Black Water

[jbjuices]

I'm sure there's another post on this, but I may not have been looking in the right place.

Left the campground on Sunday and did not empty my Black Water tank; the line was way to long. I parked it last night at my storage site and plan on camping again on Memorial day. Should I be worried about emptying it right away, or can it wait. I just don't want it to smell up the camper while it sits.

[TurnThePage]

I've left it for months and months, nearly a year once, with no problems. In fact, I've been been hosting relatives at my house on and off since last winter and have been using my trailer and its facilities that whole time. I haven't had a chance to drag it out of the backyard let alone drain the holding tanks. As long as it's not full or completely empty, no problemo.

[beemerphile1]

It can sit for years in reality, it doesn't matter.

For those talking about leaving water in the bowl; the bowl is sealed mechanically, water isn't necessary. An RV toilet doesn't have a trap.

[dodge_guy]

jbjuices wrote:
Thanks all. I'll be dumping on Wednesday when I go fill up the propane tanks at Camping World.

Good plan! yes it can sit for a few days to a week, but that`s it. anything longer and you will not be a happy camper, especially the first time you flush the toilet after you dump it. it`s not a pleasant smell, even with holding tank treatments!

[MM49]

Yes, dump it right away. It will develop a stench that is unbelievable. Don't ask me how I know. Trust me. If you can't dump, load it up with the best treatment you have. Really it's bad.
MM49

[jbjuices]

Thanks all. I'll be dumping on Wednesday when I go fill up the propane tanks at Camping World.

[popeyemth]

mobilefleet wrote:
this time of year when summer is near and inside camper temps get pretty darn hot, the only thing between a tank and bad smell is a few ounces of water in your toilet, which will evaporate fairly quickly.

Here's a trick I use:
Put a couple ounces of cooking oil in the bowl,on TOP of the water and it will last months.
No worries something will come up and you can't dump and the bowl will dry out.
Good Luck, Mike

[Bucky_Badger]

We have ours on a permanent site and only dump it once a month..No issues here. Just fill your toilet bowl with lots of water

[mobilefleet]

this time of year when summer is near and inside camper temps get pretty darn hot, the only thing between a tank and bad smell is a few ounces of water in your toilet, which will evaporate fairly quickly.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Ask Dodge Guy. Now that I think about it for an RV there really is no difference. All the tanks are made of polyethylene. I think some may split hairs when it comes to home septic systems but with RV's they are the same.

[beemerphile1]

Fresno Tundra Driver wrote:
Err... Yes "Holding" tank not "Storage" tank. Thanks for the correction!!

Maybe I'm just too dumb to understand. :h I don't see a difference between holding and storing. :B

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Err... Yes "Holding" tank not "Storage" tank. Thanks for the correction!!

[beemerphile1]

It is a holding tank and is vented to the roof. If you smell anything inside then there is something wrong with the system. It does no harm if you let it sit one week or one year providing it doesn't dry out or freeze.

Dump when entering the next campground.

dodge guy wrote:
...the last thing you want is the black tank to smell, and yes it will smell.

Empty it ASAP!

It has stunk from the very first time it was used, no need to be in a hurry to empty.

[dodge_guy]

I wouldn`t want that sitting there for weeks! yes they are holding tanks, not storage tanks. I would dump it as soon as possible. the last thing you want is the black tank to smell, and yes it will smell.

Empty it ASAP!

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

They are "storage" tanks. They are vented. As long as all the water doesn't evaporate you'll be fine.

[the_bear_II]

If you have a waste digester and deoderizer type chemical or just deoderizer type, I would add some along with a gallon or two of water. This will help keep the smell down. You might want to add some water in the toilet bowl with the flap closed to prevent any smells from coming up from the black tank.

Just keep in mind when you do dump the smell will be stronger than usual.