Hi Everyone, We hope you enjoy our video! Please say hello by leaving your comment below! Also, please feel free to ask any questions or just tell us about yourselves. We want to get to know you and share our RV experiences. Mike and Susan
Great explanation. Not all of us are close enough to our clean out port to do this. Our trailer ended up 47 feet from the port, so we put on a macerator pump and used a 1" hose to push our wastewater over and 1 foot uphill to our port.
Great video and good information. Many times at a dump facility, others can be waiting, making it difficult to properly flush your system, leading to problems down the road. This affords the time to do it right. As others have commented, in many locations there are regulations that prohibit potable water supplies directly connected to sewage systems, even with check valves. Also, if you are on a septic system at home, it is advisable to slowly release water in your system to prevent undigested waste from entering the leach field, causing future septic failure. Another important reminder for those on a septic system, some black and gray water tank treatments are not septic system friendly and can adversely affect your septic system, causing them to fail, those with formaldehyde and others come to mind as problematic. Use tank treatments that are organically friendly to maintain a healthy home septic system.
RV tip of the day. When you're leaving a campground and the dump station is clogged with traffic just go to one of the pull through sites that's empty and dump your tanks. Happy camping.
it has probably been commented upon, or you cover this later in the video, but a best practice whenever using a water hose In contact with black or greywater. consider that hose CONTAMINATED! Buy a black hose for this purpose! And keep it separate with your dump hoses. Also, invest in a one-way valve for the connection to the dump hose. Some lessons learned during 30+ years in RVing.
Hi Jeff, I'm pretty sure I covered that in the video but thanks for your comments too. I agree with you completely! Thanks for watching and commenting! Happy Holidays! Mike and Susan
@@COSMACELF1802 Hi Josh, I actually use a green hose in the video - not white. Our white hose of for fresh water ONLY. We use green for the maintenance of our tanks. Unfortunately, I didn't say in the video that you need to keep your hoses separate. Sorry about that! Thankfully , Jeff caught it and made his comment. Sometimes what I think is just common sense really needs to be covered for all the newbies out there. Anyway - thanks for watching the video! Mike
I just wasted 20 mins watching a video of some guy using this same setup to back flush his tank, but he never closed the gate valve and was complaining about how this product doesn’t work?? Thank goodness I found your video to do this correctly. I’m no expert but I knew instantly he didn’t have a clue what he was doing! Thanks for the professional advice.
Hey TJ We are so glad you got it figured out!! Great job!! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan BTW, let us know what you think of RV Camping Magazine, our free digital and video magazine! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Due to the informative nature of this channel and that you were kind enough to blue out your blank tank water and also your concern for your neighbors, I subscribed. You dont find people with that kind of caring and manners anymore. Thank you.
Hi Helen, Thanks very much for your kind words! We really appreciate that! And thanks for watching and subscribing too! Part of being an RVer to us, and many other folks too, is looking out for each other. I'm so glad that came across in the video! Safe travels and keep in touch! Mike and Susan
Some localities dont like the idea of dumping RV sewage into the city system. a friend of mine was having his entire home sewer line replaced ($$$$$) and he has a big motorhome, so he asked the plumber if he could install a dump station for the RV along the driveway where he usually parked it. The guy said, you want me to install a cleanout here along the driveway? My friend said no, i want to dump my RV tank so I want a dump port right here. The plumber looked him in the eye and said. You dont understand- you want a CLEAN OUT here, because the city doesnt allow a dedicated dump station to be hooked up to city sewers, RIGHT??? My friend finally got what he was saying. Yes sir, i do want a cleanout installed RIGHT HERE.
Hi Bradi, Bingo - each jurisdiction is different and it sounds like you friend used a good plumber! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Yep, city sewer is billed on how much water you use. So unless you filled your fresh water tanks at your city house, the city isn't getting the money it should to process the sewer you'd be adding.
@@anthonythorp7291 yeah, well they're billing you for water you use to wash your car and water your lawn, so, I think they're still getting their money.
My locality allows resident RVs to dump free at a city operated dump station next to their water treatment plant. Gated and only during business hours of course. Check your local municipality/county for kicks. I think RVBlogger kind of went beyond what is necessary with the flush-till-clear routine and it would be rude to be that fastidious at a public site, but, it is his home and he is legal so he can spend all the time and drinking water he wants flushing the black tank until the local laws or the RV technology changes. Useful post "RIGHT HERE" @BradiKal61 ;) Where there is a will, there is a way. It is a perverse fact of human nature to always game and circumnavigate our own 'systems' even when they are in place for our own collective good ... 🙄
@@anthonythorp7291 Oh they're getting plenty of my money. According to you they are billing me on my irrigation water, which does not go into the sewer, the're billing me on water that I use to wash the car, fill the pool, clean things outside, etc. The small amount from my dump tank in nothing compared to these uses.
Hi RV Blogger! Thank you for the video! You're an excellent teacher and you shared some very useful tips. I appreciate that! I'm a single woman taking this on with little experience, so every bit of information I can glean from the pros about setting up and maintaining my RV is helpful. Hopefully there'll be a man someday who'll share RVing with me and will take on the more difficult tasks like this one. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you so much for sharing your RV knowledge with us. I really like your positive vibe and patient delivery. Way too many YT channels seem to bash their viewers with insulting videos titled "don't be an idiot" or "never do this/that" or "you are doing this/that wrong." I skip right over those.
Thank u so much for not assuming ppl know certain things, u just explain everything and break it down so everyone understands it! Your videos are so informative and I love watching them!! Thanks and God bless
Hey genuwinefemale, Everyone has to start somewhere and we're hoping to be able to help EVERYONE! We appreciate the support so much, we love hearing from everyone. Safe travels! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
In 1989 my dad fixed two clean outs for our sewer because he purchased a class c. When he would come back from trips, he would dump there. Great video…. I still live in the house and am planning on buying an rv soon. He also wired the house outside so he could plug up.
Hi Coachtalk1, That is awesome! Your Dad was ahead of his time! Keep in touch and let us know what you buy and how you like it! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Great video. As a new RV owner, this is by far the most challenging thing I considered before purchasing. I am not a plumber and have no desire to be a plumber (utmost respect to those that are), but this video and the Rhino Blaster will solve any concerns that I have. Thanks again for sharing.
Hey Lewis, We appreciate the love and support, so glad you found the video helpful!! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Thanks for this. We live in Maui and there are no dump stations and we are looking into purchasing a RV. We don’t know anything about them so this has been so helpful. They are not common here. I have only seen about 3 RV’s here. So I knew there had to be a way. Our kids have never been camping and so this would be great to start doing that and still have the luxury of a bathroom and bed.
Hey Tara, We appreciate the love and support, so glad you found our video helpful! Good luck with your rv search, safe travels & happy camping! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Jim, I don’t have a clean out outside. I know where the sewer leaves towards the street. Would it be an odd call to a plumber to ask to install a clean out? I’m assuming permits would be needed.
@@odnetnin4720 Hi Nic, It would be a huge expense to add a cleanout.. check out how to use a macerating pump to empty your black tank at home...this is a much better and less expensive option. Mike
Hey do any of you know if there's a way to put it into the drain pipe for the sewage but have an alternate location added to put the waste in there? I have a travel trailer on the opposite side of our like half acre property it's not terribly far but it's at least 100 feet away. Perhaps there's another way with a longer hose, or would I need to bring the travel trailer all the way over there? Thanks guys
We have one without the gate valve...you just put the cap on the end that's dangling from your waste pipe. Yes, you have to disconnect the slinky and reconnect it each time you fill it, which is a bit more of a hassle, but it's not really the end of the world. (My bro-in-law gave it to us, so it was super cheap for us!) Great video...thanks!
