How To Hook Camper To Above Ground Septic Tank? (Perfect answer)

If your septic tank does not have an existing access port, you may have to install one yourself. Installing a four inch wide tube into the septic tank will create a way to dump directly into the tank. Make sure it comes up and out of the tank and to above ground level for easy access and hookup for your RV.

Can you hook a travel trailer up to a septic tank?

Many people who have an RV and a septic tank wonder if they can use the two together. The RV is the perfect place to allow visitors to stay while having their own space. The short answer is that yes, it is possible to connect your RV into your septic tank, but you need to make sure that you do it correctly.

How big of a septic tank do you need for a camper?

In a small RV, you can expect at least 15 gallons for the black water and a gray water tank of 30 gallons. A larger RV might easily have tanks as large as 50 gallons each.

Are RV toilet chemicals safe for septic tanks?

Camco TST Clean Scent RV Toilet Treatment, Formaldehyde Free, Breaks Down Waste And Tissue, Septic Tank Safe, Treats up to 8 – 40 Gallon Holding Tanks (32 Ounce Bottle) – 41502, TST Blue.

How do I hook up an RV hookup to my property?

How to Install RV Hookups at Home

Build a Gravel or Concrete Parking Pad.
Run a Water Hookup to the RV.
Run an Electrical Hookup to the RV.

Install or Use Your Existing Permanent Sewer Hookup.

How do RV septic systems work?

A camper septic system works by simply acting as a holding tank for your sewage. It’s not a SEPTIC TANK that works like at a house. With an RV septic system there are no leach fields, no breaking down needed (not really), none of that. It holds your sewage until you dump it.

Do campers have septic tanks?

The black water tank, also known as the RV’s septic system, holds anything flushed down the toilet. Depending on the size and class of the RV, “grey water” holding tanks typically have a capacity between 40 and 65 gallons, while “black water” holding tanks usually range between 18 and 64 gallons.

Why would a septic tank be above ground?

An above ground septic system, also known as a sand mound septic system, is used for the on-site treatment of sewage when site conditions are not suitable for installing a conventional septic system due to the increased risk of the system failing.

Do above ground septic tanks smell?

A properly-maintained septic tank should be odor-free, so if you notice a bad smell inside your home or outside near the leach field, it’s a sign that there’s a problem. Septic odors are caused by gases in the system, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane.

Are septic tanks ever above ground?

They are commonly used as portable black water tanks. Above ground septic tanks are manufactured by National Tank Outlet and Ace Roto-Mold. Above ground septic tanks are available in sizes ranging from 250 gallons up to 440 gallons.

Can you hook up your RV to a Septic Tank?

Many people who own both an RV and a septic tank are unsure as to whether or not they may utilize the two together. The RV is the ideal spot to accommodate visitors while yet providing them with their own space. You may connect your RV to your septic tank, but you must do so in the proper manner. First and foremost, it is necessary to comprehend the operation of a septic tank before discussing how you might link the two.

How do Septic Tanks Work?

Sewer septic tanks are divided into two sections, each of which filters through wastewater while separating it from the liquid. As the wastewater is broken down by the natural bacteria in the septic tank, it is spread into the soil, where it sinks and is filtered by the soil. Septic tanks must maintain a precise equilibrium between bacteria and wastewater in order to function effectively. Cleaning products, toilet wipes, and even coffee grinds have the potential to be harmful. It is possible to extend the life of your septic tank by ensuring that you are not dumping excessive volumes of these.

How to Connect to your Septic Tank

Generally speaking, you will find that a clean out is the most convenient method of connecting your RV to your septic tank. This will be a PVC pipe that emerges from the earth and has a screw cap on the end of it. Simple removal of the lid will allow you to connect the sewage line from your RV to this clean out port. Check to be that the hose is well fastened to the pipe opening; you may need to weigh it down to prevent a sloppy mess from forming. You have the option of leaving this connected all of the time so that any wastewater automatically drains into the septic system, or you may choose to wait and empty the tank all at once if you prefer.

Because septic tanks function by utilizing natural bacteria to break down wastewater, it is critical to maintain proper balances in the system.

However, doing so is perilous since exposure to too much air can destroy the naturally occurring bacteria in the tank, as well as the gas contained within the tank, which can be harmful to people.

If you can, dump into the side that separates the solids from the wastewater, or into the side that is nearest to the home, whichever is the case.

Keeping your Septic Tank Working Well

When you connect your RV to your septic tank, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to ensure that the system continues to function properly. Make sure you’re not putting too many more chemicals down your pipes; even goods marketed as septic tank cleansers might deplete the natural bacteria levels in your system. These will only provide a temporary improvement in the overall cleanliness of the system. Make sure you don’t overburden the system with too many requests. As wastewater is introduced into the system, it is forced out through the outlet.

When using the RV plumbing system on a regular basis, be prepared to have the system cleaned more regularly.

If you need more room and solitude, renting an RV as a guest home is a fantastic alternative.

