Black tank- dump it or leave it?

We don't have a seasonal site...

When I park our TT on our property for a few weeks between trips, if I don't thoroughly rinse the black tank, the TT will smell inside. So I vote for draining and rinsing!

rockhillmanor wrote:

Dump the tank, add chemicals, and run some water into the black tank from the bathroom sink which usually dumps into the black tank.

I agree with dumping the tank before leaving it. It serves no purpose to leave the stuff in there, for a week or more, when it could be mostly clean water.

The idea of using the sink to add water is not correct for many (most?)RV's, the sink may be connected to the gray tank.

[qoute] Are there any problems with leaving my black water in the tank for extended periods of time? Odors should stay contained to the tank, right?

Nope.

Depending on WHERE you are located will depict how much it will smell.

And I am hear to tell you it will smell if you are parked in hot weather states. If you are lucky and the coach doesn't smell when you come back, when you go to use that toilet the first time I guarantee you you will smell it!

There is no p-trap in an RV toilet. You open that blade to flush and that ripe stank from sitting filled black tank WILL come into your coach.

Dump the tank, add chemicals, and run some water into the black tank from the bathroom sink which usually dumps into the black tank.

That has been me many times, and I would dump it.
Mix some chemicals and add two gallons of water.

We have never had a problem and our bathroom always smell fresh and clean


jack L

We have had no problem going as long as 4 weeks without dumping our black water tank. The most important thing is to have plenty of fluids in the tank to create a heavy enough flow to wash the solids out of the tank. Just keep the black tank closed until the tank is at least 1/2 full or 3/4 is even better, use plenty of water. If you must dump before black tank is at least 1/2 full, then add water to at least 1/2 full, and then dump.

dcmac214 wrote:
No problem so long as there's enough water in the black tank to keep everything fluid.

Odors from grey & black tanks, if any, will escape thru the roof vents.

X2 but why not just dump it? if you have a FHU site it can't take that long to dump.

atomlinson wrote:

Walaby wrote:
i would continue to do what you're doing. Why change? It's not that much effort to fill it up and empty is it?

Mike

Has nothing to do with effort, Mike. As mentioned in the comment before yours, I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing to avoid a poop pyramid.

I was just suggesting that what your doing is working (or I assume so), so why change.

That's all.. not reading any more or less into it.

Mike

Dump every second or third visit.

Use plenty of water and you can dump when it's convenient. GOOD idea to do as you are doing though because what you want to avoid is dumping a tank with less than about 3/4 full. That is where you get clogs. Be sure if you dump and leave the RV, put a few gallons of water back in while it's not in use of THAT will build that mound of mineralized materials that causes a clog.

One of the best things for a black tank is for it to sit with a lot of water in the tank.

One of the worst things for a black tank is to dump on a regular schedule rather when full.

As full-timers I only dump my black tank if (1) it is full, or (2) we are going to a campground without a sewer connection for a period of over four days. Then I will dump just before I depart.

After dumping, I always fill the back tank 20-25% full with water, adding water softener, soap and bleach.

In your case, my recommendation would be on Sunday - fill the black tank with water and do not dump. Be sure to leave some water in the bowl to control odors. If the tank is properly vented, you won't have an odor problem. Also make sure the gray tank drain traps are full of water and the gray tank valve closed.

When you comeback on the next visit - dump the black tank - add a lot of water. That way your black tank stays at least 1/4 or more full all the time and what is inside the tank never has a chance to dry out. It will even help liquefy solid matter better.