RV Water Holding Tank Maintenance
Cleaning The Water Holding Tanks
One of the common concerns of every RVer, especially a new one, is an RV’s water and waste management. The mention of an RV’s water and waste management brings up its holding tanks.
Simply put, RV holding tanks afford you the pleasure of a shower, a toilet, and a kitchen aboard your RV. They are what set RVs apart from regular cars. Holding tanks act as reservoirs of water and waste. At least for a time, they eliminate the need for your city’s water or sewer system, allowing for an uninterrupted camping experience.
The Different RV Holding Tank Systems
There are three separate RV holding tank systems, each with a specific purpose. Each of the three requires unique care to keep them mess-free throughout your camping experience.
Of the three holding tanks, one supplies the RV with fresh water while the other two hold waste. The freshwater holding tank supplies clean water to your shower, tub, kitchen, and toilet. The gray water holding tank takes in wastewater from all spaces but your toilet. These include your sinks, tub, washing machines, and shower. The black water holding tank holds waste from your toilet.
How To Care For Your RV’s Holding Tanks
Most of the headaches in an RV’s water and waste management arises from the grey and black water tanks. You need to adopt proper preventive care and maintenance for your RV’s holding tanks. This will minimize clogging, odors, and the displeasure of emptying them. Proper care and maintenance include fair use of the holding tanks, proper disposal, cleaning, and treatment.
Fair Use Of Black and Grey Water
The grey and black holding tanks hold specific wastes. It would help if you took care not to allow solid waste into the grey holding tank. This you can do by using strainers in your shower and tub drains and sinks. Dump this solid waste along with the garbage.
To prevent clogs in the black holding tank, you should only flash special RV toilet paper.
Emptying of the RV’s Holding Tanks
Needless to say, the black and grey water holding tanks need emptying every time they are full. A general rule is not to drain the waste in both tanks until they are two-thirds full. That should not be hard; most RVs come with a sensor that shows you the levels in each of the tanks. However, t stay for too long.
Here are some tips to help the dumping:
- Dump at designated septic sites and have the right equipment. That way, the chances of making a mess are low. You also do not want to harm the environment.
- Drain the black holding tank first. The grey holding tank waste is cleaner and will help rinse the waste that remains in the black water holding tanks.
Now For The Cleaning And Treatment
RV’s plumbing system needs regular cleaning and treatment to maintain the system’s hygiene and proper functioning. This eliminates the possibility of awful odors and system clogs. It also supports the sensors’ appropriate functioning.
Disinfecting the freshwater holding tank is easy, almost stress-free. All you need is bleach and water! Always leave your grey water tank with some clean water. This should prevent a build-up of scum in it. A black holding tank requires you to flush it with a hose every once in a while, to keep it clear.
Worthy to note, always wear protective gear, especially when cleaning the black holding tank.
How Can I Unclog an RV Holding Tank?
Clogs are rare in a well-maintained drainage system. Even so, they still occur. When your RV’s drainage clogs, it is easy to unclog it. Much easier than it is unclogging your sewer system at home, thanks to the effectiveness of RV tank cleaners and chemicals.
Unclogging a Grey Holding Tank System
Because no solid waste goes into your grey holding tank, a clog in its system only needs hot water and a mild detergent to break down any build-up. Alternatively, you may use a diluted bleaching agent to unclog the pipes and the tank.
Unclogging a Black Holding Tank System
A clog in the black holding tank system could result from the tank’s infrequent and inadequate dumping. Whenever a clog affects your toilet, try dumping the black holding tank first. You may also use black holding tank chemicals to rid the system of clogs. If it does not unclog the system, you will need to use a toilet snake; one specially made for an RV’s drainage pipes. This should rid the lines of any build-up and clog.
Supplementary Advice
While properly cleaned RV holding tanks are critical for a seamless and comfortable camping experience. So is adequate fresh water. Always stock up enough fresh water for your trip. Some campgrounds may have refill points for fresh water; however, the water may not be entirely safe.
The End of the Dirty Task
Though displeasing, the proper care of the water and waste holding system in an RV is necessary. When done the right way, it is quick and pain-free. All in all, there’s no doubt RVing gives a wonderful vacationing experience.
