RV Tank Tips – Follow these three simple steps for a “SMELL FREE” RV. Bonus tip… I keep disposable gloves, plastic grocery bags, and clean rags in a plastic bin in my water/sewer bay.
1. Keep your tanks closed until ready to dump them.
Don’t keep your black tank valve open when connected to sewer! Letting sewage flow freely will allow all of the water to drain out leave a big stinky pile of poop at the bottom of your tank! You need a lot of water to keep everything moving. I actually keep some water in the bowl then refill the bowl after flushing it and flush again to keep plenty of water in the tank. This also helps to dissolve your toilet paper better. You can save water when you shower and wash dishes. This is one of those times when water is definitely your friend!
2. Flush the tank regularly.
It’s super important to flush your black tank regularly. I empty my black tank once per week, but it’s just me. If you have more people using your toilet, you will probably have to empty more often. And ALWAYS dump your holding tanks before traveling if you can. Not only will this reduce weight, but if you are traveling at high elevations, the pressure sometimes causes poop explosions when you remove your cap to hook up your sewer line. Trust me on this one!
Open the valve and the drain the black tank completely.
Close the black tank valve, and backfill the black tank with about 2 gallons of water. You can do this from the outside by connecting a hose and running about 2 minutes or you can do it from the inside by flushing the toilet and letting the water flow down into the holding tank.
Open the black tank valve again until completely empty, then close the valve.
Open the gray tank valve and drain completely then close the valve. If you want to leave it this valve open most of the time, you should close it at least a day, preferably two, before you drain your black tank. The soapy gray water is perfect for cleaning your sewer hose!
3. Deodorize
GRAY TANK – When my tanks are drained and flushed, and all valves are closed, I pour a 1/2 cup of Thieves Liquid dish soap (any brand should work) down the kitchen sink drain and another down the shower drain.
BLACK TANK – Add tank treatment to your toilet(s). I half fill my toilet bowl with water and add 1 scoop of Happy Camper 100% Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment. Flush water in bowl then flush again.
If water availability is a problem, you can save water when showering and washing dishes. DON’T skimp on flushing. Just plan on driving to a dump station when you need to drain and flush.
