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Holding Tanks
The final parts of your sanitation system are the holding tanks for waste
materials and water. These are located below the floor of your coach.
Gray Tank.
Waste water from the bath tub, shower and sinks will drain
into this container. No special preparation is required, however you may
wish to add baking soda or a Thetford chemical to reduce odors from food
particles in the system.
Waste Tank
. Th
e toilet drains into the waste or “black” holding tank. For
correct preparation follow the listed steps:
1. Release two quarts of water into the toilet bowl.
2. Place the recommended quantity of chemicals for waste holding
tank, as per instructions on the bottle, into the toilet bowl.
3. Flush liquids into the tank and allow up to two gallons of
additional water to flow into the tank.
Each time you drain the tank, you should follow the instructions listed
before using.
All drain pipes will have a “P-trap” installed into each line. Water in
these traps prevent odors from escaping into the coach, unless P-traps
are dry. During travel, water from the P-traps may spill and permit
odors into the coach. These odors come from fats and food particles
decomposing in the tank. By adding water and using a RV approved
deodorizing agent, contents will dissolve faster, keeping the drain lines
and tanks clean and free flowing. These chemicals are available at a
RV supply stores.
Draining the Tanks
A final part of your sanitation system is the drainage of holding tanks.
Realizing dump stations will vary, place the coach as level as possible to
make drainage easier. Some tanks drain from the center requiring unit
to be level or slightly up in front. Others will drain from end permitting a
slight tilting to the side which drains are on.
Remove the cap and attach the adapter onto the valve housing. Turn the
adapter 10º to lock onto the pegs. Attach a flexible sewer hose to the
adapter and secure with a clamp. Place the other end into the approved
sewer system.
You may now open the 3 inch drain valve to drain the sewage tank first.
Open the valve on the gray water tank last to utilize water to wash and
rinse the hose and drain lines.