Hi Brian, Glad you liked the video! Sounds like you have the no gate valve version figured out and free is always a good thing! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan
I have a clean out in the back about 15ft from where we park our 24 ft. I always dump first at the campground or public dump station. Just before we leave the campground I put a cup of cheap Walmart laundry detergent and put about 5 gallons of water in the tank, as I am driving home it washes and cleans the black tank. I also have a blaster but mine drain has an elbow which does not send much water into the tank. Since you are home just use a hose to flush water into the tank. Keeps our black tank clear of stuff. Remember to leave some water in the black tank.
Hi Rick, All good advice! Thanks for sharing! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below to subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Had a neighbor who did the cousin Eddie thing. When building the add on to the house with garage & master bedroom above it, it was easier to take the sewer out to the street. There’s a clean out in the driveway off to the side closer to street but the sewer hose don’t reach & we have a 8’ pipe to use as extension. It’s easier & quicker to just go use the RV dump at the gas station. Some are free & one that I know of costs $3. No extensions required & water is there making it easier for cleanups but I clean the tank out more when at home. Use to take hose into the RV to flush the tank but we heard of a a sprayer you drill a hole in tank to hook up your garden hose. The sprayer is a one way valve & we hooked up a small length of hose to it that runs to the gate valves with a cap on it. Just hunk it up using zip ties & just hook up the garden hose to it when flushing out. I do the main flush & close gate valve to turn on water. I let the tank get full & I shake the trailer before opening the valve. I do it about 2-3 times.
Hey Smiley Sun, Wow thanks for sharing!! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Thank you! Glad the colored water and clear Rhino Blaster helped make a difference. We wanted to make sure the water color definitely looked artificial! 😂
Awesome video. Make it easy on yourself, instead of running your sewer hose under your rig, turn your rig around, back it into your driveway. So much easier.
Hi Terri, I would if I could but since my driveway slopes up my back bumper drags on the street when I pull into my driveway so I can only back in. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan
I most certainly do not have a clean out pipe (that I’m aware of) on my property. How convenient that you not only have one, but that it’s right next to the driveway!
Hi rocket, It sure comes in handy! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan We are launching our new digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine on June 1st! You can sign up early if you like and receive our Demo Magazine! Here’s the link. Let us know how you like the new Magazine! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Great video. Most Florida homes have sewer clean outs usually found somewhere near the outside of a bathroom often in the shrubs. Sometimes not easy to find but keep looking. Valterra also offers a Sewer Solution gizmo very similar to the one in your video. I’ve been using it for over a year with great results. Thanks again, great vids!
I would highly recommend with that hookup, you put a backflow preventer on your hose bib. Then connect your hose to the backflow preventer. Because if you ever get a negative pressure (vacuum), in your water main, it will pull all your black or grey water back into your water main and that will contaminate your drinking water. On a positive note, good job showing the difference between a storm drain and a sewage drainage system. 👍
There is a back flow valve built into the RhinoBlaster! This product would be illegal without one. But you can also add a second back flow preventer valve too just to be on the super safe side. Thanks for watching and for your comment!
Hi radman! That is awesome!!!! We love hearing comments like yours!!!! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Did you see our video about the FREE RV Rental for a Weekend we are giving away? Hope you will check it out! ruclips.net/video/h_NW_O-VsTo/видео.html
Additionally, Should your home clean out be a long way from your rv drain valves and/or on the wrong side of your rv making it unmanageable, you may want to check out one or more of the sewer solutions on the market. Valterra makes one and I’m not sure who makes the other one but I believe the actual name is Sewer Solution. I bought mine about two years ago and it was the best $85 I’ve ever spent on an rv product. When we are not on the road, we keep our rig in our back yard and it works like a champ. I’ve used it up to 95 feet with great success. Needs no electrical of any kind, performs on a Venturi effect. Check it out. Good luck.
Very helpful 👍 Our municipality doesn't allow tapping into the sewage connection in the yard. There's actually a pretty big fine for it! Luckily we have a waste disposal facility in the town up the road and it's totally free.
Hey KC, That's great! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
@@RVBlogger Also for the black water tank is this something you'll have to do on site rather than how you're doing at home? (the flushing of the tank with reverse flush valve)
@@joeslacker1020 Hi Joe, We use the RhinoBlaster to rinse our grey water tank too! It keeps it nice and clean. Even grey water begins to smell bad after a week or so. Hope that helps! Mike
@@joeslacker1020 Hi Joe, We use the RhinoBlaster at dump stations, campsites or at home. It's totally safe to use anywhere because it has a built in back flow preventer. Thanks again! Mike
Thank you for letting us know the sanitary methods for keeping your RV clean. Also, you guys are probably very careful what is allowed into your toilets (ie. No diapers, baby wipes, etc.) Sometimes people have guests in their RVs and campers visit them. You can show them how to clean out their tank.
Thanks for watching N.E. I thought about bringing that up after the video was complete. Then it was too late to alter the video so thanks for the comment. Maybe others will read this and learn something new. Mike
HEy Jacqueline, We are so appreciative of your love and support and kind words!!! Best of luck, safe travels & happy camping!! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan
Thank you so much for this video! We do have a public dump station for county residents, but THIS is so much easier! I had to get extra hoses, but man oh man, am I grateful for this video! I can fill and rinse my black tank as many times as I want! Thank you so much!
When I built my pole barn, I had a dump station plumbed inside the barn so when I returned home I could dump all my tanks right where I parked inside and out of the weather.... Pre plan if your going to build a garage or pole barn to store you RV>
That is an awesome idea! Thank you for sharing your DIY solution to storing your RV and dumping tanks at home. And thank you for watching our video and commenting.
Great vid and very informative. However the Rhino Blaster only works if you have a straight shot into the tank. If you have a longer drain tube with elbows , all it will do is fill the tank for you. Also all the heavier waste still sits on the bottom of the tank. Another solution to help rinse the tank is the Camco Swivel Stik. Keep up the great work.
Hey Dave, We appreciate the info! *Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Might wanna consider putting a clean out adapter on your clean out, just saying that cause I’m a plumber, if you ever were to get a stoppage in your line going into the sewer main, with your cap not being attached, the pressure would push off your lid and raw sewage will be in your front yard.
Hi JandX Maddox, Thanks for the tip! Let's hope that never happens! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
I'm a newbie. One fellow suggests adding dish soap and water into your tank. Drive it home (letting it swish about.) Afterwords, drain the tank. I thought that made sense. Thanx for your post sir, -keith
Hi Keith, I do not recommend adding dish soap to your tanks. The suds will be everywhere by the time you get home. We recommend Dishwashing detergent because it doesn't bubble up! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Actually, the connection of the cleanout to the sewer line should be made with a 45° wye connection. Sort of a T but with a 45° sweep that directs waste and cleaning tools in the direction of proper flow. I mention this for those that may attempt a DIY installation of a "clean out".
Came across this video and great advise/clarification on a septic sewer and the storm drain system. My Father installed an RV dump on there house that I know live in and I also enforce the regulations for Stormwater in my local area. It's crazy what people think they can dump down there.
