Site setup& septic system

Another thing to think about if living there year-round is keeping your pipes, water hose, dump hose from freezing in the winter. Plus, you'll go through a lot of propane heating the RV.

Another important factor is when was the last time the septic system was pumped out? Many people try to go too long, and your added "load" would likely overwhelm the system.

Products like Rid-X can help, but they are no substitute for proper maintenance.

Maybe your "thank you" for the opportunity to use their system is to pay for a pump out? That way you'd know you're starting from a good situation.

ESGrizz wrote:
I watched a youtube video about a hose powered macerator with a pressure wash nozzle that could be switched to spray into the tank for clean out that seems very handy though I could likely park close enough to do a direct drain.

I hadn't considered the septic system capacity, what the household was at installation, and what it is now it could already be pushing the limit.

Not sure which video you watched, but this is the one you need to watch. Link It will show how the hose powered macerator does nothing to backflush the tank.

Also if the tank volume is a concern then you would want an electric powered macerator. A water powered one will just add more water into an already taxed system.

pitch wrote:
There is a big difference between normal use of a homes facilities and dumping a tank.
Flushing a toilet will drop 2 gallons of water, A dishwasher will put about 9 gallons into the tank over a thirty minute period,a front loader washer about the same. The only thing that would compare is a full bath and that would still be slower than a tank dump.

The speed of entry is the culprit more than the overall volume. You really do not want wave action in an already fully utilized septic tank. A wave can float the solids over the baffles and into the distribution box.
I am not saying that the OP cannot do what he is proposing,just trying to make him aware of a possible pitfall.

Good point. I wasn't thinking of the "dump" but rather the overall capacity. A macerator would mitigate some of that since it's not physics but mechanical and thus no rush but instead a smaller regulated flow.

There is a big difference between normal use of a homes facilities and dumping a tank.
Flushing a toilet will drop 2 gallons of water, A dishwasher will put about 9 gallons into the tank over a thirty minute period,a front loader washer about the same. The only thing that would compare is a full bath and that would still be slower than a tank dump.

The speed of entry is the culprit more than the overall volume. You really do not want wave action in an already fully utilized septic tank. A wave can float the solids over the baffles and into the distribution box.
I am not saying that the OP cannot do what he is proposing,just trying to make him aware of a possible pitfall.

I wouldn't worry about the capcity of the house septic. If it's just 2 of you it's no different than staying in their house using the facilities as it's all going the same place. If 2 of you using the septic overloads the systm then it is already undersized. I would be surprised if there is no septic cleanout prior to the tanks. I use ours all the time to dump at home. I also have a portable macerator. very handy, you can dump 50' away and flush your tanks.

I watched a youtube video about a hose powered macerator with a pressure wash nozzle that could be switched to spray into the tank for clean out that seems very handy though I could likely park close enough to do a direct drain.

I hadn't considered the septic system capacity, what the household was at installation, and what it is now it could already be pushing the limit.

pitch wrote:
You should be able to just put a clean out fitting in their line before the tank. You need to check how their tank is sized to insure it can handle your dump. If they have a 4 bedroom home but there are only two of them you should be ok. If they have a smaller home and are already at their design limit there maybe a problem. 30 or 40 gallons in one shot maybe to much.
Can you get your rig close enough for a direct drain or will you use a macerator?

^ Pay close attention to this post ^

If you overwhelm the septic system, your problems could be huge and expensive. Ridex can be added after each tank dump, which will help it digest solids, but volume must be considered.

You should be able to just put a clean out fitting in their line before the tank. You need to check how their tank is sized to insure it can handle your dump. If they have a 4 bedroom home but there are only two of them you should be ok. If they have a smaller home and are already at their design limit there maybe a problem. 30 or 40 gallons in one shot maybe to much.
Can you get your rig close enough for a direct drain or will you use a macerator?

Skip's advice is very good and should be followed. Don't forget that your gray water needs to be drained into the septic too and not on the ground.

In regard to utilizing the septic on the property I would set up a formal connect using a slightly elevated cement drain with a PVC pipe leading into the system. This way you won't create a spot in the ground that puddles. You should also have a metal or PVC plastic cap to cover the hole when not in use. Take a look at various RV dump stations for ideas.