By ensuring that your RV is properly connected and that you are not overloading your system, you may gain more living space while also keeping your septic tank in good operating order. Posts from the recent past

RV.Net Open Roads Forum: General RVing Issues: above ground holding tank

Topic:above ground holding tank

Posted By:Stevesmith812on 03/29/14 03:10pm

I am thinking of becoming a seasonal camper at a park that uses 300 gallon above ground tanks slid under the RV.They will come a pump it out as required for $20.00 a pop.Has anybody done this before and if so how does it work?Does there need to be some sort of alarm system in the exterior tank or do you just rely on the internal system.Steve

Posted By:Randuon 03/29/14 03:18pm

I have not seen that but I would let trailer tanks fill like normal. About once every 3-4 days depending on use I would open trailer valves and transfer to campground tank. This will allow you to watch what happens and be in control of the valves in case tank starts getting too full. This also allows you to be in charge of how often they pump and charge you $20.00.Randu

2017 Chevy 3500HD SRW Crew LTZ4x4,Duramax, Allison. 2017 Jayco North Point 381DLQSPrevious: 2000 Travel Supreme2005 Newmar Kountry Star2008 Mobile Suites 36TK3

Posted By:Francesca Knowleson 03/29/14 03:21pm

First thing that occurs to me is to wonder how fast that puppy will fill up. I’ve been involved in some sewer planning projects, and average water use in a residential setting is assumed to be 125 gallons per person per day! Most of which goes down the drain, of course.I s’pose RV use might be a little lower than that, depending on appliances etc, but still- at $20.00 a pump it won’t take long to make your sticks-n-bricks sewer bill look like chump change.

“Not every mind that wanders is lost.”With apologies toJ.R.R. Tolkien

Posted By:rv2goon 03/29/14 03:31pm

I would like to see how this would work.Some DP motorhomes sit pretty close to the ground when the air is dumped and a holding tank would have to be pretty thin to fit underneath.I see no problem with trailers and 5th wheels.BTW, I have stayed at places that charge $20 or more just pump the regular tanks on a RV.

Winnebago JourneyTN Lic. RV 2 GOJeep Cherokee 4x4I’m here4335Blog

Posted By:Stevesmith812on 03/29/14 03:55pm

There was a study I read on the average liquid use in an RV and it stated it was 27 gallons a day.Assuming 30 gallons a day and the average seasonal uses their site every weekend and two weeks during the season my math is about 50-60 days for a 6 month Minnesota season.60×30=18001800/300 = 66x$20 = $120.00 for the season.I know that when I am dry camping I can make my internal 60 gallon grey water tank last 3 days.Really just looking to see if anybody thinks this is

Posted By:donn0128on 03/29/14 05:12pm

Last year we work camped at a state park because of its proximity to a flood zone did not have a septic system for the host.Instead they had a plastic tank that we dumped into.They arranged for a septic pumping company to come out weekly to pump us out.Usually we were around 300-350 gallons each week.We showered and did all out laundry with no problems.

Posted By:Dutch_12078on 03/29/14 06:07pm

Francesca Knowles wrote:First thing that occurs to me is to wonder how fast that puppy will fill up. I’ve been involved in some sewer planning projects, and average water use in a residential setting is assumed to be 125 gallons per person per day! Most of which goes down the drain, of course.I s’pose RV use might be a little lower than that, depending on appliances etc, but still- at $20.00 a pump it won’t take long to make your sticks-n-bricks sewer bill look like chump change. I think you’ll find that RV use, particularly when not on full hookups, is considerable less than that. My wife and I can easily go a week before filling our 70 gallon total waste tank capacity without even trying hard, and without using public facilities for showers or anything else.

Dutch2001 GBM Landau 34′ Class AF53 chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMSBigfoot Automatic Leveling System2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pumpReadyBrute Elite tow bar/Blue Ox baseplate

Posted By:Golden_HVACon 03/29/14 07:01pm

I camped by myself for about 2 weeks on 100 gallons of fresh water.I did have a place to drain my 42 gallon grey tank, and the 59 gallon black tank never got full – even in a month.Yes I think you can go a week or so – perhaps 2 weeks without dumping.I like the idea of dumping your tanks every time they are full, and you will get an idea of how many times it takes to fill the tank.Then call the guy to dump your 300 gallon tank, and dump the black tank and RV tank all at once, getting about 375 gallons all at once.The charge is more for the labor to drive out there, than the actual cost per gallon to dump it.I think they even charge $20 per portable toilet serviced weekly.You can also get thrifty with your water too.If you can recover some of your shower or dish water, you can dump it outside, and also save some in a used gallon container to use for flushing the toilet.Fred.

Posted By:Francesca Knowleson 03/29/14 07:09pm

Dutch_12078 wrote:Francesca Knowles wrote:First thing that occurs to me is to wonder how fast that puppy will fill up. I’ve been involved in some sewer planning projects, and average water use in a residential setting is assumed to be 125 gallons per person per day! Most of which goes down the drain, of course.I s’pose RV use might be a little lower than that, depending on appliances etc, but still- at $20.00 a pump it won’t take long to make your sticks-n-bricks sewer bill look like chump change. I think you’ll find that RV use, particularly when not on full hookups, is considerable less than that. My wife and I can easily go a week before filling our 70 gallon total waste tank capacity without even trying hard, and without using public facilities for showers or anything else. I wasthinking that the O.P. would have a water hookup, too, at the site with the tank.Folks tend to use more water when it keeps coming out of the tap!

Posted By:Old-Biscuiton 03/29/14 07:53pm

Whether we are on hook ups or using tank we go a week before dumping.50 gallons black78 gallons grey. I do have to shuttle some grey over to black at day 5.OP.My problem(s) with a ‘holding tank’ is having it slid under my RV. I’m sure it will fit but not to thrilled with the idea of it venting under my rig and around the sitting area outside. Bad enough when some CGs have neighbors sewer hookup right in your yard but venting is done with a 8′-10′ stand pipe with elbow.300 gallons should be roughly twice monthly pump out ie: $40/month

Is it time for your medication or mine?2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed ‘quiet gen’ 2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex InverterUS NAVY-USS Decatur DDG31

Posted By:korbeon 03/29/14 07:55pm

We design from 100 to 150 GPD perRV for RVParks. It’s not the conserve mode you design for, it’s the average normal use.