Hey Carweizer, We appreciate the love and support! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
You don’t want to do this if you have a private septic system and use any tank chemicals like the blue stuff. Septic tanks rely on good bacteria to break down solids in your septic system, RV chemicals, especially containing formaldehyde, will destroy that fragile system.
Hi rjbtoo, I would have agreed years ago but now the anti bacterial soaps we all use and the overuse of chlorine in household cleaning products already do more damage to your septic system than 40 gallons of waste from a camping trip. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Thank you for the video. We have emptied at home but our pipe is so close to the house that it is always slightly uphill no matter how we park the RV. When we boondock we will come back to empty either at our local Thousand Trails or the closest RV dealership with a dump station.
Hey Jeanettes, Oh no! Thankfully there's other places you can. Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
What wonderful information... It never occurred to me to use the sewer clean out for dumping tanks. Also putting dye in the water is a good indication if you have completely cleaned the tank. Thank you!
Hi 2BusySecretary! It is super convenient! But we only used the dye for demonstration purposes. We figured blue was nicer than brown water for the sake of the video! lol! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Did you see our video about our FREE RV Rental for a Weekend we are giving away? Hope you will check it out! ruclips.net/video/h_NW_O-VsTo/видео.html
LOL! Cousin Eddie is an RV icon now! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan GET READY! We are launching our new digital/video magazine on June 1st!
Hey Scott, Good idea, let us know if you do! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Love the screen name! LOL! very funny... Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
@@RVBlogger I have a travel trailer on the opposite side of our like half acre property it's not terribly far but it's at least 100 feet away. Perhaps there's another way with a longer hose, or would I need to bring the travel trailer all the way over there? Thanks man great video
I have mine connected to the clean out valve while I'm parked on my property. I'm waiting to move it to a park to live in it full-time. I dont have that valve setup, so I run the bathwater on cold to flush it as my bathtub/shower is tied to the black tank. I run the bathtub faucet inside the house to help flush it more. Since my rv shower is tied to the black tank, I found I have to dunp every 4 days or so. But informational video - thank you!
Hi David, Thanks for the info. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
I have the Rhino Blaster without the gate valve so I found a gate valve to hook up to it. With supply chain issues I could not find the one with the integral valve. It works the same and is a must to back flush effectively. The gate valve I found has a Male and Female bayonet so it just fits into the blaster and the drain hose hooks onto the other side.
Hey Robert, Glad you made due with what you could find! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
I live in a area that has septic tank. We are allowed to dump in your septic tank. You are not allowed invite friends or relatives to stay on your property and use the septic tank. We have areas that have sewer system. No one is allowed to empty tanks in a sewer system. Home owner pays for sewer by amount of water that comes from the city. Some homes have sewer only and should not be used for dumping. One reason or area does not allow rv’s in parking lots, is because they have dumped in storm drains which goes into our rivers.
We always tell folks to check with their community association or local government before emptying their tanks at home and NEVER dump in a storm drain. Some residential systems are not able to handle it or they have just deemed it illegal. Thank you for sharing your information, it can be helpful to others. Thank you for watching our Dumping RV tanks video and commenting!
Thank you Mike for showing about the black tank. I hope a lot know about not put their black tanks down a sewage drain where the rain water goes. I don’t we have a sewage like you do. We have something in the side walk with a lid over that we can’t get to in front of our house. But that rhino looks like it gets the job done! Thank you Mike and Susan!
You're welcome Sherri. Hopefully no Cousin Eddy's out there! We are lucky to have that sewer connection in our yard. It has come in handy a lot! We love our Rhino blaster - makes a huge difference. Thank you!!!!
Recently purchased my first Motor Home its a1990 Fleet wood south wind class A so new to the RV life U-tube and and all the video's have been a life saver thanks for taking the time to do this so very appreciated by this newbie
Hi Libby!!! We are so glad you find our videos helpful! You made our day! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Legally you have to have a check valve between the hose and the clean out fixture your using. The water in the hose is now contaminated with black water bacteria. If the hose has the smallest amount suction, it will draw black tank water into the hose that is connected to a public water supply and you possibly contaminated everyone’s drinking water. If your going to be doing this clean out scenario, you need to be careful of any liability that may arise from one person’s doing this wrong
Hey Joe, Thanks for the added info! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan BTW, let us know what you think of RV Camping Magazine, our free digital and video magazine! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
@@pilotboy3328 Hi Pilot Boy, there is a backflow valve built into it, or it wouldn't be legal... Good advice though...a backflow preventer is essential for this. Thanks! Mike
Thanks again for the educational video. I’ve seen a couple of your videos and you have helped me a lot. I’m new to the RV community. Question though after I have cleaned my black tank, do I fill it up or do I leave it empty?
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are so happy we have been able to help you in your RV adventures! We add a little bit of water (maybe a couple gallons) and chemicals whether we are continuing to camp or sitting in storage until the next camping trip. You don't want it to sit completely empty (or full) for too long. The chemicals help to keep any odor down. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Thank you for watching our Dumping RV Tanks video and commenting. We appreciate your support!
Hi Michael, Thanks for that info! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Why not turn the RV in the driveway on tank cleaning day? Is it preped for winter and shouldn't be moved? I don't own an RV, but my daughter is planning on moving into a old one that doesn't run. I was going to try a composting toilet, but this is easier. Thanks for the video, it's full of information I needed.
My driveway is on a slope and if I pull in the back end drags on the street. I can only back into my driveway. Hope that makes sense. This is a perfect question to ask in our Private Facebook Group called RV Camping for Newbies. I bet if you ask the question to the group you will get some great responses. And if you supply your email address when you join you will also get our informative Newsletters every week and a FREE subscription to RV Today Magazine so you will be the most informed RVer on the planet! ( Just kidding but you can learn a bunch and meet some cool people!) Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/RVCampingforNewbies Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan
Hi Mike, Thanks for the kind words and we are glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
I found out in the City of San Jose, it is legal to dump into your sewer system provided 1. Your connection must screw on, no wights allowed. 2. If you have a spill, you must notify the city and they will clean up for you ($$$$$$$). 3. The blaster thing is not allowed. To clean out your tank, you have to take the "magic" wand thingy and flush the toilet from inside!!!
Hi oshtoolman, Every jurisdiction has different rules so I'm glad you checked things out for where you live! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below to subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Lol! We just used regular food coloring you can buy at the grocery store... Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
I dump mine at home when doing any maintenance that leaves my gray or black water tanks with water in them. It's good to know how to do it and where your septic or sewer clean out is wether it's something you plan to do or not. You never know when you might be in the doghouse and need a place to stay for a few days lol.
Hi Rustic, Great question, I just walk inside and check the control panel to see when the tanks are full. Or I ask Susan to check for me if she is inside the RV. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan
Your videos are so helpful! My husband and I just purchased our first rv and really have no clue what we’re doing. I appreciate all the time and effort you have put into your channel. Thank you!
Thanks Seasao! I'm glad you find our videos helpful!!! Please check out the website too! I have written over 340 articles all about RVing that could help you out too! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Our daughter and her family lived in their 5th wheel in our back yard for several years. We had a septic system. The run from their black tank cleanout was more than 80 feet and slightly uphill. My son in law used a long straight PVC pipe that we left in place, with a connector on the septic tank end, and a dedicated hose to attach to the RV outlet. He also had an attachment that used hose water to pulverize the contents of the black tank as it connected to the drain hose. For their family of 3, he cleaned their tanks about every 7-10 days. Never had a problem.
