RV Dump Station 101: A First-Timer's Step-by-Step Guide
Using an RV dump station for the first time can be intimidating. You have a black tank, a gray tank, a sewer hose, several valves, and probably a line of experienced RVers behind you who seem to know exactly what they're doing.
The good news is dumping your RV holding tanks is actually a pretty simple process once you understand the order of operations. A few basic steps can help you empty your tanks safely, keep your equipment clean, and avoid some of the mistakes RV owners commonly make.
If you're looking for an RV dump station how to, this guide will walk you through the entire process from pulling up to the dump station to packing your sewer hose away when you're finished.
Hey Happy Campers!
Todd here with Great American RV Superstores, and today we're talking about something every new RV owner eventually has to learn: how to use an RV dump station.
It isn't the most glamorous part of RV ownership, but it is an important one. Your RV has two main waste holding systems: the black tank holds waste from your toilet, while the gray tank collects water from sinks and showers.
When those tanks start getting full, it's time to head to the dump station.
Let's walk through how to do it correctly.
What Do You Need at an RV Dump Station?
Before your first trip, make sure you have the basic equipment needed to empty your tanks.
The most important piece is a quality RV sewer hose with the proper fittings. You'll also want disposable gloves and a way to rinse your sewer hose after you're finished. Many RVers keep their sewer equipment together in a dedicated storage compartment or tube so it stays separate from fresh water equipment.
That separation is important. Your potable drinking water hose should never be used for rinsing sewer equipment.
Some dump stations provide a non-potable rinse hose. If one is available, pay attention to the signs around the station. A hose marked non-potable is for cleaning and flushing, not for filling your RV's fresh water tank.
Know Your Black Tank From Your Gray Tank
Before pulling any valves, understand which tank you're dealing with.
Your black tank receives waste from the RV toilet. Your gray tank collects wastewater from sinks and showers. Depending on the RV, you may have more than one gray tank and therefore more than one gray tank valve.
The handles should be labeled, but it's a good idea to locate and identify them before you actually need to use a dump station.
And here's the rule you'll want to remember:
Black tank first. Gray tank second.
Your black tank contains the dirtiest waste in the RV. Dumping it first allows the gray water that follows to help rinse waste from the sewer hose before you disconnect everything.
Step 1: Position Your RV
Pull into the dump station and position your RV so the sewer connection is within easy reach of your sewer outlet.
You don't want the sewer hose stretched completely tight, but you also don't want several unnecessary feet of hose laying around.
Put the RV in park, set the parking brake, and give yourself enough room to safely work around the sewer connection.
Before you start handling the sewer equipment, put on your gloves.
Step 2: Connect the Sewer Hose
Locate the RV's sewer outlet and remove the termination cap.
Before removing that cap, make sure your black and gray tank valves are completely closed. If one of those valves was accidentally left open, you could have waste sitting behind the cap waiting for you.
Connect one end of the sewer hose securely to the RV.
Take the other end and connect it to the dump station's sewer inlet. Depending on the station, your hose may screw into an adapter or simply fit securely into the opening.
Make sure both ends are secure before opening a valve.
Step 3: Dump the Black Tank First
With the sewer hose connected securely at both ends, it's time to empty the black tank.
Pull the black tank valve completely open and allow the tank to drain.
Don't partially open the valve and try to slowly release the waste. Open it completely and let gravity do its job.
Once the flow has stopped, the black tank is mostly empty.
If your RV is equipped with a black tank flush, use it now to rinse the tank according to your RV manufacturer's instructions. Use a dedicated flush hose, never your drinking water hose.
Also, never walk away while using a black tank flush. You're introducing water into a holding tank, and if something is closed, blocked, or connected incorrectly, that tank can fill much faster than you expect.
Once you've finished flushing, turn the water off and allow the remaining water to drain.
Then close the black tank valve.
Step 4: Dump the Gray Tank
Now it's time for the gray tank.
Pull the gray tank valve completely open and allow it to drain.
Because this water came from your sinks and showers, it helps push some of the remaining black tank waste out of the sewer hose.
If your RV has multiple gray tanks, empty them one at a time.
Once the water has stopped flowing, close the gray tank valve.
