149
2008 IMPERIAL
WATER SYSTEMS — 6
WASTE WATER SYSTEMS
Proper Waste Disposal
Dumping raw sewage from toilet holding
tanks, except at authorized dumping stations,
is universally prohibited. Most National, State
and private parks have either a central dump
facility or campsite hook-up for sewage. Many
modern rest areas along the interstate now have
dump stations available. Woodall’s Campground
Directory, Trailer Life’s RV Campgrounds
and Services Directory, Rand McNally’s
Campground and Trailer Park Guide, Good
Sam Park Director (Good Sam Club) and other
similar publications list dumping stations. Some
major oil companies offer dump facilities at
selected stations also.
What Not to Put in Waste Holding Tanks
DO NOT
use strong or full strength
detergents to deodorize and disinfect.
Use odor control chemicals made
especially for holding tanks.
Automotive antifreeze, ammonia,
alcohol or acetone in holding tanks will
dissolve plastic.
DO NOT
dispose of table scraps into the
tanks. They can clog pipes or damage the
valve seals.
Facial tissue is thicker, softer and
stronger than a rapidly dissolving tissue.
White toilet paper dissolves faster than
colored. To test tissue dissolving ability,
immerse one tissue square into a jar
of water. Shake the jar
fi
ve times to
determine how the tissue disintegrates.
DO NOT
use any type of tissue that
remains in one piece. Paper designed
speci
fi
cally for holding tanks is available
at most RV supply stores.
NOTE:
Never dispose of sanitary supplies or
other non-dissolving items into the
system. Facial tissue, wet strength tissue,
paper towels or an excessive amount of
toilet tissue can create clogging in the
holding tank system.
CAUTION:
DO NOT use any products that contain
petroleum distillate or ammonia in
place of RV odor controlling chemicals.
Petroleum distillate or ammonia will
damage the ABS plastic holding tanks
and seals.
What to Put in Holding Tanks
Grey Water Tank:
The grey water waste tank stores the sink,
shower and clothes (optional) washer drain
water. A reduced mixture of chemicals may help
to control odor in the grey tank.
Ensure enough liquid is in the holding tanks
prior to dumping waste holding tanks to provide
a smooth
fl
ow through the valve, drain pipe
and drain hose. Empty the waste holding tanks
weekly to prevent stagnation and over
fi
lling.
Black Water Tank:
Before initially operating the toilet, treat the
sewage holding tank with a pre-charge of water
and an odor-control chemical (available at most
RV supply stores). First, add approximately
three gallons of water to the holding tank. Next,
mix the chemicals, in accordance with the
manufacturer instructions, with approximately
one gallon of water. Pour mixture through toilet
to the holding tank. Be careful not to spill the
chemical on hands, clothing, toilet bowl or
carpet. Hot weather conditions may require
adjusting the amount of chemical used to control
odor. Repeat the chemical pre-charge to the
holding tank each time the tank is cycled.
WARNING:
Most chemicals for holding tank odor
control are poisonous. Follow product
manufacturer’s directions and warnings
when using holding tank additives. DO
NOT use products that contain petroleum
distillate or ammonia in place of RV odor
controlling chemical. Petroleum distillate
or ammonia will damage the ABS plastic
holding tanks and seals.
