Waste management is the part of RV living that no one wants to deal with. However, knowing how your tanks work and maintaining them properly will extend the life of your RV systems and keep you and your family happy and healthy. Here is everything you need to know about RV holding tanks.
Types of RV holding tanks
Unless you’re operating a smaller trailer or campervan, your RV plumbing system consists of three tanks. There is the fresh water holding tank, gray water holding tank, and black water holding tank. Each store water and waste so that you have access to plumbing on the road. To properly maintain your RV, it’s important to know what each tank is responsible for.
1. Fresh Water Holding Tank
Your freshwater holding tank is where all your clean water will be stored. This water will be used for your RV’s sinks, shower, and toilet. You may also choose to use this as your drinking water, but the water must be clean and filtered correctly if you plan to drink it. Improperly filtered fresh water can still make you and your family sick. If you choose to use your freshwater holding tank for drinking water, you will want to make sure it has gone through the proper sanitation process.
2. Gray Water Holding Tank
Your gray water holding tank stores wastewater from sinks, showers, and kitchen drains. After you wash your dishes or take a shower, that water is held in the gray water tank. If your RV doesn’t have a gray tank, then this wastewater is also stored in the black tank. The term “gray water” refers to the fact that this water is relatively clean and does not contain human waste. Although it does not contain human waste, gray water will still eventually need to be dumped at an official dump station or sewage facility.
3. Black Water Holding Tank
The black water holding tank collects all the sewage and waste flushed down the RV toilet until it can be properly disposed of at a designated dumping station or sewer system. The term “black water” refers to the waste from the toilet, which includes human waste and toilet paper. This tank is a key component to an RV’s plumbing system, allowing travelers the convenience of bathroom facilities without needing a direct connection to a sewer system. Proper maintenance and care of this tank is essential for both the hygiene and functionality of an RV.
RV Holding Tank Maintenance
It’s important to conduct regular maintenance on your RV holding tanks. Neglecting to do so could result in expensive repairs and unnecessary damage. To maintain your holding tanks, you should be monitoring the sensors and ensure they’re working properly. These sensors indicate the water levels in your holding tanks, which in turn informs you of when you should empty your tanks. Holding tanks should be emptied once they are 2/3 full or ¾ full. If you wait too long, you risk damaging your RV and imposing health risks upon you and your family.
Proper maintenance of RV holding tanks is essential for ensuring the functionality, hygiene, and longevity of your RV’s plumbing system. Here’s a comprehensive list of key maintenance tasks for RV holding tanks:
Regular Monitoring: Check the levels of both black and gray water tanks regularly to avoid overfilling. Overfilling can lead to problems such as health issues, undesirable smells, and damage to your RV. Regular monitoring will also alert you to any issues with the tank sensors, which should be calibrated and cleaned regularly for accurate readings.
Dumping Frequency: Empty the black water tank when it’s about two-thirds to three-quarters full to prevent overfilling and backups. Empty the gray water tank as needed, typically when it’s full or before storing the RV for an extended period. Dump the fresh water tank as needed for sanitization purposes.
Proper Disposal: Always dump RV waste at designated dumping stations or sewer systems. Never dump waste illegally or in areas where it can harm the environment. Check here for some common places that have dump stations.
Tank Treatments: Use RV-specific tank treatments to break down waste, control odors, and maintain tank cleanliness. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage tank seals, valves, or the tank itself. Stick to RV-safe products for both your toilet and tank.
Water Conservation: Practice water conservation habits to minimize the amount of wastewater generated, reducing the frequency of tank dumping and prolonging the intervals between fills.
Toilet Maintenance: Use RV-friendly toilet paper to prevent clogs and ensure smooth operation. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items or chemicals that can harm the tank or the environment.
Tank Inspections: Periodically inspect the tank and plumbing system for signs of leaks, cracks, or damage. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage or contamination. When handling your blank tank system, be sure to wear the appropriate protective equipment. This includes gloves, a mask, and long sleeves. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, consider a professional inspection.
Winterization: If storing the RV during winter months or in cold climates, properly winterize the holding tanks to prevent freezing. Freezing causes damage by expanding the pipes and tanks. Follow manufacturer guidelines or seek professional assistance if unsure. If winterizing, use RV antifreeze specifically designed for holding tanks. Regular automotive antifreeze can be harmful to the environment and plumbing systems.
By following these maintenance guidelines, you can keep your RV holding tanks in optimal condition, ensuring a hassle-free and hygienic camping experience. It’s a good idea to develop and follow a regular maintenance schedule for your RV’s holding tanks, including dumping, flushing, and treatment routines.
Emptying RV Holding Tanks
RV holding tanks need to be emptied regularly, so knowing how to do so properly is essential. Holding tanks should be emptied once they are 2/3 full or ¾ full. If you wait too long, you risk damaging your RV and imposing health risks upon you and your family. Here is how to empty each type of RV holding tank:
Fresh Water Tank
Dumping your RV freshwater tank is a bit different from dumping the black or gray water tanks, as freshwater tanks hold clean water rather than waste. However, it is important to sanitize your fresh water. Sanitization is an important process to keep you healthy, even if you aren’t planning to drink your fresh water. Use only a potable water hose to fill your freshwater tank. These hoses are typically white in color.
