Last Updated on December 12, 2024
Have you ever found yourself in a sticky situation when it comes to emptying your RV holding tanks? Maybe you get a little anxious when there's a long line of RVs behind you, and everyone is watching your every move. Fear not, because we're here to share five easy steps to get you in and out of the dump station in less than five minutes. We found a great video outlines these steps perfectly.
1. Get Your Rubber Gloves On
First things first, get yourself some rubber gloves. Trust me, you don't want to touch any of this stuff bare-handed. A box of cheap latex gloves should last you the whole season, but if you're feeling fancy, go for the thicker, reusable ones. Just make sure you have a clean pair every time. After all, you never know where that hose has been, and you don't want to find out the hard way!
2. Connect the Stinky Slinky
Next up, it's time to get your "stinky slinky" out of its holder and connect it to the RV. Make sure everything is locked on tight with a twist and turn, ensuring four points of connection. Once connected, stretch the hose out to avoid any kinks that could slow down the flow. It's like trying to drink a milkshake through a bent straw—nobody wants that kind of frustration.
3. Drain the Black Tank First
Now, the real fun begins. Pull the black tank valve and watch the hose jump around as everything flows out. Once it's done, close the black tank valve and open the gray tank valve. The gray water will help rinse out any leftover solids or toilet paper in the hose. It's like getting a bonus rinse cycle for free—who doesn't love a good deal?
4. Flush and Clean the Hose
After the tanks are empty, unhook the sewer hose from the RV but leave it in the dump station hole. Use the freshwater hose at the dump station to flush out your sewer hose. Just make sure you don't use this water for anything else unless you enjoy unexpected surprises in your black tank. Give the hose a good swirl to get rid of any lingering chunks—it's like stirring a pot of soup, but way less appetizing.
5. Refill Your Black Tank
Finally, refill your black tank with about four or five gallons of water. This step doesn't need to be done at the dump station, but it's crucial for keeping your tank in good shape. Keep some water in your freshwater tank to refill the toilet, ensuring your black tank isn't left dry. It's like giving your tank a little TLC after a hard day's work.