Hi Lissa, Thanks for sharing your experience! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan We invite you to subscribe to our digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine and it’s totally free! Let us know how you like the Magazine! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
I can't believe you told Nic it would be quite expensive to add a clean out. My husband did it with a shovel and a few PVC fittings from Home Depot. Had to cut out a section of 4 inch pipe. Really pretty easy if he could do it. No plumber!
Hey Deborah, Wow! Good for him! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
In most States you are required to have a permit and inspection to tap into the city sewer line from the house to the street. You can't just cut the pipe and tap in. If you are on a septic system you may or may not be required to have a permit and inspection.
@@bobabooie6389 Depends on where you would be tapping in. Since the line slopes down from the house it could be pretty shallow. Like my cleanout in front next to the house is only about 8 inches below the surface. But out by the sidewalk is probably more like 3-4 feet below the surface.
Dumping in a storm drain makes it a hazardous waste incident. Which means that the person dumps not only will you be fine and possible criminal charges, but you will have to pay for the hazards material clean up.
Hey Jeff, We appreciate the info! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Most rv’s are designed to dump before you travel and will eventually drop on the road if you travel full. Make sure your black tank is properly supported in the middle, under neath and not just hanging on each end. After 40 years of rving, I find that unless you are having issues, just traveling with a few gallons of water with my chemical, my tank stays clean enough. Never had any issue using Scotts single ply tp. In the winter I let some anti freeze in the tanks.
This is a really great comment! If you travel with full tanks they could become dislodged and fall...what a mess that would be but it happens. We do the same - add a few gals of water and antifreeze in the winter. Thanks for your comment! Mike
My clean out is by my house and I have a travel trailer. I wish it was closer to the street. I have an rv tote that I’m gonna have to drain into first. Thnx for the info
Hey Andy, Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Yes but better as it sprays out in the tank like a fire water sprinkler in a building so it rinses the walls of the black tank and helps to flush the lines
Thanks for watching Tim! I am surprised by the number of people who didn't even realize this was a possibility so of course we had to make a video about it!
So much easier to dump the tanks in the middle of a Wal Mart. You can also do that at a school, church, old folks home, orphanage or a battered women's shelter. But if you are going to do it home, do it when the neighbors are having a wedding reception, cooking out or having a birthday party so there are no noise concerns.
Always dump your tank immediately after parking. Driving around will mix and loosen things up. Add a flush line to the tank, and you can drain and flush at the same time.
On a personal home septic system, with a leach field and septic tank, do the camper black tank chemicals hurt the e natural enzyme process in the in ground septic tank?
Hi Charlie, It depends on the chemicals you use but overall your septic system will be fine. More damage is caused in home septic systems by bleach cleaning products and antibacterial soaps which kill bacteria in the system. Great question! Mike
@@margaretcannon4696correct, if you're using additives in your rv black tank, they should inherently be "septic safe." Since a black water tank is essentially a very tiny septic tank. Any product you add to your black water tank after cleaning should be enzymatic, not antimicrobial or disinfecting. I personally wouldn't add any type of enzyme to the tank for at least 3 days after cleaning with something like bleach, if that's something you prefer to do as part of your maintenance. If you just dumped, flushed and refilled, I'd wait about 24 hours. Also, if you flush your tank with something like dish detergent or laundry soap, I'd also wait 24 hours. But really, you can go ahead and retreat with the enzymes right away, since neither of those products are disinfectants. Of course, unless you're refilling your tank with water directly from a ground source, it's going to contain some amount of disinfectants and acidification agents as part of the treatment process. And there's nothing you can do about that, short of buying a large filtration system. So, your black tank will never be ideal, no matter what. But at the very least, you should let the tank sit for at least 24 hours before adding enzymes, to give them a fighting chance.
We are not RV owners...YET...so we are doing our research. Question regarding the Rhino and rinsing. When you are filling your tank with the gated device, if you should get distracted from the filling do you risk the tank overflowing inside the RV? Or, is that not possible? Thank you! Love your videos!
Hi NJ, Great question! Yes if you get distracted water could come up through the toilet and flood your RV. But we just keep an eye on the control panel to make sure that doesn't happen. So far so good!🤞 Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan
Storm drains normally run directly to a body of water without treatment. You MAY be able to get away with grey water depending on where it leads to and local laws. Black water always goes to sewage treatment plant or septic tank. Dumping in a storm drain will also land you a nice present from the DNR.
Hi Geoffrey, All true but we can't recommend dumping gray water into a storm drain...I'm very certain that won't fly in most jurisdictions... Thanks, Mike
There is a city of 30,000 homeless people in San Francisco dumping their sewage directly into storm drains and no one seems to care. In fact NYC just changed the laws to decriminalize urinating in the streets. Ironically I was almost arrested in Michigan for a grey water leak on a road that had giant piles of horse manure every few yards from the Amish horses.
we dump the solids at the park and when we get home we give it a good cleaning out. we have a sewer line clean out in our back yard it even has the threads in the clean out so we can screw in the hose
This might be just what we need for a good flushing! I've seen other RVers rinse extra water down the toilet at the dump station.... Our bathroom is folded up during travel!
Hey Adventure in Pop Ups, Maybe! Hopefully it helps! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Hey Easthall Design, Great question! Check your sensors inside the camper to tell how full it is. :) Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
@@RVBlogger On some RV's you really don't want to rely on the accuracy of the sensor. I think it's safer to have a 2nd person looking in the tank through the toilet opening. On some RV's if that tank gets overfilled you'll get seepage inside the RV or worst case scenario the toilet will over flow if the trap door isn't a perfect seal. Thanks for the video, I'm buying one of those.
Hi canzcustoms, Lol! I love your spirit my friend. Gotta be cool when we make a video so we don't get anyone in trouble. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan
Thanks Mike and Susan, glad the video is there to show people that they can drain their tanks at home, better in every way, no lines and can take your time, I do it at my house. I did cut the video short but hoping people add plenty of water when dumping in sewer, it can clog, I did it but was a plumber so no biggie. Thanks You again
How do you know when to stop filling up the black tank with water so it didn't overflow inside the rv somewhere ? Also , no mention about how the hose is getting a good cleaning ! Just saying !
Hey Mark, Great question! You gotta keep checking the sensors on the inside of the RV to make sure you don't overflow. :) Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan
I'm just starting out, never even used the toilet for #2 just #1 for 2 days. came home thinking there's just gonna be a little piss lets empty on side yard.wrong a 3' turd came out that's been in there since I bought the B-class in sep. I never smelt odors. so how many gallons should I pour into toilet to flush black tank (BL tank is 11 gallons) out? not sure if RVing is for me.thanks for sharing Steve
Don't give up yet Steve. First I gotta say, you really shouldn't dump the black tank out on the ground. I know it's your yard and your pee 😂 but it's frowned upon and ILLEGAL and hopefully you don't have neighbors who tattle. Luckily we have a sewer connect in our yard that we use if we need to dump our tanks at home. Second, must've been a pertrified turd! Sorry I'm having too much fun! Are you adding toilet chemicals to help break down waste, smell and bacteria? If not, you should. But to answer your question, I would add at least 6-8 gallons of water and drive to a state park or campground and use the dump station to empty and clean out your tanks. Most importantly, don't give up yet. Thank you for watching our Dumping RV Tanks at home video and commenting.
If you use the blackwater tank enzymes (tablet or packet) and deodorizer, I've read that will mess up the enzyme balance in a septic tank because the balance is different for tanks. Is this true that it will damage a septic system?