Posted By:Francesca Knowleson 03/29/14 08:39pm

korbe wrote:We design from 100 to 150 GPD perRV for RVParks. It’s not the conserve mode you design for, it’s the average normal use. There ya go- that’s a pump every two to three days. (The O.P. says it’s a three hundred gallon tank, at $20.00 a pump). That’s $200.00 a month if you conserve.For comparison purposes,the typical monthly rate for sewer in Seattle, Washington is a little over fifty dollars a month.Link to rate page

Posted By:Old-Biscuiton 03/29/14 08:43pm

Francesca Knowles wrote:korbe wrote:We design from 100 to 150 GPD perRV for RVParks. It’s not the conserve mode you design for, it’s the average normal use. There ya go- that’s a pump every two to three days. (The O.P. says it’s a three hundred gallon tank, at $20.00 a pump). That’s $200.00 a month if you conserve.For comparison purposes,the typical monthly rate for sewer in Seattle, Washington is a little over fifty dollars a month.Link to rate pageThat GPD average use is predicated on ‘holding tanks being dumped?No average RVr is using 100-150 gpd.

Posted By:vern751on 03/29/14 09:29pm

I am a seasonal and about half the campers in our park use them. We were allowed to dig a small pit to put them in, all sand in our park so this was easy to do, they cannot be buried the top must remain exposed. There is a float inside that trips a flag like on a fishing tip up when it is near full. I am on my third year of using mine, me and my handicapped brother, generally have it pumped 4 times a season, May-Oct.

Jeff,TedMason the rescued lab2002 35′ Dutchmen bunkhouse

Posted By:Bucky Badgeron 03/30/14 07:53am

2010 F150 5.4, 3.55, 4×4, Equli-z-er Hitch2007 Forest River Salem 27RB LEand2009 Nomad 3980

Posted By:Dog Folkson 03/30/14 10:05am

korbe wrote:We design from 100 to 150 GPD perRV for RVParks. It’s not the conserve mode you design for, it’s the average normal use.We must be very different.Three adults, no washing machine, use 60 gallons of water every 4 days, without conservation.We do take “Navy” showers.That works out to 15 GPD? That is 1/10th of what you state is “average normal.”I don’t design waste systems so I may be missing something.

Our Rig:2005 Dodge 3500 – Dually- Cummins 2006 Outback 27 RSDSWe also have with us two rescue dogs. A Chihuahua mixa Catahoula mix.”I did not get to this advanced age because I am stupid.”Full time since June 2006

Posted By:mustangglpon 03/30/14 10:48am

When you design for a rv park you have people like me the only reason to stay would be to dump my tanks. Also some people can be very waste full so yo have allow for that. I don’t thinksomeone is going to drive a big truck out to pump one tank for 20$ so the must do it on certain days?

Gary

Posted By:Bucky Badgeron 04/01/14 05:11pm

could you adapt this as an indicator? it has a female hose end on it.Sorry, click links not working. copy and paste* This post wasedited 04/01/14 05:21pm by Bucky Badger *

Posted By:rhagfoon 04/01/14 05:31pm

Francesca Knowles wrote:Dutch_12078 wrote:Francesca Knowles wrote:First thing that occurs to me is to wonder how fast that puppy will fill up. I’ve been involved in some sewer planning projects, and average water use in a residential setting is assumed to be 125 gallons per person per day! Most of which goes down the drain, of course.I s’pose RV use might be a little lower than that, depending on appliances etc, but still- at $20.00 a pump it won’t take long to make your sticks-n-bricks sewer bill look like chump change. I think you’ll find that RV use, particularly when not on full hookups, is considerable less than that. My wife and I can easily go a week before filling our 70 gallon total waste tank capacity without even trying hard, and without using public facilities for showers or anything else. I wasthinking that the O.P. would have a water hookup, too, at the site with the tank.Folks tend to use more water when it keeps coming out of the tap!Well call me Green also, I shower every day and DW and I can go a week on internal storage easy. Yes I has my hands during the day, use the RV for all restroom and showers, and washing dishes, Pots and Pans.I will add that many of the coastal Oregon State parks, have limited or no full hookups, you learn to conserve.

RussPaula the Beagle Belle.2016 Ram Laramie 3500 Aisin DRW 4X4 Long bed.2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS, 32′ GVWR 12,360″Visit and Enjoy Oregon State Parks”

Posted By:campincandiceon 04/01/14 06:51pm

We have one at our seasonal – over the last 5 seasons we go 3-4 dumps per season.Never gone more than 4.We’re there every weekend plus at least one full week.We do military showers and are careful, but not stingy!

CandiceSteve – Partner in CrimeMolly – black labSabbath – chocolate lab/weimaraner2014 Open Range LT274RLS

Is It Legal to Connect Your RV to a Septic Tank?

You’ve just returned from a long journey, and all you want to do now is rest. For the sake of maintaining harmony, you put up your travel trailer for your visitors while they were here to visit. The in-laws are staying on your property for a couple of months in their RV, which they brought with them. It doesn’t matter what circumstance you’re in; the same concern surfaces. The holding tanks on the bus need to be drained as soon as possible. While you have a septic tank in your yard, you’re not sure what it will do to your drainage system.

