How to Properly Empty Your RV Black Tank: A Comprehensive Guide

Emptying your RV's black tank is an important maintenance task that ensures proper sanitation and the longevity of your trailer. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, from locating the drain valve to proper disposal.

Locating the Drain Valve

The first step in draining your RV's black water tank is to locate the drain valve. Typically, this valve can be found at the bottom of the tank. Ensure that you have the right tools for the job, such as a long rubber glove and a sewer hose. Securely attach the hose to the valve to prevent any leaks.

Disposing of the Waste

Once the hose is attached, open the drain valve and allow the waste to flow into an appropriate disposal site. If you plan to use an RV dump station, position your vehicle over a drain grid at the discharge point, ensuring the outlet pipe empties into the grid. For smaller units, there might be a manual or electrically operated valve that you need to operate to empty the tank.

Additional Tips for Better Drainage

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve better results when emptying your black tank:

Wait until the tank is almost full: This ensures that you get more waste out with fewer trips. Use a Clear Plastic Elbow: This tool can be especially useful during the flushing process. It has a water hose hookup and a backflow preventer, which can be installed on your spigot before flushing. This helps in maintaining a consistent flow. Create an Slope: If possible, you can create a slight slope towards your drain by jacking up the opposite side of your rig. This can help improve drainage, especially in the back of the trailer.

Manual Tipping Systems

For some trailers, there is a cartridge type system where the black water tank can be manually tipped out through a door on the side and then emptied. This method allows you to empty the tank without damaging the internal parts.

Flushing the Tank

After emptying the black water tank, it's essential to flush the tank thoroughly. Use your water hose connected to a tank wand to flush the inside of the tank. This will help remove any residual waste and debris that might be stuck to the sides.

Preparation for Storage

Before storing your RV, ensure that you properly cap off any open drains or pick-up hoses. Additionally, clean any debris that might have stuck to the sides of the tank by adding more AquaKem liquid and running a gallon jug of water through it. This will help prevent foul odors and maintain good hygiene.

Disposing of Gray Water

After emptying the black tank, it's a good idea to also dump out the gray water tank. This helps flush out any remaining liquids and solids from your hose before storing it. Make sure to replace all the caps and cover any drains to avoid any accidental spills.

Final Tips

Remember to take off your pressure regulator while flushing to ensure you have access to higher park pressure. This tip can help you achieve a more efficient cleaning process.

Key Takeaways:

Locate and securely attach the sewer hose to the drain valve Position the trailer over a drain grid for optimal disposal Use a clear plastic elbow for better flushing and backflow prevention Create a slight slope for improved drainage Thoroughly flush the tank and empty the gray water tank before storing Replace all caps and cover drains to prevent accidents

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your RV's black tank is emptied properly, maintaining your unit's health and hygiene for future trips.