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Plumbing on wheels is one of the best features of RV life. Learn all about your RV's holding tanks and how to use and maintain them.
Holding tanks are an important component of your RV's plumbing and water system; they control all the water that comes in and goes out of your RV. Whether you're new to the RV lifestyle or have some experience with RV traveling, it is important to learn how your RV holding tanks work and how to maintain them for long-term use. Read on to learn more about the different types of holding tanks in an RV.
Types of Holding Tanks in an RV
Every RV has three types of holding tanks that ensure your motorhome's water and plumbing system keeps working efficiently. These are:
Freshwater tanks
Gray water tanks
Black water tanks
The size and type of these holding tanks may differ from one RV to the next. For example, larger Class A motorhomes may have larger holding tanks while smaller Class C campers may have the same gray and black water tank and a smaller freshwater tank. Before you buy or rent an RV, check whether the capacity of its holding tanks is enough to meet the needs of your family.
Let's take a closer look at the different types of RV holding tanks and their functions, applications, and maintenance requirements.
RV Fresh Water Tanks
RV fresh water holding tanks contain clean water that you use for drinking, cooking, washing dishes (and your hands), and taking showers. The freshwater tank is usually the largest holding tank in an RV and it needs to be filled regularly to maintain the level of water you will need as per your requirement. This holding tank is normally made of seamless polyethylene plastic and is available in a number of different sizes.
How to Decide the Right Size of RV Fresh Water Tank
RV freshwater tanks can hold 20-100 gallons of water. The size of the freshwater tank you will need for your RV depends on factors including the size of the RV, the number of people traveling/living in the RV, and the total water usage. Class A RVs usually have freshwater tanks that can carry 75-100 gallons of water, while Class Bs and Class Cs can carry anywhere from 20-60 gallons of fresh water.
How to Fill RV Water Tank With Fresh Water
Filling up your freshwater tank is a pretty straightforward process. If you're parked at a campground or an RV park you can easily find water hook-ups. Connect your freshwater tank to the hook-up using a portable water hose and fill your tank up. You can also install a GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) filter on the line to prevent sediment buildup and clogging.
Make sure you have enough water filled up in your tank to last throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to top up your tank at RV campgrounds if you're planning to travel long-term or if you're going boondocking. When storing your RV, make sure you either empty the freshwater tank completely or fill it up to the brim to avoid contamination.
How to Clean RV Fresh Water Tank
To maintain the integrity and cleanliness of your freshwater tank, you will need to sanitize the tank periodically. To do this:
Use a funnel and hose to sanitize the freshwater tank.
Drain about half of your water tank.
Mix one cup of bleach in 4 gallons of water (for sanitizing a 40-gallon freshwater tank) and use the funnel and hose to pour the bleach mixture inside the freshwater tank.
Add more fresh water on top until your tank is full.
Now run the water through all the faucets and taps inside your RV for at least 2 minutes.
Top off your freshwater tank with more clean water and let the water in the tank sit for 5-6 hours or overnight.
Once the sanitation time is up, drain the entire tank through the water pump and faucets. You will smell chlorinated water.
Fill up the tank with clean water and flush the tank again. Do this until you can no longer smell the bleach.
Once the bleach is completely flushed out, replace the external and internal water filter.
Fill up your freshwater tank with clean water and you're good to go!
RV Grey Water Tank
RV grey water tanks hold all the water that comes from the sink, shower, washing machine, and kitchen drainage of your RV—essentially all wastewater other than the one from the toilet. You can have one or more grey tanks installed based on your needs or even opt for a portable grey water tank. These tanks, also called galley tanks, have a lesser water-holding capacity than freshwater tanks.
How to Decide the Right Size of RV Grey Water Tank
Grey water holding tanks can vary in size but typically carry up to 50 gallons of water. Since your grey water tanks don’t have the same capacity as the freshwater tank, it’s important to monitor how much wastewater is accumulating inside the tank. Grey water isn’t septic, so most tanks can sit for a day or two without needing to be drained. However, this depends on your daily water usage.