Is It Okay To Dump Your RV Waste Into Your Home Septic System?

The quick answer is that sure, it is possible. It is OK to discharge your RV waste into your septic system. Commercial-sized septic systems are actually installed on the grounds of a number of campers. It is not necessary to replace your RV’s holding tank as long as you make simple modifications to your holding tank maintenance schedule. Before you connect your RV to the electrical grid, you need understand how it works and what to look out for. RV holding tanks function in a different way than residential septic systems.

How Your Home Septic System Works

Material is filtered out of your septic system before it is discharged into the drainage field. The baffle is the first of several filters. It removes oils, sludge, and other contaminants that might clog the system’s flow and cause it to malfunction. The septic tank is divided into two chambers by a wall that is evenly spaced apart. There is a little aperture about halfway down that permits water to pass through. On the other side are a series of pipes via which water and sediments are channeled into a drainage system.

Solids are forced through the drainage field as a result of this pressure.
Their primary function is to decompose waste materials.

Certain home pollutants can be hazardous to these microorganisms, and they should be avoided.
It might take months to complete the breakdown of the raw elements.
Having your sewage system pumped out every few years also helps to keep sludge from building up and overflowing the tank.

Another consideration is the amount of rooms in the residence.
This value is a general estimate of the amount of waste that the septic tank can manage.

Things To Be Aware Of

If properly maintained, a septic tank can survive for several decades. Pumping the tank every three to five years will keep sludge from accumulating in the tank. Otherwise, it is possible to have a maintenance-free system. Dumping the contents of your RV into your septic system might throw the system’s delicate balance out of whack.

A single draining of your holding tanks is not as significant as a series of drainings on a regular basis. It is just as important to be mindful of what you are dumping as it is to be mindful of how often you are dumping.

Connect to the Septic Cleanout Pipe Correctly

Every septic system is equipped with a cleanout pipe that protrudes from the ground. Some of the more recent systems employ a white PVC pipe that is located near to the home itself. It’s only a matter of getting the correct length and fitting for your RV’s sewage hose to connect to this pipe. If the sewer hose from your RV does not fit through the cleanout pipe, sewer fittings can be purchased to fasten it. Storm drains should never be used to empty your tanks. First and foremost, it is against the law.

Putting tainted water into these drainage systems may result in severe fines if done intentionally.

Protect the Septic Tank Bacteria

Formaldehyde is included in some of the chemicals used in RV toilets to decompose waste and deodorize. In most cases, they are blue in hue. When it comes to microorganisms in your house septic tank, this chemical is toxic. The bacteria in your septic system must survive in order for it to function properly. Professional septic system professionals are the only ones who can restore normal operation to the system. It may take several weeks or months to bring the bacteria count back to a healthy level after an infection.

Septic system-safe tank treatments are being developed by RV toilet chemical producers.
Look for remedies that are both effective and safe to use.
Use premeasured pods or dry items instead of liquids.

Aerobic bacteria are used in bioactive goods, which means they may continue to operate after being drained.
Because they are non-toxic to people, you don’t have to worry about being exposed to them if you spill them.
SaleBestseller

Monitor Flow

The pipes that connect the septic tank to the drainage field are experiencing a mild deterioration. This allows the water to pass through and push the solids out. If the angle is sufficiently high, the water will skip the solid substance and flow directly through it. Make sure you don’t overburden your septic system when you empty the holding tanks of your recreational vehicle. Septic systems have a certain water-to-solids ratio that must be maintained. In order to keep the flow of waste water into your septic system under control while draining full tanks, it’s a good idea to only open your tanks halfway.

If you are experiencing low flow concerns, you should try an acerator pump.

They generate flow while also churning up solid debris in large quantities.

They will attach themselves near your holding tanks. The output may be connected to either a sewage hose or a standard garden hose. These electric pumps are also capable of cleaning up the build-up that has accumulated in your tanks.

Adjust Your Septic Pumping Schedule

If you are regularly emptying your holding tanks into your septic system, you are effectively expanding your living space. It is possible that your septic system will need to be cleaned sooner than anticipated. Pumpings are performed on a regular basis every three to five years. The majority of individuals who have septic systems hire a company to keep their system in good working order. This service firm comes out every few years to pump out the septic tank, which is maintained by the homeowner.

It is always advisable to contact your septic service contractor for advice.

They can change your pumping schedule so that they come out more frequently to pump out your tank as needed.

Alternatives to Dumping Your Tanks At Home

If you do not have a septic system, several septic service cleaning companies offer “Honey Wagon” vans that can clean your septic system. When they go out to empty a house septic tank, they pump the contents of the tank onto a truck that they have brought with them. Some of these service companies will come to you in order to empty your recreational vehicle. It’s still a pretty new service, so bear with me. This is not a service provided by all septic providers. This is a service that larger campsites, such as KOA, provide to its customers.

Travel Centers

RVs can be accommodated by Pilot/Flying J, Love’s, and TA Travel Centers of America. Many of them feature specific RV lanes and services. They provide holding tank dumping services at the pump for your convenience. These services are not free, however their pricing are in the range of $10 to $15 per hour. Their rewards programs provide discounts to anyone who join up to participate. Some RV discount clubs also partner with these service centers to provide savings to their members. You may discover their locations all throughout the country by visiting their website or downloading their mobile device applications.

