RV Dump Station Guidelines
Make sure you have proper supplies to use the RV Dump Station:
- Heavy-duty rubber gloves
- Sanitizing wipes
- Smock or apron to protect clothes – rubber if possible
- Sewer hose or standard water or garden hose
- Weighted discs to keep the hose in place
- Old towels or rags to wipe up leaks
- Buckets or separate hose for flushing water
How to Avoid a Crappy Experience
1) Align Your Vehicle Properly
Make sure you know where your tank hook-ups are located. Park your RV as close to the pump attachments as you can. Make sure you have access to the correct side of your vehicle – know which side the tank is on, similar to how you get gas.
2) Protect Your Skin
Heavy-duty rubber gloves are important to ensure you are safe while working with human waste. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or add another layer of protection with a smock or apron. Wear a face mask if you are sensitive to smells.
3) Check Your Materials
Sanitize the water spigot of the dump station to reduce the chance of spreading germs and disease. Make sure your hose doesn't have any leaks or tears.
4) Connect to the Pump
First attach your RV connector hose to the dump station hose and check that it fits properly with the sealing rings. This will help prevent spills or splattering. You can also add a weighted object to hold the hose down in the dumping hole. Once it is secure, connect the other end of the hose to your RV tank’s emptying valve.
5) Release the Valve
Double check that both ends of the hose are secure. Open the valve slowly, completely to release the waste. The handle should be located at the base of your septic “black tank” on your RV. Dump your black tank first. Then close the valve to the black tank and dump your “grey tanks” for your shower and kitchen water. The soapy water from your grey tanks can help clean the hose.
6) Rinse Your Tank
Reopen the valves before you start rinsing. Depending on the kind of RV that you have, it should come with some sort of automatic rinsing system located on your septic tank. Once your tank has finished draining, attach your water hose to your RV as well as the dump station. Let the water flow through the tank a few times. If you have an older RV, you may need to manually rinse your tank by flushing the RV’s toilet a few times.
7) Close the Valve
Turn off the septic tank valve and remove the waste hose. Give your tank one final rinse to make sure that it is completely empty and clean. This helps ensure the smell of waste doesn’t stay for your road trip.
Put away your materials and keep the area as clean as possible. Be aware of your surroundings and respect the time of others if they are waiting to use the dump station after you.