Waste tanks 2.0

[Russellvh]

About 4 years ago I started researching for going full time. I learned sooo much, on these Forums, from helpful others.

The last 3 + years we have parked for 1 - 3 weeks at a time at various Commercial Parks. Our normal procedure has been we keep the grey tanks open and Black closed for a week or so. (Gauges have shown full since maiden voyage). 2 - 3 days before we dump the black tank we close the two grey tanks and dump them after the black.

Each time I dump the black I attach a hose to the black tank sprayer. I empty the tank then fill it from the sprayer hose 2 -3 times until the water coming out is close to clear. ( tank has 36 gal. capacity, using a meeter I fill with 30 gal. and empty. Then I dump the grey.

For the next 6 months, or more, we will be parked at a “resort”. My question is if the grey tanks “flushing” the slinky is really necessary if I “spray” the black tank each time until running clean or could I just leave the grey open all the time?

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I don't leave either valve open while parked and I don't drain the tanks until they are at least 2/3 full.

 

[redbaron]

I don't leave either valve open while parked and I don't drain the tanks until they are at least 2/3 full.

Same here. Leaving Gray open seems to encourage the smell buildup as the slower moving grease and solids never get out of the tank before they dry.

I also ensure that I travel with at least 10% liquid in all tanks to make sure it sloshes real good.

 

[redbaron]

For the next 6 months, or more, we will be parked at a “resort”. My question is if the grey tanks “flushing” the slinky is really necessary if I “spray” the black tank each time until running clean or could I just leave the grey open all the time?

I rarely will back flush or fill the black tank for a specific reason of flushing it. We have macerator toilets and I have set them to use the high-volume (aka: canadian standard) flush. This gives me a good amount of water in the tank. I don't drain the tank until it is 95% full then I will drain it.

If your coach will allow you to keep the gray + black open, you can use a full gray tank to introduce a flush into the black tank once its empty by opening both valves for a bit. Just close the gray before the black equalizes, and you won't have any return

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

Another good reason to keep the valves closed is sewer flies. If you've ever had them, you'll understand why.

 

[redbaron]

Another good reason to keep the valves closed is sewer flies. If you've ever had them, you'll understand why.

I have heard of these, but never seen them. I would assume that keeping a bend in the sewer line (making a P-Trap) would solve any concerns.