Other Websites and Apps

RV Dumps.com and Sanidumps.com are two more internet resources you may use. Both websites can assist you in locating dump stations all around the United States of America. They specify the location, the address, and whether or not there is a fee. They allow customers to post ratings after selecting a specific disposal place. As a result, other RVers will be able to learn more about that particular dump station from you and from them. Product information was last updated on February 17, 2022, at 13:22.

Connecting Your RV to a Septic Tank: Unsplash
How a Septic System Works: Unsplash

How to Hook Up an RV Sewer Hose to a Septic Tank

In the United States, a recreational vehicle (sometimes known as an RV) is a movable lodging that provides ordinary home comforts and amenities, such as kitchen and bathroom facilities. This implies that an RV also transports a sewage system, which collects and retains all of the waste items generated. So, what is the best way to dispose of the waste material? RV owners no longer physically dump wastewater into bodies of water or even bury waste in the ground, as was the case in previous generations.

Yes, you read that correctly. The use of an RV sewer line eliminates the need to dispose of wastewater while on the road. You don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast or an RV owner to understand how and why an RV hose is critical to the overall operation of the vehicle.

What Is an RV Sewer Hose?

An RV sewage system, without a doubt, is critical in the maintenance of an RV’s operations in order to provide a pleasant ride. When you’re all fired up for that camping trip, the last thing you want is to have a fecal issue on your hands. A sewer hose, on the other hand, is required by the sewer system. An RV sewage hose is comprised of a long, ridged, plastic tube that expands and contracts when waste material is flushed out of the RV during its operation. Yes, the septic tank will be linked to the RV hose; this is the one that will be maintained by the local authorities.

The wastewater tank, commonly referred to as a black water tank, is the most important component of an RV’s sewer system.

Owners of recreational vehicles (RVs) may avoid unforeseen disasters by learning how their tanks work and why waste material removal is necessary for their vehicle.

RV Sewer Hose makes cleaning easy

The use of an RV hose makes cleaning the tank much easier, which is especially important given the fact that it must be cleaned on a regular basis. Don’t put off cleaning your RV’s tank since accumulated wastewater can cause serious difficulties with the vehicle’s operation. This not only assists you in maintaining better hygiene, but it also helps to ensure that your RV does not smell. With the purchase of an underground wastewater collection system (sewer hose), you not only get the hose but also various extra attachments such as hose fittings and valves, which make the septic tank connection process a whole lot easier.

A tiny trickle of water might quickly turn into a fatty, filthy puddle.

Connecting the RV to a Septic Tank

In order to begin, determine the amount of wastewater currently present in the RV tank. Generally speaking, the tank must be two-thirds full in order to provide the ideal pressure necessary for waste to be flushed out. The most critical step after that is to identify the output valve of the RV that is necessary. Before connecting the sewage line to the wastewater tank, make a note of the valves on the tank. If the sewage hose is attached to the water input valve, you must proceed with greater caution during this phase.

These septic tanks, which are also referred to as “dump stations,” are managed by the local council or government and are typically intended for this single function; thus, checking the accessibility of a dump station would be beneficial as well.

Once the sewage hose has been connected between the RV and the septic tank, open the wastewater tank and turn on the RV’s pump to complete the process. Although it is typical to find these pumps in RVs, if there isn’t one operating, you may need to purchase one to make up for lost time.

Do you need a macerator pump?

This type of pump is referred to as a macerator pump, and it has the function of grinding up the waste materials that accumulate in the black tank. Essentially, macerator pumps help to increase the flow of waste water from the sewer system to the septic tank. If you are using an external macerator pump, make sure that the sewer hose is connected to both the pump and the septic tank at the same time. You only need to make sure that the disposal is running properly with an external or internal pump.

Upon completion of the emptying of the tank, the pump and tank valve can be restored to their original positions.
Once again, it is critical that the valves are properly connected because we do not want a leaky connection in the pipeline system.

Using this method, you will be able to watch the flow of sewage and afterwards validate its purity.
In the long run, it ensures not only the cleanliness of the RV’s sewer system, but also the preservation and sanitization of the tanks.
You don’t want to end up with a literal and muddy disaster on your hands.

Recommended RV Macerator Pump

SewerFlow Quick Release RV Macerator Pump

It is simple to attach and detach
Connection to a standard 3′′ RV waste outlet is provided. The ability to drop across a greater distance

Motor with thermal protection and an intermittent duty cycle

Please be aware that this content may contain affiliate links for your convenience. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will get a small compensation at no additional cost to you. This cash allows us to keep this blog and its free material up and running for you all! When you move from a traditional home to a recreational vehicle, you become acutely aware of your water, electricity, and sewage use. For first-time campers, we’ve put together this fast and easy beginner’s introduction to RV holding tanks, which we hope will clear up some of the confussion.

To begin, there are three varieties of water: fresh, gray, and black.

Fresh water is defined as water that is pure and safe to consume.
The sewage from the toilet is contained in black water.
Fresh|Gray|Black|Emptying|Cleaning|Storage A normal garden hose may be used to connect a campground spigot to your city water connection or to the fresh water tank on the side of your RV.

When we arrived to a couple of state parks where the water and power hookups were at different ends of the campsite, we realized we had made the wrong decision in purchasing the 25-footer.
This Zero G flex hose with a length of 50 feet is an excellent choice.
Protect your hoses and pipes from damage caused by high-pressure city water with a water pressure regulator that connects to the spigot.

An RV water filter, a connector splitter adaptor that allows us to utilize the outside spigot in the event that we need to use it, and a 90-degree hose elbow that connects directly to the RV connection were also acquired.

