Holding Tanks & Drainage
System
Travel trailers and fifth wheels are equipped with two or
three separate holding tanks to accommodate waste. One
holding tank accommodates toilet drainage. The tub/
shower, and sinks have a separate drainage system. Both
systems terminate at the waste valves outside the trailer.
TOILET & TOILET HOLDING TANK
Proper toilet instruction and maintenance is explained in
the manufacturer’s manual supplied with the toilet.
•
The toilet operation is designed to minimize the use
of water needed to flush it.
•
It is advisable to instruct children and strangers of
proper toilet use because of the unusual operation of
this type of toilet,.
Before using the toilet’s holding tank, prime the tank with
five (5) gallons of water to discourage waste solids from
settling directly under the flush valve.
Add a holding tank
chemical (available from your local RV supplier). Follow
instructions on the package. If required, an anti-freeze
solution can be added at this time. It will not harm the
plastic holding tank material.
The holding tanks will more effectively drain solids when
the tank is relatively full of fluids. When the toilet’s
holding tank is ready to be emptied, locate a proper
disposal station to prepare for drainage.
1.To empty or dump the toilet holding tank, remove the
cap at the 3" drain connection.
2.Securely attach a 3" hose adapter and hose.
3.Connect the hose to a sewer connection at the disposal
station and pull the toilet holding tank drain valve
handle out in a straight line.
4.After draining, close the valve handle, rinse the tank
with several gallons of water, and drain again.
NOTE: After draining the holding tank, a false
reading may sometimes occur on your monitor
panel due to debris or tissue hanging on the
sensor probes in the tank. Most debris clinging
to the monitor probes will dislodge during travel
by maintaining holding tank fluid levels of at least
1/3 capacity.
GRAY WATER HOLDING TANK
The sinks and tub/shower wastewater will drain to a
separate holding tank. This holding tank will be referred
to as the gray water holding tank.
•
Drain unheated, gray water holding tank(s) after the
toilet holding tank. This will help flush the drainpipe
and valve. Simply pull the 1 1/2" pipe valve handle to
empty the gray tank(s).
•
Drain gray water holding tank(s) by pulling the valve
handle labeled “WASTE” to empty the gray tank(s).
•
Continuous draining for the galley, tub & sinks is
possible without draining the toilet holding tank.
NEVER leave the drain valve open continuously
on the toilet holding tank. Instead, use it as on self-
contained operation, and then drain it periodically
as required.
•
Add all necessary chemicals after draining the tank.
•
The tank must contain fluid to operate and drain
properly.
•
Dumping stations are found at most RV campgrounds,
RV parks, and some automobile service stations. Lists
of these stations can obtained through sources such as
Camping World,
Woodall’s, etc., and other
recreational/camping publications.
•
Whenever possible, dump the holding tanks before
traveling. Wastewater and sewage in the holding tanks
reduce the carrying capacity of the trailer. See
“WEIGHING AND LOADING” section.
•
Dump holding tanks only when they are at least ¾
full. If necessary, fill the tanks with water to ¾ full.
This provides sufficient water to ensure complete
flushing of waste material into the sewer line.
C
AUTION: Do not use any chemical additive that
is not approved for recreational vehicle use.
Consult your dealer for any clarification.
WARNING: Holding tanks are enclosed sewer
systems and must be drained into an approved
dump station. All holding tanks must be drained
and thoroughly rinsed regularly to prevent
accumulation of harmful toxic material.
HOLDING TANK DO’S AND DON’TS
•
DO clean holding tanks with an approved cleaner
•
DO add a special chemical additive to sanitize and
improve tank action.
•
DO guard the tank against freeze up.
•
DO keep the dump valves closed to allow the tanks to
fill to facilitate drainage.
•
DO keep dump valves closed and drain caps in place
to allow use of the system while traveling.
•
DO use any soft, single-ply toilet tissue.
•
DO open the bathroom vent to dispel condensation.
•
DON’T put facial tissues, paper, automotive type
antifreeze, sanitary napkins, household toilet cleaners,
or any other foreign objects in your holding tank which
may clog or damage the system.
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