Hey Simply4me, Not that we're aware of :) Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan BTW, let us know what you think of RV Camping Magazine, our free digital and video magazine! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Got one. Works great. Don't let just anyone operate it. They found out the hard way, make sure the grey tank is CLOSED before you cut the pump on. Gets ugly fast!!!
Hi Mark, What happened? You can use it on the black or gray water holding tanks but they should be empty first... Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below to subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Hey Raney, Woohoo!! See, you got this!! 💪 Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan BTW, let us know what you think of RV Camping Magazine, our free digital and video magazine! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
That's impressive girl!!! Such a satisfying feeling. I was amazed at the mechanical things I could handle once I was on my own. It feels great. I have someone that is great at all that now but the way I go try boyfriends I need to stay on my toes with the things. 😆
with the hose filling your black water tank, how do you know when its full? I mean wouldn't it overflow inside your RV if you weren't paying attention?
@@fresh2k2004 thats what I thought, you need someone inside to keep an eye on it...I'm trying to learn about RV"S, I've never had one before, so I'm doing my research, before I buy one..thanks for your reply.
Hi bingochoice, Great question and I pay attention when filling the black tank. To know if the tank is full I just yell - "hey Susan - check the monitor at the control panel! Is the black tank near full yet?" Easy as that! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Hey Lourdes, Thank you for the kind words, glad you liked the videos! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Rhino blaster is nice, but I prefer using the tank clean out port that has the oscillating jet nozzles inside. Just hook up the hose, turn it on and wait for the water to run clear out the black tank. No filling and draining.
Hi Jason, Is that an aftermarket product or was it built into your RV tank when you bought it? Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
I need 60 feet of sewer hose to reach my sewer on the front lawn from the driveway. With that, I can give the black tank a good cleaning at home. I don't think my neighbors even know what I'm doing.
I guess if you're on a septic system, you can't really flush the black water tank too many times or you'll overflow your septic tank and maybe damage your leach field. But I guess you can do maybe do 1-2 flushes per day to allow time for septic seepage.
Hey Paschats4FD, We appreciate the input! Thanks for watching and commenting! ❤ Mike and Susan By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it! rvblogger.com/rv-camping-magazine/
Depends on the size of your tank 🤔 I don't think it would be a problem for most. In a day you can potentially run hundreds of gallons of water into your septic. I grew up in a house with 9 people so with toilets laundry showers and dishes constantly we never had any issues with the early 70s septic tank and drain field.
Hi Chris, That is awesome and $5 is pretty cheap! Thanks for that info! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
I would also mention, there are probably some toilet chemicals still in existence that contain formaldehyde. Even though they are great at reducing odor, it’s very bad for any sewer system.
Hi Poppy Ron, Glad you are in the know but not everyone knows this info. It's pretty awesome knowing it is an option though. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
Im a flowjet guy! Just run a 12v power supply plug and mount it at the rv drains and hook flowjet up and macerate it all and feed thru a garden hose to a toilet! I have a direct dump at my house which is better but for those that dont then using the toilet as the dump portal is fine....just remember to clean out flowjet and spray insides with wd40 after each use...keeps it working for years!
How long of a garden hose are you running ? I'm looking at a set up where the RV is potentially 100+ feet from a sewer clean out . Would a larger pump and maybe an oversized hose, pump that slop 100-150 ft.?
@@JRL1963 I usually run around 25 feet but have run it up to 75 feet on fairly level ground - it still pumped well..I would say this pump should still reach 100 plus feet as long as it isnt too much upward slope...150 feet might also be pushing it tho...I use a 5/8" diameter hose...
I was all with you till you told us to tell your neighbor what were doing. I get along with all my Neighbors, but it's still none of their business.If they have a problem oh well.
I'm a live and let live kind of guy but I also respect my neighbors too. I'm not saying ask for their permission. Just let them know what you are doing so they aren't surprised. Surprised people don't react well. Just how I do things. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan Have you subscribed to our RUclips channel yet? If not we sure hope you will click below and subscribe! Thanks! goto.rvblogger.com/RUclipsChannel?sub_confirmation=1
I agree I don't feel my neighbors need to be told anything . Even if city says I have to ask my neighbors because I want to add say a room to front of my house and it will stick out more than there home . I pay the taxes on MY property not them. They should have no say .
My wife and I are looking into getting an RV with in a couple years. so I'm doing a lot of homework on them. my question is, when your ready cleaning the black tanks for the second time, how do you know that the black tank is refilled? many more questions to come.
Hi Michael, Great question! I yell inside the camper and ask Susan to check the control panel. It tells us how full the tanks are. Please feel free to ask all the questions you like. Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan By the way, we started a Facebook group called RV Camping for Newbies. Hope you will check it out and join if you are interested! facebook.com/groups/RVCampingforNewbies/
I worried about it too! So I pulled up the county guidelines about dumping into my public sewer and it turns out that it's legal. You could probably call someone in your county or local government in the sewer water department and ask. Better to ask then to get in trouble. I'm glad you liked the video though! Thanks for watching ! Is there another topic you want to learn about so we can plan future videos too?
I live out in a rural area and my septic tank lids are right there on the grass line. Could I pop the lid off and empty my grey and black water in there ?
You make this chore tougher than it needs to be. FloJet 12 volt waste pump and a 3/4 inch garden hose. Pumps the entire tank in 15 minutes or less into a toilet and has a washer built into it. If your trailer is anywhere near modern you have a flush connection built right into the tank anyway. This is done with my fifth wheel parked at home on the RV pad.
Hi Kevin, Thanks for sharing how you dump at home. Whatever works best! Thanks for watching and commenting! Mike and Susan GET READY! We are launching our new digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine on June 1st! Stay tuned for our RUclips Video all about it!
this is the option i would have to go with. nobody in our area has an outside sewer cleanout. really worth the $6 and 3 mile trek to the local gas station that has a rv dump on monday tho.
Pumped out yeah right. If your septic tank works like it should no need to call the septic tank guy out, my parents never had to have the tank pumped out. Dad had an elaborate system. Also washing machine water was recycled into the ground the kitchen had a grease trap. I been almost 30 years at our house and we never pumped our septic tank. We don't use a garbage disposal. 73
We've lived in our house 25 yrs & pumped our 2 septic tanks only twice, even tho we probably didn't have to. I have a garbage disposal that's used frequently. However greasy messes never go there or stringy stuff like celery. We put everything in kitchen trash can or compost can & take out as needed. I follow my grandparents lead when it comes to toilet trash. Everything into the bin in the bathroom, & only when it's brown flush it down. I also use products like Rid-X periodically but probably don't have to. As far as our septic lids they're just below ground level but easy to get to. Our problem is having a long enough hose to get from the RV to the closest tank. & we have separate hoses & connectors for fresh, grey, & black water are separate colors and stored in separate individual containers along with another separate container for gloves.
@@DC-ct8tv human waste only in the toilet. Sometimes potato peals to make bacteria also sour milk. Rid X is good if you use it regularly. Don't expect Rid X to fix septic problems. Rid X is only for maintenance. Most septic problems is the drain field Roots is the number one problem. Don't have a weeping willow tree or a camphor tree. The roots will find their way into the drain field. There are other trees that roots are a problem. 73
Well they don't build them like they used to. Everything is "value engineered" these days which is a fancy way of saying they are built with lower quality products to increase profits! I looked it up on line - nice rig! Good luck with her! Did you buy from a dealer or private owner?
Hi Everyone,
We hope you enjoy our video! Please say hello by leaving your comment below!
