Blackwater disposal problem

[techswabbie]

I have a travel trailer and bought the external large capacity portable tank. Problem is I went to drain the black water and was unable to tell how full the tank was. Ended up filling it all the way including the disposal hose. Anyone have any ideas on how to clear the system without spilling blackwater all over the place? I could probably call a local septic company, but wanted to know if there was a handy trick for doing this in case we end up off-grid and doing the same thing again.

[allen8106]

ScottG wrote:
May not help at this point but my buddy bought a tote tank thingy with more capacity than his black tank so this wouldn't happen.

That's what i did, didn't want to have this issue.

[maddog77]

I have a blue tote that has less capacity than my full holding tank. My first time using it I learned my lesson. If I know I'm camping where I have to use the tote, I've adopted the habit of draining the holding tank when the meter reads 2/3 full. That seems to be the right amount for the tote. Have never over-filled (flooded) the tote again.

[mgirardo]

proxim2020 wrote:
Once my black tank valve did not shut completely and was stuck slightly open. I found this out after I loosened the cap and a brown volcano came rushing out.

That happened to me once. Fortunately, there was only about a gallon of black water. That's why we always carried a small bottle of bleach in the motorhome.

-Michael

[bartlettj]

I've done this with my 29 gallon tank, but with greywater. I just tilted it up so some of the tank was higher than the valve, then closed the valve and dropped it back down. You can use a long pole or car jack to help you if you can't heft one end of the tank.

Usually I just use the tank for greywater so I just use a 12 volt 3/4" electric water pump to pump water up into the tank while it's sitting in the back of my truck, then I pump it back out over at the dump station so I don't have to tow the tank.

[wnjj]

shelbyfv wrote:
Sounds as if spilling into another container is the most practical option given the huge tote. Have to assume those who suggested dumping it on the ground were joking. Stuff like this is why most folks consider the totes to be for gray only....

35 gallons will be about 300 lbs. That's manageable with a few strong bodies.

[shelbyfv]

Sounds as if spilling into another container is the most practical option given the huge tote. Have to assume those who suggested dumping it on the ground were joking. Stuff like this is why most folks consider the totes to be for gray only....

[wnjj]

GrandpaKip wrote:
Get 4 friends to pick up the tote higher than the black tank. Let waste flow back into tank. Shut valve. Lower tote to drain hose.

x2. Nothing has to leave the closed system this way. If you can’t find enough people, lift it up one end at a time onto whatever you can find like chairs, a tailgate, etc. Stand it on one end to gain more height.

Or drill a SMALL hole in the top and blow compressed air into the tote and see if anything moves back into the tank. Plug with a screw.

[GrandpaKip]

Get 4 friends to pick up the tote higher than the black tank. Let waste flow back into tank. Shut valve. Lower tote to drain hose.
Or lay screen on ground to catch solids, then dispose in garbage bag.
Or dig hole to catch spillage, then cover.
I actually did the last one when I had to replace a valve. I used a bag of powdered lime on top of the mess, then covered with dirt. It was probably only 2 or 3 gallons. But I didn’t have any neighbors to upset.

[Community Alumni]

I agree. I would shut the valve, disconnect the hose, and let it spill onto the ground. I would then dilute the area with plenty of water. Scoop up any solids left and put it in a cathole or drop it back in the tank.

Once my black tank valve did not shut completely and was stuck slightly open. I found this out after I loosened the cap and a brown volcano came rushing out. Using newly found ninja moves, I quickly removed the cap and got the hose on. The area was a mess. Everything cleaned up nicely with a few gallons from the water hose. Soap and water cleaned up my hands and arms.

[Ralph_Cramden]

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Fordlover wrote:


I'd leave the valves open, stand on the tote to compress and force some liquid back into your black tank. Then have someone close the valve. Then crack a connection to allow air in. Then hope/pray that the capacity of your drain lines isn't more than the capacity you created in your tote.

Please video this.....PLEASE

Yes please.

I would disconnect the hose and let the massive amount of funk ( maybe 2 gallons at most) pour right on out, then cap the tote, get out the hose or go het a few buckets of water, and wash / dilute the spillage away. Its not nuclear waste.

That would be cleaner than the way most people leave the area around the sewer connection at FHU sites when they bug out. I see trashed areas at sewer connections at FHU sites regularly, probably the rule more than the exception now days with the numbskulls who watch GO RV and run out and buy a new TT without a clue.

[Old-Biscuit]

Fordlover wrote:


I'd leave the valves open, stand on the tote to compress and force some liquid back into your black tank. Then have someone close the valve. Then crack a connection to allow air in. Then hope/pray that the capacity of your drain lines isn't more than the capacity you created in your tote.

Please video this.....PLEASE

[TazFord]

Do it in the dark and shine a flashlight through the portable tank next time. You’ll be able to see what level your at. Just a crazy thought!

[mikakuja]

Our portable tote is 11 gal, black is 25 gal, so I am very careful when using the tote for black...
I keep a short sewer hose for the portable tank (less hose to worry about draining if you misjudge.
When I am filling the portable tote I don't just open the valve and hope for 11 gal to drain out. with the short hose it makes it easy to stop and check the level without worrying about dealing with a full hose of poop water...
So far no accidents... knock on wood....

[Fordlover]

techswabbie wrote:
I have a travel trailer and bought the external large capacity portable tank. Problem is I went to drain the black water and was unable to tell how full the tank was. Ended up filling it all the way including the disposal hose. Anyone have any ideas on how to clear the system without spilling blackwater all over the place? I could probably call a local septic company, but wanted to know if there was a handy trick for doing this in case we end up off-grid and doing the same thing again.

I'd leave the valves open, stand on the tote to compress and force some liquid back into your black tank. Then have someone close the valve. Then crack a connection to allow air in. Then hope/pray that the capacity of your drain lines isn't more than the capacity you created in your tote.