Black water disposal for permanently parked RV

[moshell]

First off, I know very little about RVs. Background...I live in the country with a septic field and no access to sewer lines. I am considering having my Mother-in-law live in an RV on our property for a year or two. As far as black water disposal is concerned, our septic system is maxed-out with the number of people already living in the house, so disposing of the black water in our septic tank is not an option. I know one option would be to drive the RV weekly (?) somewhere to dispose of it. I have never owned an RV and would like to know if once a week is realistic for one person living in it. Also, do I have any other options as far as black water disposal?

Thank you,

Mike

[wbwood]

Beaker wrote:

Dumping a large volume into a septic system is not a good idea as it stirs the tank contents and flushes some solids out into the drain field.

This does not happen with a properly constructed and maintained sewer system.

Agree...the tank has two sides....when the first side gets to a certain level, it will spill over into the second side...but it's not solid waste, its liquid...once the second tank gets to a certain level in our tank, it activates our pump via a float. Then the pump sends it to the leach field. It would take more than the average RV's tank to cause any worries. I asked the guy who pumped our tank about it and he said it was ok and even told me what I needed to do it. Of course you do not want to dump an RV tank every day. But every once in a while is ok.

As far as the mother in law. What about her using the bathroom inside the home?

[1492]

Moved from Forum Technical Support

[Beaker]

Dumping a large volume into a septic system is not a good idea as it stirs the tank contents and flushes some solids out into the drain field.

This does not happen with a properly constructed and maintained sewer system.

[travelzoo]

parkmanaa wrote:
Another thing you might consider. All black water MUST be held until the tank is full, then dump at one time. While it is customary for RVers to leave the gray water valve open all the time, you could also close this one and dump all at one time.
Then, set a time of night when your house usage is minimal and dump both tanks.
Thru my experience of living with septic systems in the past, I believe this may be a viable solution.

Dumping a large volume into a septic system is not a good idea as it stirs the tank contents and flushes some solids out into the drain field.

Possibly the op can contact the local health dept and have them ok putting in a 500 to 1000 gallon holding tank (no field) and then have it pumped as needed.

[Vet_Man]

Black tank will last for at least a couple weeks even more. The gray from showers and dishes will fill much quicker. I guess it would depend on how close to neighbors you are. You could bury a 55gal barrel in the ground with holes in it. I would put the sewer right in the septic tank, not much sewer would be added. My MH goes to the septic tank, when I am home. What are you going to do for power to run A/C?

[chast]

Hi Mike--while I applaud your attempt to be proactive, I think you are worrying about something for nothing. Your Mother-in-law will have very little impact on your already existing septic system. If you can't or won't pipe her RV in to your system, consider using a portable tank that you could dump in to any access point in your system. If that doesn't work, consider purchasing a macerator system that could pump the sewage (probably not more than a couple of times a month) in to a toilet in your house. If all else fails, you could have her not use the drains in her RV and simply use the house facilities. Maybe even consider using a cassette toilet in the RV which could be emptied in the house when needed. Remember, there are no problems, only solutions! Good luck!

[parkmanaa]

Another thing you might consider. All black water MUST be held until the tank is full, then dump at one time. While it is customary for RVers to leave the gray water valve open all the time, you could also close this one and dump all at one time.
Then, set a time of night when your house usage is minimal and dump both tanks.
Thru my experience of living with septic systems in the past, I believe this may be a viable solution.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Does it freeze where you live?

[RoyB]

I would check-in with the local county folks and get the current info on how this should be handled.. I'm sure your county will have rules for this...

Some counties in VA will allow you to park your RV on your land but not live in it.

Would hate to spend a bunch on monies to get all setup only to be shut down...

Roy Ken

[Dick_B]

I don't know much about septic systems but I assume they collect ALL wastewater including showers.
Maybe it would be possible to train the house inhabitants to take RV showers for the next year and pipe the trailer into the existing septic system.

[edbehnke]

black water for one person would probably be 2-3 weeks...it just depends.

it is your gray water that would be an issue if she takes showers in the trailer.

septic tank would probably be your best bet.

[newman_fulltime]

call a portalet company see if they have a temporary bladder tank and scedule for them to pump it out