Also, please feel free to ask any questions or just tell us about yourselves.
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Mike and Susan
Great explanation. Not all of us are close enough to our clean out port to do this. Our trailer ended up 47 feet from the port, so we put on a macerator pump and used a 1" hose to push our wastewater over and 1 foot uphill to our port.
Cousin Eddie just arrived....lol.
Great video and good information. Many times at a dump facility, others can be waiting, making it difficult to properly flush your system, leading to problems down the road. This affords the time to do it right.
As others have commented, in many locations there are regulations that prohibit potable water supplies directly connected to sewage systems, even with check valves. Also, if you are on a septic system at home, it is advisable to slowly release water in your system to prevent undigested waste from entering the leach field, causing future septic failure. Another important reminder for those on a septic system, some black and gray water tank treatments are not septic system friendly and can adversely affect your septic system, causing them to fail, those with formaldehyde and others come to mind as problematic. Use tank treatments that are organically friendly to maintain a healthy home septic system.
I suspect your not able to pull the RV in the opposite way to avoid running the hose under the unit?
RV tip of the day. When you're leaving a campground and the dump station is clogged with traffic just go to one of the pull through sites that's empty and dump your tanks. Happy camping.
it has probably been commented upon, or you cover this later in the video, but a best practice whenever using a water hose In contact with black or greywater. consider that hose CONTAMINATED! Buy a black hose for this purpose! And keep it separate with your dump hoses. Also, invest in a one-way valve for the connection to the dump hose. Some lessons learned during 30+ years in RVing.
Hi Jeff,
I'm pretty sure I covered that in the video but thanks for your comments too. I agree with you completely!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Happy Holidays!
Mike and Susan
You answered my question.
Hi Jeff, Thanks for those tips. RVBlogger did NOT cover that in the video. He's using a white hose without a 1 way valve.
@@COSMACELF1802 Hi Josh,
I actually use a green hose in the video - not white. Our white hose of for fresh water ONLY. We use green for the maintenance of our tanks. Unfortunately, I didn't say in the video that you need to keep your hoses separate. Sorry about that! Thankfully , Jeff caught it and made his comment. Sometimes what I think is just common sense really needs to be covered for all the newbies out there.
Anyway - thanks for watching the video!
Mike
Not a chance I’d ever use that fitting! Unless you prefer sewer water to back feed into your water system.
I just wasted 20 mins watching a video of some guy using this same setup to back flush his tank, but he never closed the gate valve and was complaining about how this product doesn’t work?? Thank goodness I found your video to do this correctly. I’m no expert but I knew instantly he didn’t have a clue what he was doing! Thanks for the professional advice.
Hey TJ
We are so glad you got it figured out!! Great job!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
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Due to the informative nature of this channel and that you were kind enough to blue out your blank tank water and also your concern for your neighbors, I subscribed. You dont find people with that kind of caring and manners anymore. Thank you.
Hi Helen,
Thanks very much for your kind words! We really appreciate that!
And thanks for watching and subscribing too!
Part of being an RVer to us, and many other folks too, is looking out for each other.
I'm so glad that came across in the video!
Safe travels and keep in touch!
Mike and Susan
Agree!
Some localities dont like the idea of dumping RV sewage into the city system.
a friend of mine was having his entire home sewer line replaced ($$$$$) and he has a big motorhome, so he asked the plumber if he could install a dump station for the RV along the driveway where he usually parked it. The guy said, you want me to install a cleanout here along the driveway? My friend said no, i want to dump my RV tank so I want a dump port right here. The plumber looked him in the eye and said. You dont understand- you want a CLEAN OUT here, because the city doesnt allow a dedicated dump station to be hooked up to city sewers, RIGHT??? My friend finally got what he was saying. Yes sir, i do want a cleanout installed RIGHT HERE.
Hi Bradi,
Bingo - each jurisdiction is different and it sounds like you friend used a good plumber!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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Yep, city sewer is billed on how much water you use. So unless you filled your fresh water tanks at your city house, the city isn't getting the money it should to process the sewer you'd be adding.
@@anthonythorp7291 yeah, well they're billing you for water you use to wash your car and water your lawn, so, I think they're still getting their money.
My locality allows resident RVs to dump free at a city operated dump station next to their water treatment plant. Gated and only during business hours of course. Check your local municipality/county for kicks. I think RVBlogger kind of went beyond what is necessary with the flush-till-clear routine and it would be rude to be that fastidious at a public site, but, it is his home and he is legal so he can spend all the time and drinking water he wants flushing the black tank until the local laws or the RV technology changes. Useful post "RIGHT HERE" @BradiKal61 ;) Where there is a will, there is a way. It is a perverse fact of human nature to always game and circumnavigate our own 'systems' even when they are in place for our own collective good ... 🙄
@@anthonythorp7291 Oh they're getting plenty of my money. According to you they are billing me on my irrigation water, which does not go into the sewer, the're billing me on water that I use to wash the car, fill the pool, clean things outside, etc. The small amount from my dump tank in nothing compared to these uses.
Hi RV Blogger! Thank you for the video! You're an excellent teacher and you shared some very useful tips. I appreciate that! I'm a single woman taking this on with little experience, so every bit of information I can glean from the pros about setting up and maintaining my RV is helpful. Hopefully there'll be a man someday who'll share RVing with me and will take on the more difficult tasks like this one. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Merry Christmas! 🎅🏻
Mike and Susan 🎄
Thank you so much for sharing your RV knowledge with us. I really like your positive vibe and patient delivery.
Way too many YT channels seem to bash their viewers with insulting videos titled "don't be an idiot" or "never do this/that" or "you are doing this/that wrong." I skip right over those.
Thank you for the kind words! We are so happy we can help new RVers. We truly appreciate your support!
Thank u so much for not assuming ppl know certain things, u just explain everything and break it down so everyone understands it! Your videos are so informative and I love watching them!! Thanks and God bless
Hey genuwinefemale,
Everyone has to start somewhere and we're hoping to be able to help EVERYONE! We appreciate the support so much, we love hearing from everyone. Safe travels!
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In 1989 my dad fixed two clean outs for our sewer because he purchased a class c. When he would come back from trips, he would dump there. Great video…. I still live in the house and am planning on buying an rv soon. He also wired the house outside so he could plug up.
Hi Coachtalk1,
That is awesome! Your Dad was ahead of his time! Keep in touch and let us know what you buy and how you like it!
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Mike and Susan
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Great video. As a new RV owner, this is by far the most challenging thing I considered before purchasing. I am not a plumber and have no desire to be a plumber (utmost respect to those that are), but this video and the Rhino Blaster will solve any concerns that I have. Thanks again for sharing.
Hey Lewis,
We appreciate the love and support, so glad you found the video helpful!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it!
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Thanks for this. We live in Maui and there are no dump stations and we are looking into purchasing a RV. We don’t know anything about them so this has been so helpful. They are not common here. I have only seen about 3 RV’s here. So I knew there had to be a way.
Our kids have never been camping and so this would be great to start doing that and still have the luxury of a bathroom and bed.
Hey Tara,
We appreciate the love and support, so glad you found our video helpful! Good luck with your rv search, safe travels & happy camping!
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As a certified master toilet technician (plumber) I approve of this message.
Thanks Jim!
Jim, I don’t have a clean out outside. I know where the sewer leaves towards the street. Would it be an odd call to a plumber to ask to install a clean out? I’m assuming permits would be needed.
