National Dolphin Dumping Question

Also simply look at the wherebouts of the toilet on the outside of the coach. Follow the plumbing to a huge container. That is the black tank. Follow the pipe out from that to the valve.

John Wayne wrote:
Well I'll have to disagree with Tropical 36 about leaving the gray valve open all the time when parked with full hook ups. Your dish water will have some solids in it and when the gray valve is left open the water runs out but with out enough pressure to take the solids, plus soap scum etc.Then you have to deal with the sewer gases that come into your rig through the sewer system sewer flies etc. leave both valves closed till the tanks get to 3/4 or more full then go out pull the valve let it drain and close it again takes all of 5 min or less.
Ever notice when walking through campgrounds and every once in a while you get the sewer smell, chances are some one has left his tank valves open and the gases are venting through his vent pipes.
Look down your dump pipe in the ground where you hook up your dump hose ever see water indicating a p trap is in line.
Not meaning to start an argument just my opinion and reasoning.

No argument from me on that one and should have advised otherwise.
It's just that I'm always forgetting that it's closed in the middle of a late night shower and since I've never had a problem with it, I tend to just leave it open. With leaving the sewer hose on the ground, it's always full of water, so does make for a good trap in blocking gas and smells .
Having said that, maybe I'll give it another go for some better scheduling.

Well I'll have to disagree with Tropical 36 about leaving the gray valve open all the time when parked with full hook ups. Your dish water will have some solids in it and when the gray valve is left open the water runs out but with out enough pressure to take the solids, plus soap scum etc.Then you have to deal with the sewer gases that come into your rig through the sewer system sewer flies etc. leave both valves closed till the tanks get to 3/4 or more full then go out pull the valve let it drain and close it again takes all of 5 min or less.
Ever notice when walking through campgrounds and every once in a while you get the sewer smell, chances are some one has left his tank valves open and the gases are venting through his vent pipes.
Look down your dump pipe in the ground where you hook up your dump hose ever see water indicating a p trap is in line.
Not meaning to start an argument just my opinion and reasoning.

RSturm wrote:
Hello,

We just purchased a 2002 National Dolphin and can't be sure which valve is for black water and which is grey water.

Can anyone help me solve the mystery?

Thanks so much!

Richard

Picture the valves:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ajjulaic2c90qj7/IMG_1187.JPG?dl=0

Now that you have that info, you might want to form a practice for the dumping procedure.
Ideally, you should dump the black tank when 3/4 full for the best results, but your mileage may vary on this and especially if you're planning on a couple of nights without in your travels and before reaching another place to dump.
We also shut the valve on the grey tank,(which is usually open when hooked up) the day before leaving, so once the black tank is drained and the valve has been shut, the grey water can be used to flush the hose. Doesn't hurt to run a gallon or two of fresh water into the black tank, either. We only use chemicals, for long term, use a lot of water when flushing the toliets and dump often, like within a 4 day period.

Yup, agree with everyone else. Big pipe is black (toilet), small one is grey (shower-sinks).

Yep, the big pipe coming straight down is the black tank. Open that first and let it drain. Then open the grey valve to flush the lines clean.

Oh my! We spent all that time worrying about the whales, and not paying attention to the dolphins, and now dolphin dumping has gone national! :B

Large pipe.BLACK
Small pipe GREY

Looking at your picture, the small pipe on the side is probably the grey water. suggest using a clear extension on the end of your slinky, and watch what comes out. Pull the one on the big pipe first, after it finishes, close it and open the smaller one on the side. the grey water will flush your hose. Another way to tell is use one of the bright blue deodorizersin the toilet, and again watch what comes out.

If you can look at where the valve connects then the large pipe is black and the small pipe is grey