Gray water

Water from sink and tub/shower drains may include food particles and other microorganisms that are harmful to human health. As much residue as possible from dirty dishes is caught in the sink drains, in an effort to maintain the sink drains as clean as possible. Dishes are scraped thoroughly, and the drain trap is used to capture the majority of the remaining particles that might cause blockages in the future. Some RVers, on the other hand, are far less cautious. The RV has two holding tanks, one for gray water and the other for black water, both of which are accessible from the bottom of the vehicle.

It is possible to quietly (and legally) remove small volumes of gray water directly on the ground when camping or boondocking in rural places, depending on where you are camping or boondocking in remote locations.

Please bear on mind that we leave the gray tank open until a couple of days before we are due to leave a campsite.

Although it may seem unpleasant, dealing with septic tanks is not as as unpleasant as it may appear at first glance.

how often to empty RV holding tanks

The frequency with which you must empty your black tank will vary depending on how frequently you use it. For us, it usually comes down to 1-2 times a week. Several RVs are fitted with digital sensors that may be used to monitor the levels of water in your freshwater, graywater, and blackwater tanks, among other things. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on them since the black water contents of the tanks frequently become trapped on the edge of the tanks, causing the sensors to malfunction.

how to prevent rv septic clogs

Make Use of Enough Water To assist avoid toilet clogs, make sure that the toilet bowl has a proper quantity of water before flushing it. It also doesn’t hurt to be frugal with your toilet paper usage. Make use of Liquid Fabric Softener. We use the tank rinser every time we empty the black tank on the day we leave the campsite, which is about once a week. Beyond that, we periodically pour a tiny quantity of liquid fabric softener into our tank through the toilet, which makes the contents of our tank more slippery, which helps to remove any contents that become caught on the edges of the black tank.

Take Advantage of the Movement of Travel Days to Your Advantage Before leaving, you may add some water to the black tank and let it to splash around inside the tank, breaking up any solid waste that has become lodged.

STORing your rv septic supplies

We keep all of the sewage materials (hoses, fittings, tank rinser and backfill hose, and so on) in a storage container in one of the compartments, which is accessible from the rest of the compartment. Our storage containers are manufactured by Sterilite, and we purchased them from Walmart. We have a container for freshwater products and a second container for materials for the black tank. Do not keep them together in the same place! The size of the storage boxes you pick will be heavily influenced by the number of storage compartments you have, so be careful to measure the available space before buying.

However, you should avoid flushing the toilet while the fan is operating.

Yes, we had to learn that lesson the hard way straight away, soon after we started.

This is the quickest and most convenient method. In contrast, other campsites (such as state parks) may just provide water and electricity. Check websites or phone beforehand to make sure what you want is still available. A large number of campgrounds feature on-site wastewater disposal facilities.

how to empty the rv septic tanks

Steps-by-step:

The day before you want to empty your black tank, close the grey tank valve. When you’re ready to empty the bathroom, ensure sure the fan is turned off. Release the valve on the outside of your RV that controls the black tank. Wait until it has completely emptied. Using the Rhino Blaster tank rinser, back-fill the black tank (leave the rinser valve closed). Activate the Rhino Blaster valve. Continue until the water runs clear
If necessary, add more water. Ensure that the black tank is closed. Open the grey water tank, allowing the grey water to drain and, in effect, cleaning out your sewage pipe. Keep the grey water tank open. Optional: In order to prevent black tank odours and blockages, place a sewer tank pod or some liquid fabric softener in the toilet tank and flush the toilet a couple of times. When you need to empty the black tank again, simply repeat the process from the beginning.

*Keep in mind that when you are backfilling your black tank, you should keep an eye on the water level. A timer or having a spouse monitor the level from the inside have been suggested by various RVers I’ve spoken with about. I wouldn’t base my decision on the RV sensors. Since purchasing our camper, ours has been inconsistent at best. It has been brought to my attention that some tourists have had disastrous results after leaving their campers unattended throughout this process.** Bonus tip: Close the gray tank valve a couple of days or so before you plan to empty your black tank to give the gray tank enough time to fill up before you empty your black tank.

However, while it is not a substitute for consistently cleaning your black tank, it does assist to reduce the odor.

Easy 17 Steps – How To Build A RV Septic System?

It’s not everyone’s favorite subject, but if you spend a lot of time in an RV, learning how to establish a septic system is essential. Simply put, you won’t be able to convert your RV into a motor home unless you first install a septic system.

Basic Componentsof theRV Septic System

RV septic systems may be as basic or as complex as you want them to be, but they all have some components in common. Most recreational vehicles have at least some of the following features.

Gray water tank– This tank is used to store the liquids that drain from your sink or shower. It does not include any of the waste that is generated by your garbage disposal or bathroom toilet. It is not drinkable, but it may be used to wash your recreational vehicle
All of the waste from your RV’s toilet and all of the waste from your shower and sink are collected in the black water tank, which is also known as the waste water tank. However, the fundamentals remain the same regardless of the arrangement of the dump system from RV to RV. You connect a sewage pipe to the gray or black tanks and empty them into a disposal facility
You clean the tanks.

HowtoClean RV Black Water Tank?

A great deal of trouble with septic systems may be prevented by performing routine maintenance and planning ahead of time.