To sanitize your freshwater system, use a quarter cup of bleach for every 15 gallons of water. Once your tank is filled with the diluted cleaning solution, turn on your water pump and run the water through your faucets and shower. Keep running the water until all the bleach has run through.
To dump your RV freshwater holding tank, turn off any water sources and locate the drain valve or outlet. Prepare a container to collect the water solution, then open the drain valve so the tank contents drain. Make sure you allow the tank to drain fully before shutting the valve. For thorough cleaning, flush water through the system and repeat as needed. After you refill the tank, now is a good time to check for any leaks.
By following these steps, you can keep your fresh water clean while maintaining the function of your water system.
Gray Water Tank
Gray water holding tanks fill up faster than black water tanks. This is because more water is required to shower and wash dishes than flush the toilet. You will want to monitor the levels so that the water doesn’t start filling your sink or shower floor.
Once your gray water tank is ready for dumping, you have a few options. However, even if you use biodegradable soap, you should never dump your gray water in the ground. Food particles and even biodegradable soaps may still have a negative environmental impact.
Some people think this only applies to black water, but your gray water tank will eventually have to be dumped and emptied at a dump station. If you dump improperly, you will risk incurring fines. Be sure to dump your tanks legally; it is better for the environment and your wallet! As a temporary measure, however, you can dump your gray water in your RV toilet or campground toilet. Just pay attention to the liquid levels in your black water tank! The same dumping instructions apply to both your gray and black water tank.
Black Water Tank
This is the task newer RVers dread: emptying the black water tank. Although it may feel daunting, it’s a necessary step for eliminating or preventing the presence of unpleasant odors and bacteria. Plus, you don’t want to overfill your black water tank. If your black tank backs up, this poses a health risk, and your RV could suffer water damage. You should always empty your black tank before you embark on a road trip.
To empty your black and gray water tank, first you need to access your sewer hose and securely attach it to the dump station hole. Ensure that it is secure enough that it will not pop off. Proceed by attaching the sewer hose to the tank drain hole. Once secured, you can open the valve to the black water tank. After completing the dumping process, you’ll want to rinse out the now empty tank.
To clean the empty tank, you can hook up a normal garden hose to the water source at the station and insert it in the toilet. Let the water flow until the tank has reached the two-thirds mark, then dump the contents once more. Use a liquid tank cleaner for any remaining debris.
After this process is complete, it is recommended that you rinse out the sewer hose with water before detaching the line. This prevents unwanted spillage of sewage contents from the hose. After you finish this step, close the RV drain cap and add treatment chemicals. Typically, you’ll pour the appropriate amount of treatment chemical directly into the toilet bowl and flush it into the black water tank. This step helps control odors and break down waste so that it is easier to drain.
Then, you will add a minimum of two gallons of freshwater. Check the tank cleaner bottle for the recommended amount of freshwater. It’s important to keep the system in good health with the necessary tools and chemicals. Next, confirm that all the water tank valves are closed, then detach the sewer hose from your RV tank.
Best RV holding tank cleaner
There are many different products available, but the best RV holding tank cleaner is going to be one that is approved for use by the manufacturer. Before conducting maintenance, it’s important to refer to your RV user manual. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage your RV’s tanks and drains and cause environmental harm. Always use RV-safe products. The best holding tank cleaners will effectively break down waste without causing damage to your plumbing system. It’s a good idea to read reviews and recommendations from experienced RV travelers.
RV holding tank problems
Even if you keep up with regular maintenance, there is still the possibility of experiencing problems with your holding tank. It’s important to know about the common issues they face and how to address them properly. Here are some common RV holding tank problems and how to fix them.
Clogging: Clogging is a dreaded issue with the black water holding tank. This occurs when waste is too large to pass through the valves or hoses. To prevent clogging, use RV toilet safe toilet paper and make sure you’re using the correct type of black water treatment.
Malfunctioning Sensors: Tank sensors allow you to monitor the water levels of your holding tanks. Faulty sensors will give you incorrect readings, indicating that a tank is full when it is not, or vice versa. Unfortunately, these sensors are prone to issues. The most common cause is debris stuck to the sensor. To get them working again, you need to remove the debris. You can accomplish this by rinsing the holding tank or using an RV toilet wand. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be time to replace the sensors.
Leaks: Leaks are a very common problem in RV plumbing systems and have the potential to cause costly damage. This is why it’s important to check for leaks during regular maintenance. If your wastewater tank is leaking, stop using the system immediately so you don’t contaminate the ground or your rig with waste. Then, empty the tank and place a collection container under the leak.
