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RSD559's avatar
RSD559
Explorer
Jun 24, 2016

Use home sewer cleanout as dump station?

I have found references to dumping RV tanks into home sewer cleanouts on other forums, but nothing definitive. In colder climates, it's not allowed for fear that the hose will stay connected for more than a short time and it would allow the sewer lines to freeze, or something like that. We don't have to worry about that here. I have a 4" cleanout about 3 feet away from the curb. Our only public dump station here is $15 per dump, and kind of a tight fit. I've searched the Fresno city web site and did not found anything yea or nay about how legal it is. Anybody informed about such things? I could do it on the sly, but that's not how I like to do things. Thanks.

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  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    The only issue I can see the township having is money. In a lot of places, the sewer bill is based on water usage. Even though it is a minuscule amount, you're dumping sewage for "free" from a source that may not have come from your water source.
  • pira114's avatar
    pira114
    Explorer II
    Jun 24, 2016
    GordonThree wrote:
    California is awful up tight about a lot things for a blue state, YMMV.


    Ha! That's the definition of a blue state!

    For what it's worth, there's no State law. It's whoever governs the sewage treatment in your area. Either city or county. I highly doubt they'd approve of any dumping of anything.

    The reality is that I won't hurt anything as long as it's only human waste and toilet paper.

    To find out, you gotta call.
  • eDUBz's avatar
    eDUBz
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    I have one 4 feet from my toy hauler and i always use it. Just use it for dumping and then clean up, put the hose back and you shouldnt have any problems.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    I think most Municipalities don't like the use of a sewer clean out used as a secondary drain because of possible contamination. A call to the City in which you live would either give the green light or red light to your plans.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    Two neighbors had a cleanout put on the side of their house when they built for an rv dump. Passed inspection so I doubt if there is a problem. Daughter is in Clovis with one at her house also.
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Jun 24, 2016
    I use my clean out for dumping. I'm north of you about 3 hours or so. Now, my clean out is in the back so neighbors aren't really going to notice, but I know lots of folks who do the same without issue. I haven't seen any law forbidding it. I've never kept it hooked up - just hook it up when I'm actually dumping.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2016
    I'm sure either city, county or state has something to say about it buried in code, ordinance or compiled law...

    Go for it and if some busy body says don't, then stop.

    Freezing dangers aside, I wouldn't treat the clean-cut as a full time hookup. Put the hose away when you're done and you'll be less likely to draw attention from the Man.

    Just my two cents. California is awful up tight about a lot things for a blue state, YMMV.

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