1. EnzymesandWaste Tank Solutions

The chemical solutions for waste tanks are available to break down the wastes in black water tanks. Whatever they are, active cultures or synthetic, it doesn’t matter as long as they are acceptable for use in recreational vehicles. It is not recommended to use poisonous solutions since they may cause harm to the tank.

2. Clean Your Tanks

There is disagreement about whether to empty the tanks when they are completely filled or when they are 3/4 of the way full. When I’m three quarters of the way through, I like to empty them since letting the tank to build up can be dangerous. When cleaning both tanks, make sure to use gloves at all times. The black water tank should always be cleansed first, followed by the gray water tank. Maintain the health of your RV septic system by flushing, cleaning, and sanitizing it on a regular basis.

HowtoBuildaRV Septic Systemin17 Steps?

You may construct a septic system for your RV by patterning it after a conventional septic system, with the exception that it will be smaller. Before you begin, be sure you are in compliance with all applicable zoning rules and that you have obtained all necessary permissions. What You’ll Need in Terms of Tools and Materials

A shovel, paper rosin, a tape measure, pipe adhesive, and perforated PVC pipes are all required.

Step 1

A shovel, paper rosin, a tape measure, pipe adhesive, and perforated PVC pipes are all needed.

Step 2

An 8- to 10-foot length of PVC pipe should be connected to the plumbing coming from your RV.

Specifically, this is the pipe that extends horizontally and is fastened by a clamp.

Step 3

Calculate the distance between the tank’s bottom and the entrance hole with a tape measure and a ruler. Determine the depth of the hole measured from the pipe’s bottom.

Step 4

Grab a shovel and dig a hole, then position the tank according to the measurements you obtained. Essentially, this will serve as your septic tank, and it will separate liquid waste from solid waste.

Step 5

The entrance from your rig drain should be placed in the tank. Check to see if it is a tight fit.

Step 6

After the tank has been leveled, cover the space surrounding it with earth to conceal the leveling.

Step 7

Obtain an elbow pipe and glue it to the end of the drainpipe. The elbow should be positioned such that it faces down in the direction of the tank’s bottom.

Step 8

Dig a trench 10 feet deep along the length of the tank’s outflow hole at the end. Pitch is approximately 1/8″ per foot.

Step 9

Install a PVC pipe from the outlet hole all the way to the end of the trench.

Step 10

Locate the output pipe and connect a PVC elbow to it with a hose clamp. The elbow should be positioned such that it points towards the bottom of the tank.

Step 11

Excavate a ten-foot-deep hole at the other end of the trench.

Step 12

Fill the holes with stones, and then fill the hole along the pipe’s bottom with more stones.

Step 13

Remove the solid end of the PVC pipe and insert a 4″ perforated PVC pipe. Make certain that the perforated PVC pipe terminates in the center of the hole that has been filled with rocks. Slope it down at a rate of 1/8 of an inch each foot.

Step 14

Place stones on either side of the perforated pipe. The stones around the pipe must extend four inches above the pipe’s surface.

Step 15

Place rosin paper over the stones to prevent them from becoming mixed with the dirt. After you’ve packed in the earth, the rosin paper will disintegrate, and the dirt will not mix with the stones as it would otherwise.

Step 16

Cover the stones with rosin paper to prevent them from becoming contaminated with the soil and other materials. As soon as you start packing in the earth, the rosin paper will disintegrate and the dirt will not mix with the stones.

Step 17

The final step is to backfill the soil in the trench with dirt.

RV Black Water Tank: 6 Things You Need to Know

In the final phase, the dirt in the trench is backfilled.

1. Background

The black water tank in an RV functions as a holding tank for everything that is flushed down the toilet while traveling. In addition, most RVs are equipped with a gray water tank, which stores water from the kitchen sink and shower. This water does not include any of the garbage that has accumulated in your RV; it only contains water. It is referred to as a gray tank because the soap residue gives it a gray appearance. Because the black water tank includes both solid and liquid waste, it must be disposed of in a correct manner.

2. Startwith theRight Base

Check to see that there is enough water in the tank as a starting point for your procedure. The water is used for two different reasons. It does two things: first, it inhibits odors from spreading throughout your RV, and second, it keeps solid waste from clinging to the sides and bottoms.

3. RV Black Tank Chemicals

Adding black tank chemicals to the water once it has been obtained can help to minimize the odor even more and prevent trash from clinging to the water. RV black tank chemicals are widely accessible, and they come in a wide range of fragrances and designs to choose from. If the chemical has been developed expressly for use in black water tanks, you may be confident that it is environmentally benign. By pouring the chemical into the tank, it will dissolve the waste and prevent an odor from accumulating in the tank.

According to the product label, the directions for applying the chemical vary from one product to another. The volume varies from bottle to bottle, but a couple of ounces is generally sufficient for 3 to 4 days’ worth of use.

4. Emptying Your RV Black Tank

You can fill your tanks with water and dump them at the station if you’re about to leave the campsite but your tanks aren’t yet completely full. In order to properly dispose of your garbage, look for a campsite or other appropriate area. When you’ve located a dump station, attach your waste hose to the rig and secure the other end to the dump station’s dumping station. You’ll empty both the gray and black water tanks, however the black tank must always be the first to be emptied. Close the black water valve after the tank is completely depleted.

Because the gray tank is not as unclean as the black tank, you must empty the black tank first.

5. RV Black Tank Flushing

Emptying the black water tank on a regular basis is only one piece of the whole maintenance process. You’ll also need to wipe out the black water tank in a more thorough manner than before. The accumulation of tissues and garbage can block your toilet, making regular maintenance a must. There are two different methods for flushing a black water tank. The black tank flush valve is the most commonly seen kind. This is something that almost all RVs have, therefore it’s definitely the best option.

