Owning an RV can be exciting. Something you may not find as exciting? Dumping your RV sewage! After going about it all the incorrect way, we have learned a lot about how to dump RV waste at home.
And, we are ready to pass along the valuable tips that helped us do it properly.
The following will help you be prepared on how to approach what may be a scary task, which is necessary to keep your tanks clean.
Can You Dump RV Tanks at Home?
Black water tanks collect both liquid and solids from campers. To abide by dumping laws, and prevent the spread of germs, your tanks must be dumped right and in the right place. Home septic models may be the answer you need.
Though it may not be fun, it is absolutely necessary to clean out your black water tank.
There are many things you need to know before dumping tanks at home, and the regulations that surround both black and grey ones.
Why Dump RV Tanks At Home?
Some owners choose to avoid this problem by never ever using their bathrooms. They would rather use public restrooms than deal with tanks.
For most people, that way of life is just not convenient. We’re practically living in these campers, so it’s only natural that we would need bathroom privileges.
Unfortunately, the waste containers will not dispose of themselves. And, the waste water fairy does not exist.
It is not like a regular home, where you flush, and it goes away.
It’s up to you to learn how to keep up with your tank, and follow all of these tips.
How Often Should I Empty My Black Water Tank?
Doing something for the first time can naturally bring about nervousness, especially if you don’t trust yourself to execute the task properly.
Set yourself up for success by learning the important steps, before you even think about attempting to jump.
How often should you empty your tanks? There is obviously no perfect answer. That depends on how many people you are living with and how much is getting disposed of.
The general idea is waiting until the tanks are at least 2/3 of the way full. Flushing them before then will not allow enough time for the solids to break up.
Keep an eye on your indicators. It will let you know what your levels are and give you a good idea of when you will need to dump the waste.
Don’t Have Tank Level Indicators?
Estimation is best in this case.
If you must dump before you hit the right mark, it is recommended to add enough water to bring it up to a higher level.
What Is Black Water?
There can be some ignorance on the differences between black water and grey water. The two categories of wastewater:
Black Water: Black water is waste water from the toilet that contains human waste. It is the water used to flush. Black water is known as “brown water,” or “sewage.” It contains bacteria.
It is possible to recycle your sewage into fertilizer for some plants.
It must be handled in a very specific way to kill any harmful pathogens
What Is Grey Water?
Grey Water: Grey water is waste water that comes from sinks, showers, dishwashers and washing machines. Grey water gets its name from the soap and dirt which provides its color.
It has not come into contact with feces, BUT if dumped directly on the ground, it can become black water rather quickly.
Where To Dump RV Waste?
A common question from people wanting to dump their tanks is about where to dump.
There are a few options when it comes to where to dump. There are laws against dumping black or grey tanks directly in the ground.
Dumping bacteria water on the ground can harm the ecosystem and spread illnesses. Please don’t be an irresponsible camper.
Dumping Black Water Tank At Home
Can you dump your waste water at home? Yes, but there are things you need to know.
While dumping at home may be the most nice for you, it may not be the best solution for others
For those fortunate enough to have a home septic system, saving money spent at a dump station may be a great solution.
Taking advantage of dumping at home does have its own set of codes that need to be followed.
How To Dump RV Waste At Home?
Firstly, no chemicals used! They will the beneficial bacteria in the septic system! If bacteria is destroyed, the balance will be threatened.
Home Dumping Method #1:
Locate the septic system’s pvc pipe that comes with a cap. If your system does not have one, then you need to find the access port.
Make sure you are on the solid waste area of the “baffle.” The last thing you want is to dispose in the wrong side and cause major issues.
Take your time removing the caps, the fumes are very harmful.
Home Dumping Method #2:
If you can’t dump directly into the septic system, there is another method available. It may not be the easiest though.
Using a macerator, you can grind up what’s in the tank.
Using a pump, flush it through a garden hose directly into the toilet.
Home Dumping Method #3:
This is the most physically demanding and possibly the dirtiest. It is called the bucket method.
This involves emptying the tank, one bucketful at a time, and carrying it to the home toilet.
This method is not good if the tank is too full.
Is It Legal To Dump At Home?
While it may be the most practical for you, your city or neighborhood may have rules against dumping your RV waste into a residential sewage area.
Tank Chemicals
The last thing we want is for the RV to smell like a porta-potty that has been sitting in the heat forever.
One way to keep the bad smells away is by using the right products.
Chemicals and treatments will differ between systems.
For dump stations, there are few restrictions on what type of RV chemicals you can utilize.
It is good to avoid formaldehyde based chemicals, which are usually not manufactured for RV purposes
It may depend on which brand of treatments are up to your individual preferences. Products typically range from $10-$20 for several months.
For home dumping, you will need to be more careful about the products for your tanks.
No harsh chemicals should be put into a home septic system. This will kill off helpful bacteria and interrupt the efficiency of your septic.
You can use vinegar to clean. You can dump bags of ice down your toilet. You can also go and take a drive around the neighborhood to loosen any stuck clutter.
Composting Toilets- Waste Tank Alternatives
You’re unconvinced that holding tanks are for you? Or maybe you are trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Composting toilets can offer adequate alternatives to using traditional black water holding tanks.
Instead of plumbing lines, it will have a detachable solid waste tank that is typically lined with safe materials such as:
- Peat moss
- Coir
- Sawdust or wood shavings
- Straw
One can also create their own combination of any of these things. Whatever works best for you and your lifestyle.
In addition to the solid waste, most modern composting toilets are built with a separate liquid holding container. This can be removed and easily dumped.
Now you know how to dump RV waste at home, however you choose to deal with it, be careful and mindful about how you take care of RV sewage.
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