How to Dump RV Grey Water Tank
It's important to dump grey water tanks regularly. You can do this at RV parks and campgrounds with designated dumping areas. Here's how:
Use a sewer hose (or the stinky slinky) and gloves when emptying your grey water tank.
Connect one end of the hose to the grey water tank valve and the other end to the sewage valve in the dump station or RV camp.
Open the grey water tank valve to empty the contents of the tank into the dump station.
Once the tank is fully drained, close the valve and detach the sewer hose.
Clean the sewer hose by flushing it with clean water and store it in a bucket in your RV for future use.
You can maintain your grey water tank by periodically flushing it with detergent water. Products like RV grey water tank cleaner, holding tank deodorants, and tissue digesters help keep the tank unclogged and odor-free.
Legal Considerations: Keep in mind that the legality of dumping grey water on the ground depends on local regulations. While it is illegal in many areas, some remote boondocking sites may allow grey water dumping if done responsibly. Always check local ordinances before dumping grey water.
RV Black Water Tank
The black water tank in your RV holds all the septic waste from your RV's toilet. If your RV doesn’t have a separate grey water tank, all the wastewater drains into the black water tank. This tank requires careful maintenance and regular dumping to prevent odors and maintain the integrity of your RV’s water system.
How to Dump RV Black Water Holding Tank
Dumping the rv waste holding tank may seem daunting, but practice will make the process easier. Here’s how:
Use gloves and a sewer hose to dump waste from the black water tank.
Connect one end of the hose to the black water tank valve and the other end to the valve at the dumping station.
Open the black water tank valve and let it empty completely.
If your RV has a built-in black water flush system, connect a hose to that hookup (usually near the freshwater hookup on your RV) or to a freshwater hose at the dump station.
Close the black water tank valve and start filling it with clean water. Do this for 2 minutes or so, ensuring you don’t overflow the tank.
If you don’t have a black water flush system, you can also fill the tank by flushing the toilet.
Once the tank is partially full, open the valve and drain it again.
Here is how to get rid of black water tank holding tank odor
You can dump both black and grey water tanks using the same external hookup. It’s recommended that you dump the rv black water tank first and then follow with the grey water tank. This way, the soapy water from the grey tank helps clean out the sewer hose. Here is a guide on how to dump and clean your RV's blackwater and greywater tanks.
FAQs
How long can water sit in an RV freshwater holding tank?
If you're regularly using the water in your tank, you can go almost 2 weeks without flushing and refilling it. However, don’t leave stagnant water in your tank for more than 2 weeks if it’s not being used. Stagnant water can become contaminated.
How much does it cost to replace an RV freshwater tank?
The cost of a new RV freshwater tank depends on its size, build, brand, and more. Prices usually range from $300-$1000.
How often do you dump RV black tanks?
You should dump your septic water tank every 2-3 days. Don't let waste sit in your black water tanks for more than 3 days or you will risk odor, buildup, and clogging of the water tank.
How do you know when your RV water tank is full?
A lot of RVs have a water-level gauge that will tell you when the fresh-water tank is full. You can also listen to the sound of the water coming from the overflow (if you're filling your tank from a city inlet) or look for a splash-back (if you have gravity fill).
Can I dump my RV at home?
Yes, you can dump grey and black water tanks into an approved residential sewer system. However, be sure to check local ordinances and restrictions before dumping your RV at home.
Can you dump a grey water tank on the ground?
While it is illegal in many areas, some remote locations allow grey water dumping. Always check local regulations before doing so.
Can I put RV antifreeze in my freshwater tank?
RV antifreeze is non-toxic and can be used to winterize your freshwater tank, but it’s better to use a heating blanket for protection in freezing temperatures. If you use antifreeze, ensure it is thoroughly flushed before using the tank again. Here is a guide to help you select the best RV antifreeze in the market.
Conclusion
RV water tanks are one of the best features of RV life, giving you a fully functional plumbing system on the road. Understanding how your RV plumbing system and water tanks work is essential for effective use and maintenance. Use the guides mentioned above to keep your holding tanks in good shape, ensuring they are ready to support your adventures.
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