Just flush it down the toilet and you’re done.
If your RV does not come equipped with a flush, you may purchase an aftermarket black valve to replace it.
In most cases, you will just need to drill a tiny hole in the black water tank to accommodate the valve installation.

In order to accomplish this, you’ll need a garden hose extension or an RV tank rinser that can jet water in various directions in the tank to remove tissue and other debris.
Once you’re certain, turn on the RV toilet flush valve and insert the tank rinser so that it enters the black water tank of the vehicle.
Make sure the rinser is turning and twisting so that it can reach all areas of the tank.

6. Portable RV Waste Tanks

If you plan to camp for a lengthy amount of time in an area where there is no sewer connection, a portable RV waste tank will be quite useful. Essentially, these allow you to empty your black and gray water tanks through an external tank, as the name indicates. After you have emptied the tanks, you may dispose of them at a dump station. These tanks are equipped with a handle and wheels for simple movement, allowing you to drag the tank to the station in a matter of minutes.

Even though there are many different types of RV portable waste tanks, they still require the same maintenance, flushing, and cleaning as a standard black water tank. Follow any additional instructions that may be provided.

Additional TipsforRV Septic Management

Make certain that you only use legal disposal stations. There are a few free dump stations that are either badly kept or contain chemicals that are dangerous to your RV hose and tank. Any chemical that contains formaldehyde should not be used since it may cause harm to the tank. Purchase only from trustworthy sources to ensure that the substances you’re purchasing are safe. After you’ve finished using the dump station, make sure to clean up. Remove any remaining residue and leave the area in the same condition as you found it.

On a regular basis, check the tanks for damage.

Preferably, you should plan this as part of your RV maintenance so that you can clean everything in one go.
Check to see that there is enough for your tanks, and bear in mind that there may be instances where you will need to connect a few of hoses in order to reach the sewer connection.
As a result of the decrease in cost, you don’t want to be trapped with an inoperative hose when emptying a black water tank in your home.
No matter what sort of hose you are using, never drag it over the ground since this might cause punctures or rips in the hose.
This should not be done with the black water hose, though.
It’s a topic that, for obvious reasons, no RVer can afford to ignore.
Recommendation for Further Reading:

Only legal disposal stations should be utilized. There are a few free dump stations that are either poorly kept or contain chemicals that are dangerous to your RV hose or tank. Any chemical that contains formaldehyde should not be used since it might harm the tank. You should only purchase chemicals from reliable suppliers to ensure that they are safe. Use the disposal station only once you’ve finished cleaning it. Any residue should be washed away, and you should leave the area in the same condition that you discovered it. RVers must be responsible in disposing of their garbage if these dump stations are to remain open, so please do your bit to keep these facilities open. Maintain frequent inspections of the tanks. Establish a schedule for cleaning the tanks at least once a season, and make sure you stick to it! Schedule this as part of regular RV maintenance so that you may complete the job in one sitting. RV couplings and connections should be kept on hand at all times. Inspect the water supply to ensure there is enough for your tanks, and bear in mind that there may be instances where you will need to connect a few of hoses in order to reach the sewage line. Consider nothing less than a heavy-duty waste water hose when purchasing one. When it comes to dumping a black water tank, you don’t want to be caught with a hose that isn’t working properly. Maintaining an inventory of 10 and 20-foot extension hoses is also a smart idea. You should never drag a hose on the ground, no matter what type of hose you are using, since this might cause punctures or tears. While staying at a campsite for an extended period of time, it is OK to keep the gray tank valve partially open to enable the gray tank to drain. This, however, should not be done with the black water nozzle. The septic tank is an absolutely necessary aspect of living in a motor home or travel trailer. Due to the apparent nature of the subject, no RVer can afford to ignore it. Despite the fact that it is an unpleasant activity, you will need to understand how to maintain it and ensure that the septic tank is in excellent operating condition. Read This If You Like It :

Install Home RV Sewer Dump on Septic System

The most recent update was made on October 9th, 2019 at 01:48 p.m. If you keep your RV at your residence, having the ability to empty your RV holding tanks at your residence is a tremendous benefit. It is possible that you will wish to install an RV sewer dump on your house sewer line. Nonetheless, if your house is equipped with a septic system, you should have a thorough grasp of how it operates before adding an RV sewer dump to the mix. If this is not done correctly, it may result in the need for costly repairs to your septic drain field.

The most important thing to remember is that sewage lines should not have sudden reductions in pressure since the water will leave sediments behind, causing them to accumulate in the drain pipe.

One inch of drop in a one hundred foot line is nearly too much; you should aim for no more than a half-inch drop per hundred feet at the very maximum.

NEVER connect your RV’s dump line to the drain field; instead, connect it to the septic system between the home and the septic tank.

Other options include draining your RV dump directly into the top of your septic tank, preferably before the baffle if your tank has one, but after the baffle will work if that is the only alternative available.

The baffle in a septic tank guarantees that sediments do not pass across the top of the liquid and out into the drain pipes, but rather that they do flow down.

I usually make sure that the dump is about six inches below the surface of the water.

When establishing new septic systems on properties large enough to accommodate RV parking, I always offered to add a free RV dump, which I connected between the house and the tank whenever practical.

I reasoned that installing one now would spare me the trouble of digging up the yard later, and the additional cost of the pipe was little.