Summary: The manufacturer of Waste Master has a message for viewers of the movie "RV": there is a safe, sanitary, easy way to dispose of human waste from the holding tank of an RV, camper, trailer, or motor home. Hollister, Calif. -- The 10 million or more RV owners in the U.S. can all identify with actor Robin Williams in the new movie "RV", particularly the challenges of disposing of human waste. "Robin Williams goes through a terrible experience, which is really every RV owner's greatest fear. We all hate to empty the holding tanks because we all fear the very strong chance that something will go wrong and we will spill human waste all over the place and on ourselves and others," said Doug Swarts of Phase Four Industries. The scene in the movie is exaggerated for the sake of humor, but the image is all too real for most RV owners. Every RV owner hates to put on the rubber gloves, connect the hose, and open the valve. It is a messy, smelly job if it goes well. Unfortunately far too often it does not go well and human waste ends up all over the ground, on the RV, and on people. "It doesn't have to be that way," says Swarts. "As an RV owner I knew there had to be a better way to take care of this unpleasant task. I came up with the Waste Master (tm), and now there is a way to easily empty the holding tanks, in a totally sanitary and environmentally friendly manner." Every RV owner knows that what happened to Williams' character Bob Monro in the new movie "RV" is not a total exaggeration. Williams had to be hosed down from head to toe after his mishap, and the ground pollution was extensive. Could it happen in real life? "It certainly could, and it does. Far too often," said Swarts. "All those problems can be avoided, and the task can be clean and sanitary, but too many RV owners do not know there is an easy, inexpensive solution." The Waste Master is stored in a bay door on the side of an RV. It is designed to prevent spills and be completely sanitary. "The nozzle and sewer hose are pre-connected, pre-stored and ready to go. Open the bay door, and with the press of a button, simply extend the industrial grade sewer hose with special nozzle attached. It is a lot like extending a gas nozzle from a gas pump. There's no stooping and fumbling to plug it into the ground inlet. Now, just open the lever and push two buttons. It's so clean, you could even do it with white gloves on. When you're done, all you do is close the lever, press the button, and it retracts itself fully. No mess. No dripping. No coiling. And best of all it's totally sanitary," explained Swarts. Watching Williams in the movie "RV" may be entertaining, but Swarts hopes it does not cause people to avoid using an RV. All of the problems Williams encounters can be avoided, and the task of emptying the holding tanks can be simple and clean. Phase Four Industries provides a web site with extensive information at http://www.PhaseFourIndustries.com. Contact: Doug Swarts 877-787-8833 doug@phasefourindustries.com