how does the plumbimg work in a rv?

In general, RV plumbing systems work very well. However there are rules, and there are RULES! be careful know, what you are doing, avoid shortcuts, and you should be OK.

Much ado about a gravity situation

luv2rv53 wrote:
I have a question. Our kitchen sink drain is very slow. Is it okay to use drano type products with holding tanks. If not any suggestions on how to open the drain?

We've used them when on a full hookup site or at home where we can drain the hoding tanks soon after use. So far (20+ years and three different coaches) no apparent problems as a result.

I have a question. Our kitchen sink drain is very slow. Is it okay to use drano type products with holding tanks. If not any suggestions on how to open the drain?

i guess when i get to a campground, i will see how a dump station there works so people don't smell it, on a hot summer day.

thanks

Yes, there are laws. You don't just dump them anywhere. Most campgrounds have a dump station within the campground. That's where you go if you don't have a full hookup site (water/electric/sewer). If you have a full hookup site then you can dump right from your campsite. However, ALWAYS use a dump hose, don't just open the valve and hope for the best. :( If done correctly there should absolutely be no spillage. If so, you need to clean it up thoroughly.

If the campground doesn't have facilities for dumping, some rest areas along the interstate do and some fuel stations do, especially Flying J's or Pilot.

If you can't find anything then usually a nearby campground will let you pull in and use their dump station but most often they'll charge you to do so.

Just remember to be a responsible RVer and use proper dump stations. Never dump elsewhere.

Google "RV dump stations" and there are sites that will give you a good list for use as traveling.

thanks for the info everyone

i also would like to know where do you dump your tanks out at?
are there laws about where you must do this, and where you can not?
especially for the black tank.

thanks again.

When using the toilet be sure to using a full bowl of water when flushing solids and go easy on toilet paper usage and buy a brand that breaks down easily like one made for septic tank usage. Big things happen when you don't use enough water - like not being able to get the black tank empties completely when you are dumping. Water, water, water! :) Nothing else goes into the black tank except toilet paper. If you need to remind others, post a sign stating this. It's very important.

We never use an additive to the black tank and don't have odors. Did I say just water, water, water? That alone will break down the toilet paper and solids. We've full-timed for 16 years and that means using and dumping our tanks constantly. No problems.

Always have at least 3/4 to full black tank before dumping. It takes a big swoosh to get everything out. If you find you're not filling the black tank, use a dishpan for dishwashing and empty it into the toilet. Or go outside for a bucket or two of water and empty it into the toilet just before dumping. It's recommended that you also have 3/4 to full grey tank before dumping, too. That way you'll have a good amount going through your sewer hose to rinse out the hose. You'll most likely find that you'll fill the grey water tank before the black tank with showers, etc.

Dumping is a easy process but scary at first. Always use disposable gloves. We buy them at WalMart by the box. Just don't get distracted from what you're doing and make sure your hose connection is tightly secured. Dump your black tank first and then the grey tank. This way, the soapy dish/shower water will rinse out your hose good. No need for additional rinsing. That'll do the job. If buying a used RV do yourself a favor and buy a brand new sewer hose. Don't rely on the one already in the RV. Also, buy a very heavy duty one. Don't skimp on cost. The cheapest ones easily get holes in them and you definitely won't like the outcome from a ruptured hose.

As far as how often you need to dump the tanks it all depends on the sizes of your holding tanks. Every RV is different. You'll soon be able to judge when you'll need to dump even if your monitors aren't working accurately and many times this is a problem with the monitors. It's a given unless you have monitors attached to the outside of the tanks. The ones inside the tanks get cacked with stuff and fail to register accurately.

Don't use your grey tank as a garbage disposal. Don't scrape dishes into it, no coffee grounds and no grease. Take a used napkin or paper towel and wipe dishes into wastecan before washing.

If you don't have full hookups at your campsite (water/electric/sewer) then you will need to conserve your water usage (and be sure to tell guests visiting you, too). Don't leave the faucets run. For showers wet down, turn off the shower, soap up, turn on the shower to rinse quickly. Same for washing hands and brushing teeth. For dishes rinse quickly. You'll quickly get the hang of it and you'll love your RV! Good luck!!

How lonng can they last. My DW & I like to go to a State Park that is near a couple of Granddaughters and a Great grandson. We can stayn a week with the tanks in our MH, taking showers every day and never using the public faciliity. We have learned to be miserly with water and we have large tanks. On our first MH, a '76 class C we had a water tank that held about 12 gal. and 1 holding tank that took everything. Our rig is set up so the dump hose is always connected and has it's own compartment for storage. We dump the black tank first and then close that valve, then dump the grey water to flush out the hose before storing. Dumping can take 10 minutes because there is a lot to dump sometimes. I always use rubber gloves because it is not only our dump but everyone elses in the CG.

Don't ever thank "that could never happen to me". You WILL have an "accident" at a dump station, but most of us don't make the mistake more than once, we hope.