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Today we're going to talk about Rv keeping tanks. To start with, I wanted to mention something about Rv keeping tanks that I don't think a lot of Rvers are aware of. Many of the free dump stations ready to Rvers are windup because of chemicals that are harmful to septic systems and because Rvers are abusing these dump stations. If we want to have access to these dump stations it is unmistakably valuable that we use septic safe chemicals (no formaldehyde), and that we clean up after ourselves and do not abuse dump stations.

Your Rv has what is referred to as a gray water keeping tank and a black water keeping tank. The gray water keeping tank collects dirty water from the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower. The black water keeping tank is for the toilet. These tanks terminate into one main outlet used to empty the keeping tanks. This is where we join together our sewer hose.

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Make sure you have the required couplings and connectors. It may be valuable to attach two hoses together to reach the sewer connection. I suggest you only use heavy duty sewer hoses. Their not that expensive and they hold up much better. Keep a 10 foot hose and a 20 foot hose available. Do not pull or drag the sewer hose on the ground. This will cause it to tear or get pin holes in it.

To hook up the sewer hose make sure both valves are concluded and remove the sewer cap. Make the association by putting the hose adapter over the outlet and turn it clockwise until it locks securely in place. Take the other end of the hose over to the campground sewer connection. Use the valuable adapters to make the association and get a good seal. It's a good idea to place some weight over the hose so it doesn't jump back out when you drain the tanks. It may be valuable to use some type of sewer hose keep to get a good angle from the Rv to the campground sewer association so the tanks drain properly when you empty them. The small valve is for the gray water tank and the large valve is for the black water tank.

One golden rule for Rv keeping tanks is to never dump the black water tank until it is at least two thirds full. You want the tank nearly full so the weight and the gravity will force the contents of the tank to drain properly. Other golden rule is to never leave the black tank valve open at the campground and expect the toilet to drain or flush like the toilet in your home. It won't work.

When the tanks are full, or nearly full all the time dump the black tank first, followed by the gray tank. The gray water tank should also be at least two thirds full. Dumping the gray water tank last will help to flush the sewer hose out.

When you're at the campground for an extended duration of time you can leave the gray tank valve partially open so it drains as you use it, but remember to Never do this with the black tank. If it's time to leave the campground and your keeping tanks are not full you can terminate filling them with water and then dump them. Never use your drinking water hose for keeping tank maintenance or cleaning purposes. Rv drinking hoses are usually white. Take a distinct color hose for others uses so you can distinguish the difference.

After you dump the tanks you need to completely flush the tanks out. Some Rvs have a built in theory for flushing the tanks out. If not there are other ways to do it. You can use a tank wand designed for cleaning and flushing the black tank. The only question is you don't know when or if the black tank is unmistakably clean and you can't rinse or clean the gray tank with a wand. I use a product called the Flush King. It's a reverse flush valve that connects directly to your sewer outlet and rinses and cleans both keeping tanks in one uncomplicated operation. It's easy to use and it has a see straight through barrel so you know when the tanks are unmistakably clean.

Every time you dump the black tank you need to treat it with keeping tank chemicals to aid in controlling odors and to break down solids. You should all the time use environmentally safe chemicals. Enzyme based chemicals use the good bacteria to discharge waste and control odors. Formaldehyde based chemicals destroy the bacteria that's needed to break down waste and they can be dangerous to humans and pets.

The first step is to add enough water to completely cover the lowest of the tank. Four or five toilet bowls full should be enough depending on the size of your black tank. Water will aid a great deal with controlling keeping tank odors. You all the time want the contents of the tank to be covered by water. Next, fill the toilet bowl and add the proper whole of keeping tank chemicals, usually four ounces for every forty gallons the tank holds. Flush the toilet. Repeat this course every time you empty the black water keeping tank. Some keeping tank chemicals like Rv Trine also contains valve lubricants to keep the valves operating properly and expand the valve seals life.

You should all the time use toilet paper designed for use in Rvs. This toilet paper breaks down and dissolves in the keeping tank chemicals preventing possible problems with the keeping tank, the Rv sewer theory and the dump middle point septic system.
False keeping tank readings on your monitor panel are caused by the keeping tank probes being covered by toilet tissue or other debris. If flushing the tank doesn't solve the question add some water and a merge bags of ice cubes to the empty keeping tank. Drive or pull the trailer so the ice cubes can scrub the sides of the tank. proper keeping tank chemicals will also keep the keeping tank probes clean.

Over time grease and residue builds up in the gray tank and it causes a foul odor, not to mention how it is affecting the tank and valve assembly. Periodically treat the gray tank with environmentally safe keeping tank chemicals to avoid odors from the tank. When the tank is empty you can also add some dish washing liquid down the drains to help break down grease and residue build up.

Following these uncomplicated keeping tank tips can preclude problems and furnish you with long persisting issue free keeping tanks. This is one question we can all do without! All of our Rv walk-through videos cover data on Rv keeping tanks, the water system, Lp gas system, electrical theory and more. Check out our new "Rv valuable Items" Dvd to show you what items you will want for your Rv to make all of your Rv experiences more enjoyable.

Happy Camping,

Mark J. Polk

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of Rv education 101

Rv Tips for retention Tanks