Step 5: Disconnect and Rinse the Sewer Hose
With the tank valves closed, disconnect the sewer hose from the RV.
Keep the dump station end connected while you do this.
If available, use the station's rinse hose to clean the inside and outside of your sewer hose.
Once you're finished, disconnect the sewer hose from the dump station and store it in its designated location.
Replace the termination cap on your RV's sewer outlet and make sure it's secure.
Dispose of your gloves properly and wash or sanitize your hands when you're finished.
That's it. You've successfully used an RV dump station.
Should You Leave Your Tank Valves Open at a Full Hookup Campsite?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from new RV owners.
If you're camping at a full hookup site with a sewer connection, don't simply hook up your sewer hose and leave the black tank valve open for the entire trip.
Your black tank needs liquid inside it to properly move solid waste when it's time to dump. Leaving the valve open allows liquids to continuously drain while solids remain behind. Over time, that can create a buildup inside the tank that's much harder to remove.
Keep the black tank valve closed while you're camping and allow the tank to fill before dumping it.
The gray tank can be managed differently depending on how you're camping, but remember that you'll want some gray water available after dumping the black tank. That gives you something to help rinse the sewer hose.
Don't Dump a Nearly Empty Black Tank
Another common beginner mistake is dumping the black tank every day.
You don't need to.
A black tank works better when it has enough liquid inside to carry the waste out when the valve is opened. Dumping a nearly empty tank repeatedly can leave solid waste behind.
If you're leaving the campground and the black tank isn't very full, adding some water before dumping can help.
The goal is simple: water is your friend when it comes to an RV black tank.
You want enough liquid in there to move everything out when you open that valve.
Add Water Back to the Black Tank
After dumping, don't leave your black tank completely dry.
Before using the toilet again, add some water back into the tank. You can do this by running water through the toilet for a short period of time.
You don't need to fill the tank. You're simply putting some water in the bottom so the next waste entering the tank isn't sitting on a completely dry surface.
If you use an RV holding tank treatment, this is also when you can add it according to the product's instructions.
What About Your Tank Sensors?
If your monitor panel says the black tank is still partially full after you've dumped it, don't immediately assume something is wrong.
RV holding tank sensors can become dirty. Waste or toilet paper can stick to the sensors and cause the monitor panel to give an inaccurate reading.
Regularly flushing the tank and using plenty of water can help.
The monitor panel is useful, but don't be surprised if an RV holding tank sensor occasionally tells you the tank is fuller than it actually is.
Dump Station Etiquette Matters
Most RV dump stations are shared facilities, so be mindful of the people waiting behind you.
Have your equipment ready before you pull up. Dump your tanks, rinse your equipment, clean up anything that needs attention, and move along when you're finished.
This isn't the place to reorganize your storage compartment or spend 30 minutes washing your RV.
Most importantly, leave the area as clean as you found it.
Everyone using the station after you will appreciate it.
A Few Mistakes First-Time RV Owners Should Avoid
Most dump station problems come down to a handful of simple mistakes.
Make sure the sewer hose is securely connected before opening a valve. Always dump the black tank before the gray tank. Don't use your drinking water hose to rinse sewer equipment. Don't leave your black tank valve open while camping. Make sure every tank valve is closed before disconnecting your sewer hose.
And before driving away, double check that the sewer termination cap is back on the RV.
Once you've gone through the process a few times, these steps become second nature.
Final Thoughts
Using an RV dump station sounds a lot worse than it actually is.
Remember the basic order: position the RV, connect the sewer hose, dump the black tank, flush it if equipped, close the black valve, dump the gray tank, close the gray valve, rinse your equipment, and pack everything away.
Take your time the first few times you do it. There isn't any reason to rush just because another RV is waiting behind you.
Before long, you'll pull into a dump station, hook everything up, empty your tanks, and be back on the road without giving it much thought. Want more tips? Watch our popular video “How to flush and clean your RV’s Black Tank.”
For more RV maintenance, operation, and ownership tips, check out our Hap's Helpful Hacks playlist on the Great American RV YouTube channel.
Have a question about your RV's holding tanks or an idea for another Helpful Hack? Leave us a comment and let us know.
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