When to dump?

Thanks!! Great advice.

Originally posted by Tim We are going to a campground with full hookups for the first time. Should I wait and dump the black tank when it is 2/3 full? I thought you said not to hook it in to the drain? How about the gray tank? Thanks!

Hello Tim,

Black tank: Do not connect. Wait on dumping until just before you leave. If necessary, add water to get sufficient amount to help remove all contents (2/3 full or more).

Gray tank: Connect and open valve. That way, you can wash dishes, shower, etc. without worrying about the level in your gray tank. A little before you get ready to leave, close the gray water valve so you can accumulate a little water (to be used to flush out your drain hose after draining the black water tank).

Switch the drain hose to the sewage (black water) connection. Open valve. If possible, use the black water tank flush fitting (with a different hose than the one you use for your fresh water hookup) to flush out the tank. You may be surprised at how much more stuff comes out than when you just drain it). Close the black water tank valve and switch the hose back to the gray water tank drain. Open the valve and use the gray water to flush out your hose. close the valve, make sure the covers are in place, stash your hose, and you should be all set.

+1

Don't over think this.  When you flush, look down the hole.  If it's approaching the bowl, it's time to dump.

Originally posted by Jonknite I can't find directions anywhere on how to use the Black Tank Flush. How long? How often? Full pressure or use a pressure reducer?

I don't believe you need to use the black tank flush each and every time you dump.  However, unless you're at a dump station and there's a line behind you waiting to use it, why not?  It doesn't take very long.

No need to use a pressure regulator.  If you do choose to use one, be sure you have one that is dedicated for the black tank, so as not to contaminate your fresh water system!  (And, it goes without saying, don't use your white fresh water hose for flushing the black tank.  Have a separate hose you use only for this purpose!)

The instructions I have read indicate that you should run the flush with valve open, so that it is constantly draining through the sewer hose.  I suppose the thinking is that this will eliminate the possibility of you accidentally forgetting the water is turned on and having it fill up the tank and start to come up out of the toilet and flood the Pod.  Yuck.  However, I generally run it for several minutes with the valve closed, so as to get the inside of the tank thoroughly sprayed.  Then I open the valve and let it run several more minutes.  By "several" I mean under five minutes.  Maybe two or three.