Handy Holding Tank Tips
Using the water and toilet system in an RV is similar to your in home system with a couple of very important differences. The key difference is the fact that the RV has a set of holding tanks (one for Gray Water & one for Black Water) designed to hold waste water while not connected to ground facilities. The tank size and plumbing locations as well as components may vary, but the principle is the same. The other difference is the amount of water consumed in an RV versus a home. This is a result of the RV's ability to carry its own supply of water in a separate fresh water tank. When connected to fresh water via a hose, you can use increased volumes of water, however, the water still exits the RV through the holding tanks.
RVers sitting for long periods of time in RV resorts, etc. tend to leave the gray water valve open because it is inconvenient to go outside to pull the valve every few days. This practice leads to future problems with bad odors coming from the tank through the vent pipe. In general, people know enough to not leave the black valve open for extended periods because the waste will clog the 3" hole and fill the tank! The gray tank will not suffer this major problem, but will share the odor problem, and potential critters in the grey tank causing further sanitary & health problems.
Prior to emptying the holding tanks, be sure the sewer hose is connected to the 3" outlet on the RV. You should use a clear quick connect fitting between the hose and the RV. (Explanation later) You should also have a tank spray unit added to the Gray water tank. (Y-ing the two tank sprayers together with valves to operate each sprayer independently will ensure maximum pressure on the spray nozzle during the flush process.)
1. To drain the holding tanks, first locate and remove the spigot seal cap. Attach the flex sewer hose by inserting a clear hose adaptor into the spigot and turn clockwise to lock fitting in place. Stretch the sewer hose to the ground connection using the proper elbow fitting. (Local codes may dictate the type of fitting to be used) Be sure all connections are secure to prevent accidental spillage.
2. Push the Black
water Drain Master switch toward the open
position and hold for 1 to 2 seconds. The valve will open and the waste
will flow through the hose to the sewer. Turn on the black water tank
flush. Watch to see the water start to turn clear and the flow decrease.
Close the Drain Master black water valve while leaving the tank flusher
on. When the black water tank is half full or more, push the Drain Master
valve switch to the open position. When it's empty, close the valve and
continue to repeat this until the water runs clear. This procedure ensures
the tank is clean and free of odor.
3. Turn off the black
water sprayer and close the black water
valve.
4. Repeat the above process with the gray water tank.
5. When you are done and feel the tanks are clean, you can add the recommended amount of your favorite holding tank chemical to the black water tank. Periodically, you should pour a small amount of this chemical down each sink and the shower drain to keep the P traps clean and free of odor.
6. Milk sewer hose by lifting the hose at the coach and walk it to the sewer inlet to remove residual water. Disconnect hose from coach, wash out inside of hose and fittings. Store hose and fittings in a sanitary enclosure or plastic bag to prevent odors and unsanitary health problems.
With
the Waste Master Evacuation System, the valves are left closed at all
times, except when actually emptying the holding tanks. The system uses
two 3” Drain Master electric waste valves, one on each tank. It
comes with the sewer hose and nozzle, which is permanently connected to
the RV and operates with a remote control. No mess, no dripping, no cleaning
and best of all it’s totally sanitary!
Phase Four Industries
http://www.phasefourindustries.com/staticpages/index.php/holding_tank_tips