Having a bathroom on an RV is convenient, as it eliminates the need to pull over at rest stops to use the facilities. Since the sewage holding containers won’t filter waste to a drain field like the system at home, emptying equipment is an important part of septic maintenance. To know when the tanks are full and understand how to empty them, consult the guide below.

How to Tell Whether the RV Septic Tank Is Full

Many RV models contain two tanks that hold different types of waste. Water that is used for showering and washing dishes flows to the grey holding tank. Sewage from toilets ends up in the black holding tank. When the grey tank is full, you might notice water pooling in the shower pan. To check the sewage level in the black tank, turn off the water supply and look inside the bowl. If the sludge is closer to the opening, empty the container before it overflows. 

How many people are traveling in the RV and for how long should also factor into the dumping schedule. With more people, check tank levels every day. For improved efficiency, empty the tanks when it’s two-thirds full. Your particular vehicle might come equipped with sensors that detect when equipment needs to be emptied, too.  

How to Empty the Tank 

If you’re unable to get professional help while on the road to empty the tank, it’s useful to know basic steps to empty it yourself when you’re in a bind.

On the outside of the RV are valves labeled “grey” and “black” for the corresponding tanks. Make sure the vehicle is parked in a place where RVs can dump waste into the nearby sewer system. Wearing rubber gloves, attach a sewer hose to one of the valves. The other end should be attached to the sewer hookup. When you pull the valve, the contents of the tank will drain through the hose.

Start with the black tank and make sure the valve is shut afterward before moving on to the grey tank. For ongoing septic maintenance, make sure the valves are clean. Use toilet paper specifically designed to use in RVs, as it will dissolve quickly. This preventative septic maintenance plan will stop clogs that cause problems emptying tanks.

For RV tank pumping to prevent health-harming waste backups, contact the professionals at A A Septic Tank & Drain Service. Located in Acme, PA, the licensed technicians provide septic maintenance for homes and recreational vehicles for clients in Westmoreland County. If you want to empty your septic tank before a road trip, or to ask a professional to show you how to empty it in an emergency, call (724) 593-7457. Browse their septic services online.