For handy RVers, small cracks can be easy to address. Most holding tanks are made with polyethylene plastic, so you need to find a compatible adhesive to patch the leak. Patches should be made of the same material as your tank. For larger leaks, the tank may require replacement.
Addressing RV holding tank issues can be a difficult—and unpleasant—task. Fortunately, you don’t have to get dirty. If your holding tanks suffer an unexpected failure, an RV extended warranty would cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
How to eliminate holding tank odors
Sometimes, you don’t know something is wrong with your holding tank until you smell it. Bad odors often indicate common RV holding tank problems. If things have gone afoul, the first step is to flush your tank. If the issue persists, check the tank vents on your roof. There should be one for both the gray and black tanks. Using a hose to flow water through the vent pipe will help you determine if the odor culprit is a clog.
Other times, odors from the black tank may permeate the RV through the toilet due to an ineffective seal at the ball valve. When you observe that the toilet no longer retains water, it likely indicates the need to replace this seal. Another way to prevent odors from accumulating inside is to ensure proper ventilation in the RV. Use vent fans and roof vents to promote air circulation.
Winterizing RV holding tanks
Winterizing RV holding tanks prevents damage caused by freezing. To properly prepare your tanks for travel in cold climates, you will need to use RV-friendly antifreeze. Generally, antifreeze is a liquid solution of either ethanol or propylene-glycol. The solution lowers the freezing point of the liquid in your holding tanks. Replacing the water in your tanks and plumbing lines with antifreeze will prevent any bursting caused by frozen water.
If you plan to store your RV for the winter, the first step is to properly dump and clean your black tank. Then, dump your gray tank. If the vehicle will be covered, open the sewer valve and slide valves. If the vehicle is left out in the open through the winter, keep them closed.
Eco-friendly practices in RV waste management
As outdoor lovers, RV travelers are often eager to seek out sustainable practices. There are many things you can do to minimize your impact. Choose biodegradable toilet paper, cleaning agents, and tank treatments specifically designed for RVs. These products break down more easily in the tank and are less harmful to the environment.
Another easy, eco-friendly practice is to conserve water. Take shorter showers and turn off faucets when not in use. To level up conservation efforts, there are appliances and fixtures that can help save water. This reduces water usage and minimizes the amount of wastewater, therefore decreasing the strain on holding tanks and sewage systems.
Always dispose of hazardous waste properly. Be conscious of RV holding tank levels and empty them in the appropriate facilities. Never dump in natural waterways or storm drains.
Instead of throwing things in the trash or dumping food bits down your kitchen sink, consider composting organic waste. This includes scraps of whole foods or plant trimmings. Composting reduces landfill waste and provides nutrient-rich soil for gardening. For a guide on what foods are safe to compost, review these guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Innovations in RV holding tank technology
Advancements in RV technology provide convenience, ease, and peace of mind. RV holding tank sensors are notoriously fickle. Typical sensors detect tank capacity at four levels: one quarter, half, three quarters, and full. When the sensors fail, they often read at “full” even if the tank is only a quarter full.
In recent years, an engineer patented a more reliable sensor that detects capacity with 1/8-inch accuracy. Users hail the Horst Miracle Gauge as simple, accurate, and easy to install. Instead of relying on the conductivity of traditional sensors, this gadget measures tank depth with low pressure pneumatics. Not only are upgrades within the industry exciting, but they make maintenance easier and extend the lifetime of your RV systems.
FAQs
How often do you need to empty an RV holding tank?
To prevent damage, a buildup of bacteria, and unpleasant odors, you will need to empty your RV holding tanks on a regular schedule. The dumping frequency will depend on three main factors: tank capacity, usage habits, and how many people are using the water. A common recommendation within the RV industry is to empty your black tank when it’s 2/3 full. Due to greater usage, gray tanks should be emptied as frequently as every three days. Be sure to monitor the tank levels regularly.
What size RV holding tank do I need?
Typically, RV holding tanks range from around 20 to 40 gallons for black water and 30 to 60 gallons for gray water. Consider your specific needs and habits, such as use and personal preference, to determine the right size for you. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and go slightly larger. It’s better to have more capacity than you need rather than running out at an inconvenient time.
How do I keep my RV holding tank water fresh?
To keep your RV holding tank water fresh, make sure you’re flushing the tank regularly, using the correct water treatment chemicals, and using plenty of water. Of course, dump the tanks when necessary, and only do so at official dump stations or sewage facilities. After dumping, you will need to clean your tank thoroughly to ensure the water stays fresh.
Should I store my RV water tank full or empty?
If you’re storing your RV for an extended period, or if you’re concerned about the water stagnating and potentially becoming contaminated, it’s advisable to empty the water tanks. This reduces the risk of mold, bacteria growth, and water quality issues. On the other hand, some RV owners prefer to store their RV with a full water tank to have water readily available for immediate use for their next trip. Additionally, a full tank can help maintain stability and balance in the RV during storage, especially if it’s equipped with a freshwater tank located over the axles.
