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There is a common method to be followed to keep your rv septic and holding tanks. The black tank that only the toiled dumps into has the larger valve and should be kept closed until you are ready to dump. The gray tank can be left open while you are hooked up to a dumping station at your site. There may be a second grey tank located near the galley that will have it’s own dump valve. It can also be left open if you are connected.

The black tank requires a volume of liquids to mix with the solids. This will allow the surge pressure to empty the black tank when you pull the valve handle to dump while connected to a dump station. If you leave the black tank valve open the liquids will escape and leave your tank with a lump of solids that will solidify and cause trouble.

If you only go for a weekend there will not usually be enough in the black tank to empty it well. When you are ready to leave and head home, run water into the black tank,(fill it up) and then dump. The day before you plan to dump the black tank you should close the valves to the gray tank(s). This will save the shower water to clean your dump hose after dumping the black tank. Once you have dumped the tanks close all valves and add deodorizer into the toilet and a gallon or two of water to the black tank. This will prepare you for the next trip or another few days at the campground of you are staying for a long duration of time.

If you are staying seasonal or for an extended time you would open the gray valves again and follow the above steps. With some experience this process will become easier. If you have some other tips regarding this process I would love to hear about them.