Great question Nic 🙂
@@odnetnin4720 Hi Nic,
It would be a huge expense to add a cleanout.. check out how to use a macerating pump to empty your black tank at home...this is a much better and less expensive option.
Mike
Hey do any of you know if there's a way to put it into the drain pipe for the sewage but have an alternate location added to put the waste in there?
I have a travel trailer on the opposite side of our like half acre property it's not terribly far but it's at least 100 feet away. Perhaps there's another way with a longer hose, or would I need to bring the travel trailer all the way over there? Thanks guys
We have one without the gate valve...you just put the cap on the end that's dangling from your waste pipe. Yes, you have to disconnect the slinky and reconnect it each time you fill it, which is a bit more of a hassle, but it's not really the end of the world. (My bro-in-law gave it to us, so it was super cheap for us!) Great video...thanks!
Hi Brian,
Glad you liked the video! Sounds like you have the no gate valve version figured out and free is always a good thing!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
I have a clean out in the back about 15ft from where we park our 24 ft. I always dump first at the campground or public dump station. Just before we leave the campground I put a cup of cheap Walmart laundry detergent and put about 5 gallons of water in the tank, as I am driving home it washes and cleans the black tank. I also have a blaster but mine drain has an elbow which does not send much water into the tank. Since you are home just use a hose to flush water into the tank. Keeps our black tank clear of stuff. Remember to leave some water in the black tank.
Hi Rick,
All good advice!
Thanks for sharing!
Mike and Susan
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Had a neighbor who did the cousin Eddie thing.
When building the add on to the house with garage & master bedroom above it, it was easier to take the sewer out to the street. There’s a clean out in the driveway off to the side closer to street but the sewer hose don’t reach & we have a 8’ pipe to use as extension. It’s easier & quicker to just go use the RV dump at the gas station. Some are free & one that I know of costs $3. No extensions required & water is there making it easier for cleanups but I clean the tank out more when at home. Use to take hose into the RV to flush the tank but we heard of a a sprayer you drill a hole in tank to hook up your garden hose. The sprayer is a one way valve & we hooked up a small length of hose to it that runs to the gate valves with a cap on it. Just hunk it up using zip ties & just hook up the garden hose to it when flushing out. I do the main flush & close gate valve to turn on water. I let the tank get full & I shake the trailer before opening the valve. I do it about 2-3 times.
Hey Smiley Sun,
Wow thanks for sharing!!
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Looks simple to do. Dying the water was a great idea to Demonstrate the process and truly showing when you have everything flushed out
Thank you! Glad the colored water and clear Rhino Blaster helped make a difference. We wanted to make sure the water color definitely looked artificial! 😂
Awesome video. Make it easy on yourself, instead of running your sewer hose under your rig, turn your rig around, back it into your driveway. So much easier.
Hi Terri,
I would if I could but since my driveway slopes up my back bumper drags on the street when I pull into my driveway so I can only back in.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
I most certainly do not have a clean out pipe (that I’m aware of) on my property. How convenient that you not only have one, but that it’s right next to the driveway!
Hi rocket,
It sure comes in handy!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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RV people have the BEST comments, solutions and Support. This Video is Awesome!
Glad you like it!!!! You made our day!
Mike
Great video. Most Florida homes have sewer clean outs usually found somewhere near the outside of a bathroom often in the shrubs. Sometimes not easy to find but keep looking. Valterra also offers a Sewer Solution gizmo very similar to the one in your video. I’ve been using it for over a year with great results. Thanks again, great vids!
Hi David,
Thanks and yeah, sometimes those clean outs are hard to find!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
I would highly recommend with that hookup, you put a backflow preventer on your hose bib. Then connect your hose to the backflow preventer. Because if you ever get a negative pressure (vacuum), in your water main, it will pull all your black or grey water back into your water main and that will contaminate your drinking water. On a positive note, good job showing the difference between a storm drain and a sewage drainage system. 👍
There is a back flow valve built into the RhinoBlaster! This product would be illegal without one. But you can also add a second back flow preventer valve too just to be on the super safe side.
Thanks for watching and for your comment!
We about to pick up our 1st motorhome so we have been binging on all your videos, thanks for all the helpful advice.
Hi radman!
That is awesome!!!! We love hearing comments like yours!!!!
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Mike and Susan
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Additionally, Should your home clean out be a long way from your rv drain valves and/or on the wrong side of your rv making it unmanageable, you may want to check out one or more of the sewer solutions on the market. Valterra makes one and I’m not sure who makes the other one but I believe the actual name is Sewer Solution. I bought mine about two years ago and it was the best $85 I’ve ever spent on an rv product. When we are not on the road, we keep our rig in our back yard and it works like a champ. I’ve used it up to 95 feet with great success. Needs no electrical of any kind, performs on a Venturi effect. Check it out. Good luck.
Hi David,
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Very helpful 👍
Our municipality doesn't allow tapping into the sewage connection in the yard. There's actually a pretty big fine for it! Luckily we have a waste disposal facility in the town up the road and it's totally free.
Hey KC,
That's great!
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@@RVBlogger Should you use this reverse flush for the auxiliary (Grey water) tank as well? Or is that rather useless?
@@RVBlogger Also for the black water tank is this something you'll have to do on site rather than how you're doing at home? (the flushing of the tank with reverse flush valve)
@@joeslacker1020 Hi Joe, We use the RhinoBlaster to rinse our grey water tank too! It keeps it nice and clean. Even grey water begins to smell bad after a week or so.
Hope that helps!
Mike
@@joeslacker1020 Hi Joe,
We use the RhinoBlaster at dump stations, campsites or at home. It's totally safe to use anywhere because it has a built in back flow preventer.
Thanks again!
Mike
Thank you for letting us know the sanitary methods for keeping your RV clean. Also, you guys are probably very careful what is allowed into your toilets (ie. No diapers, baby wipes, etc.) Sometimes people have guests in their RVs and campers visit them. You can show them how to clean out their tank.
Thanks for watching N.E.
I thought about bringing that up after the video was complete. Then it was too late to alter the video so thanks for the comment. Maybe others will read this and learn something new.
Mike
Thank you so much for your videos! I am a newbie, and trying for figure the water tanks out. You have helped so much.
HEy Jacqueline,
We are so appreciative of your love and support and kind words!!! Best of luck, safe travels & happy camping!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
Thank you so much for this video! We do have a public dump station for county residents, but THIS is so much easier! I had to get extra hoses, but man oh man, am I grateful for this video! I can fill and rinse my black tank as many times as I want! Thank you so much!
Hey Amy
So glad you found it helpful!!!
Safe travels and happy camping! :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
When I built my pole barn, I had a dump station plumbed inside the barn so when I returned home I could dump all my tanks right where I parked inside and out of the weather.... Pre plan if your going to build a garage or pole barn to store you RV>
That is an awesome idea! Thank you for sharing your DIY solution to storing your RV and dumping tanks at home. And thank you for watching our video and commenting.
Great vid and very informative. However the Rhino Blaster only works if you have a straight shot into the tank. If you have a longer drain tube with elbows , all it will do is fill the tank for you. Also all the heavier waste still sits on the bottom of the tank. Another solution to help rinse the tank is the Camco Swivel Stik. Keep up the great work.
Hey Dave,
We appreciate the info!
*Thanks for watching and commenting!
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Might wanna consider putting a clean out adapter on your clean out, just saying that cause I’m a plumber, if you ever were to get a stoppage in your line going into the sewer main, with your cap not being attached, the pressure would push off your lid and raw sewage will be in your front yard.
