How to Empty the Holding Tank on a Camper

The holding tank on your camper is full of liquids that you don't want to see again. Most RV parks and many campgrounds have a dump station on-site, specifically for emptying and cleaning out the holding tank. It's important to empty the holding tank on your camper because if it overflows or becomes full, it might result in leaks or more serious problems.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Latex gloves
Sewer hose
Brick

Step 1

Move your RV or camper to the place where you want to empty the holding tank. If you're using a dump station, situate the camper next to the draining area. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands clean.

Step 2

Close the water valves on the holding tank and remove the cap to the tank. Attach the sewer hose to the adapter and then attach the adapter to the drain of the holding tank. Ensure that the stubs on the drain are in alignment with the adapter tabs.

Step 3

Slide the opposite end of the sewer hose into the drain on the dump station. Alternatively, place the hose into a bucket or the drain where you're emptying the tank. Place a brick on top of the sewer hose, which holds it down and keeps it from sliding around.

Step 4

Turn on the valve of the black water tank and wait for the sound of water running, which indicates that the holding tank is starting to empty. Turn off the valve when the water stops moving. Open the valve on the gray tank and wait for the sound of water running. Then turn off the valve when the water stops.

Step 5

Rinse the holding tank by filling the tank with water at least 2/3 of the way. Then run through the last step again, turning the black water valve on and off, then turning on and off the gray water valve. Make sure that the valves are turned off, then remove the sewer hose and place the cover back on the holding tank.

Tips & Warnings

Add water back to your black water tank and place any treatment in the gray tank that you might use. This helps keep the holding tanks clear and ensures that you'll easily empty the tanks later.

Take a few minutes to clean up the area around your RV if you're using a dump station. Common courtesy requires that you not leave behind a mess for the next user.

Article Written By Jennifer Eblin

Jennifer Eblin has been a full-time freelance writer since 2006. Her work has appeared on several websites, including Tool Box Tales and Zonder. Eblin received a master's degree in historic preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

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