Grey valve open

grahampconrad wrote:
I know there are pros and cons on this, but i would like the Right ANSWER.

And you came to the internet to get that? LOL.

The right answers is what ever you think is right for you.

I leave 2 grey tanks and leave them both closed until I need to dump. Some places I have had sewer gas smells and do not care for that. The galley tank if I leave open you get food particles stuck in the tank.

About every 3 days or so I dump. When I do I dump all 3 tanks and I also flush my black tank with my in tank flush. That keeps paper from building up on sensors and side walls.

Turn Key wrote:
You can but I wouldn't. Sludge will build up and dry in the bottom of the tank causing issues down the road. Better to let the grey water fill the tank and then drain it every few days. Will keep the sludge moist and allow it to drain away with the water. Your call, though.

Happy Camping!

X2
This is the right answer as to 'why'. :B

No water in either tank and stuff will stick to the bottom of the tank. Water is needed in both to keep things floating and flowing when you do dump keeping the bottom of your tanks free of food stuffs, grease, waste.

Not to mention that keeping the gray closed until dumping also cleans out your sewer hose after dumping the black tank.

Grey tank....

Body oils
Sloughed skin
Grease
Oils
Food debris
Soap scum

I leave mine closed so that I have FULL tank to flush the above out.
Leave that stuff behind and it will dry up, accumulate and STINK worst then Black tank contents.

Then there is the issue of sewer critters setting up house, inviting family/friends to come visit. Next thing you know you have a 'tenement' of unwanted guests

Besides...how much time/effort is needed to open/close a dump valve :S

There was a thread in the General RV area a while back where someone's trailer was flooded when the park sewer system backed up and relieved itself through their gray water system. I think I'd leave the valves closed unless I was there to watch it.

Do whatever suits you. Me, I leave them both closed, and when either the Grey or Black needs emptying, I empty both.

Doesn't take long, and the valves are side by side, so not a big deal.

Mike

Beside possible issues with sewer gas you could end up with a major infestation of Sewer Flies in your gray tank, unless you have the hose so that there's a water trap to block the sewer flies.

To each their own but for me I would not. I do not want sewer gasses back flowing into my tank and pipes.

I leave mine closed until it fills. then walk around and let it out. Takes about 3 min. Why? Having seen this happen even in stick homes. I have a irrational fear of something crawling up the hose into the tank, as well as a fear of insects building nests in the tank, and flying out into the TT. Foolish? Maybe, until it happens

But if you have never watched a person describe how they chased a snake across the bathroom floor after it came out of the sewer. You wouldn't understand.

So your thinking, What are the odds. Well, they are O / ZERO, if you keep the valve closed

You can but I wouldn't. Sludge will build up and dry in the bottom of the tank causing issues down the road. Better to let the grey water fill the tank and then drain it every few days. Will keep the sludge moist and allow it to drain away with the water. Your call, though.

Happy Camping!