How to Dump RV Tanks at Home? Here’s What To Do

The bucket method is a process that any RV owner can use if there is a small amount of waste in the RV’s septic tanks. This usually happens if you use your RV for a short amount of time, such as hours or days.

All you need for this method is a bucket, gloves, and a face mask if you prefer to mask the smell. Here is an easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction:

• Make sure to park the RV close to your house. You wouldn’t want to walk too far.
• Get a bucket and a pair of disposable gloves.
• Put the bucket directly under the RV waste tank output. Fill the bucket up to ⅔ of its capacity so that it won’t spill when you carry it.
• Carry it carefully towards the bathroom and flush it down the toilet.
• Repeat the process until there is no more waste in your septic tanks.

The method of using a macerator to remove the content of your septic tanks is used if we are talking about removing a large amount of waste from the tanks. Finding the right macerator is vital to efficiently removing everything from both the grey and black tanks.

What You Will Need

To help you prepare for this method, here is a list of the things you will need along the way.

• Macerator: A macerator is a tool that is used to ground solid waste into small pieces. There are two most recommended macerator brands. The first one is Flojet, which is compatible with any garden hose. The second one is SewerFlo, which you can use if you already have a sewage hose at home.
• RV Tank Flush Hose: With this, you can flush out any excess waste left in the machine to make sure that it’s all clean and that the waste is pumped out well.
• Gloves and Mask: It’s essential to wear protective gear such as gloves and face masks because waste is considered a hazardous material.
• Wipes: Wipes are used to clean out everything once you’re done, such as valves and ports.
• Tank Treatment Chemicals: These are used to prevent foul odor in your septic tanks, especially the black waste tank.
• Sewage/Garden Hose: This is the one you will use to dump your waste from the macerator to your designated location. You can either use a garden hose or an RV sewage hose.

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to go on with actually dumping your RV tanks at home. On average, it will take you 30 minutes to finish, so make sure to set aside time for this process. Here is a step-by-step instruction for those who are not familiar with the procedure.

Step 1: Connect the RV to your Macerator

The first step in this process is to connect the RV to your Macerator. Make sure that you have the correct Macerator for your RV. For example, if you use a garden hose, it’s better to get a macerator from Flojet. On the other hand, if you have sewage hoses for your RV, get one from SewerFlo.

Ensure that the macerator’s input is connected to your RV’s waste output. Then, twist it into place and make sure that it’s tightly secured.

Step 2: Connect the Macerator and the Flush Hose

The macerator has three places where you can plug in the lines. The first one is the waste input which we used in the first step. The other two are the rinse water inlet and the waste output.

For this step, connect a flush hose to the rinse water inlet. This hose is used to pump water to the macerator and ensure that the waste is rinsed through and out of it.

Step 3: Connect the Macerator and the Sewage/Garden Hose

The last hose you need to connect to your macerator is the Sewage/Garden Hose. Connect it through the waste output port and make sure that it’s secured into place.

It’s essential to make sure that the other end is where it should be, for example, a toilet. Remember that this is where your RV waste will be dumped into.

Step 4: Open the Outlets of Waste in your RV

Now it’s time to clear out the contents of both your black and grey RV water tanks. Do not open them simultaneously; open them one at a time.

Empty the content of the black tank first before the grey tank. This way, the content of the grey tank will be able to flush out the hose and push any waste out of it. If you open them both simultaneously or open the grey tank first, there may be some waste that will be leftover in your tank or your hose.

Step 5: Switch on the Macerator

Make sure that you have plugged in the power cable of the macerator. This part of the process is self-explanatory and easy.

Check if there’s any uphill movement where your macerator will need to push the waste up as there is a tendency to overheat then. If you are using a Flojet macerator, there’s no need to worry about this as it will automatically turn off, and you can turn it back on once it cools down.

Step 6: Finish up and Clean Everything

Once your macerator is done with pumping out the waste, it’s time for you to disassemble your RV’s grey and black water tanks. Clean the valves and ports out with wipes and make sure that they’re spotless.

Flush water into your macerator to ensure that it’s also clean before removing the hose and unplugging it. Return everything to its place and store all your tools away.