Hi JandX Maddox,
Thanks for the tip! Let's hope that never happens!
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Mike and Susan
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Maybe better than having it backup in his house right ?
I'm a newbie. One fellow suggests adding dish soap and water into your tank. Drive it home (letting it swish about.) Afterwords, drain the tank. I thought that made sense. Thanx for your post sir, -keith
Hi Keith,
I do not recommend adding dish soap to your tanks. The suds will be everywhere by the time you get home. We recommend Dishwashing detergent because it doesn't bubble up!
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Mike and Susan
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@@RVBlogger Thank you for the tip. Also inviting me to the publication. I need all the help I can get:-)
Actually, the connection of the cleanout to the sewer line should be made with a 45° wye connection. Sort of a T but with a 45° sweep that directs waste and cleaning tools in the direction of proper flow. I mention this for those that may attempt a DIY installation of a "clean out".
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the info!!!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Came across this video and great advise/clarification on a septic sewer and the storm drain system. My Father installed an RV dump on there house that I know live in and I also enforce the regulations for Stormwater in my local area. It's crazy what people think they can dump down there.
Hey Carweizer,
We appreciate the love and support!
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You don’t want to do this if you have a private septic system and use any tank chemicals like the blue stuff. Septic tanks rely on good bacteria to break down solids in your septic system, RV chemicals, especially containing formaldehyde, will destroy that fragile system.
Hi rjbtoo,
I would have agreed years ago but now the anti bacterial soaps we all use and the overuse of chlorine in household cleaning products already do more damage to your septic system than 40 gallons of waste from a camping trip.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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Thank you for the video. We have emptied at home but our pipe is so close to the house that it is always slightly uphill no matter how we park the RV. When we boondock we will come back to empty either at our local Thousand Trails or the closest RV dealership with a dump station.
Hey Jeanettes,
Oh no! Thankfully there's other places you can.
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What wonderful information... It never occurred to me to use the sewer clean out for dumping tanks. Also putting dye in the water is a good indication if you have completely cleaned the tank. Thank you!
Hi 2BusySecretary!
It is super convenient! But we only used the dye for demonstration purposes. We figured blue was nicer than brown water for the sake of the video! lol!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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I knew this video wouldnt be complete without a Cousin Eddie reference
LOL! Cousin Eddie is an RV icon now!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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Those gloves are the best. Wish I had cleanouts in my front yard. Maybe when my clay mainline snaps I will redo with PVC and add this in
Hey Scott,
Good idea, let us know if you do!
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No problem, my driveway is higher than my neighbors garden, he keeps raving about the size of those watermelons and squash, can't spoil it for him.
Love the screen name!
LOL! very funny...
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Mike and Susan
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@@RVBlogger I have a travel trailer on the opposite side of our like half acre property it's not terribly far but it's at least 100 feet away. Perhaps there's another way with a longer hose, or would I need to bring the travel trailer all the way over there? Thanks man great video
I have mine connected to the clean out valve while I'm parked on my property. I'm waiting to move it to a park to live in it full-time.
I dont have that valve setup, so I run the bathwater on cold to flush it as my bathtub/shower is tied to the black tank. I run the bathtub faucet inside the house to help flush it more. Since my rv shower is tied to the black tank, I found I have to dunp every 4 days or so.
But informational video - thank you!
Thanks and glad you liked the video!
I use the Valterra Sewer Solution system at my house where I have two clean outs, works like a champ.
Hi David,
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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I have the Rhino Blaster without the gate valve so I found a gate valve to hook up to it. With supply chain issues I could not find the one with the integral valve. It works the same and is a must to back flush effectively. The gate valve I found has a Male and Female bayonet so it just fits into the blaster and the drain hose hooks onto the other side.
Hey Robert,
Glad you made due with what you could find!
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I live in a area that has septic tank. We are allowed to dump in your septic tank. You are not allowed invite friends or relatives to stay on your property and use the septic tank. We have areas that have sewer system. No one is allowed to empty tanks in a sewer system. Home owner pays for sewer by amount of water that comes from the city. Some homes have sewer only and should not be used for dumping. One reason or area does not allow rv’s in parking lots, is because they have dumped in storm drains which goes into our rivers.
We always tell folks to check with their community association or local government before emptying their tanks at home and NEVER dump in a storm drain. Some residential systems are not able to handle it or they have just deemed it illegal. Thank you for sharing your information, it can be helpful to others. Thank you for watching our Dumping RV tanks video and commenting!
Thank you Mike for showing about the black tank. I hope a lot know about not put their black tanks down a sewage drain where the rain water goes. I don’t we have a sewage like you do. We have something in the side walk with a lid over that we can’t get to in front of our house. But that rhino looks like it gets the job done! Thank you Mike and Susan!
You're welcome Sherri. Hopefully no Cousin Eddy's out there! We are lucky to have that sewer connection in our yard. It has come in handy a lot! We love our Rhino blaster - makes a huge difference. Thank you!!!!
Nice touch ...coloring the “water” blue (classy move) 👍
Hi Rudolph,
Thank you very much!
Mike and Susan
Recently purchased my first Motor Home its a1990 Fleet wood south wind class A so new to the RV life U-tube and and all the video's have been a life saver thanks for taking the time to do this so very appreciated by this newbie
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Legally you have to have a check valve between the hose and the clean out fixture your using. The water in the hose is now contaminated with black water bacteria. If the hose has the smallest amount suction, it will draw black tank water into the hose that is connected to a public water supply and you possibly contaminated everyone’s drinking water.
If your going to be doing this clean out scenario, you need to be careful of any liability that may arise from one person’s doing this wrong
Hey Joe,
Thanks for the added info!
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it has a built in check valve and manual shut off valve
You need to put a back flow preventer on the facet the water hose is connected to.
@@pilotboy3328 there is a built in one and a valve.
@@pilotboy3328 Hi Pilot Boy, there is a backflow valve built into it, or it wouldn't be legal...
Good advice though...a backflow preventer is essential for this.
Thanks!
Mike
Thanks again for the educational video. I’ve seen a couple of your videos and you have helped me a lot. I’m new to the RV community. Question though after I have cleaned my black tank, do I fill it up or do I leave it empty?
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are so happy we have been able to help you in your RV adventures! We add a little bit of water (maybe a couple gallons) and chemicals whether we are continuing to camp or sitting in storage until the next camping trip. You don't want it to sit completely empty (or full) for too long. The chemicals help to keep any odor down. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Thank you for watching our Dumping RV Tanks video and commenting. We appreciate your support!
It's legal in New Mexico for onsite septic systems, owners may ocassionally dump into it
Hi Michael,
Thanks for that info!
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Mike and Susan
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Why not turn the RV in the driveway on tank cleaning day? Is it preped for winter and shouldn't be moved? I don't own an RV, but my daughter is planning on moving into a old one that doesn't run. I was going to try a composting toilet, but this is easier. Thanks for the video, it's full of information I needed.
My driveway is on a slope and if I pull in the back end drags on the street. I can only back into my driveway. Hope that makes sense.
This is a perfect question to ask in our Private Facebook Group called RV Camping for Newbies. I bet if you ask the question to the group you will get some great responses. And if you supply your email address when you join you will also get our informative Newsletters every week and a FREE subscription to RV Today Magazine so you will be the most informed RVer on the planet! ( Just kidding but you can learn a bunch and meet some cool people!) Here's the link: facebook.com/groups/RVCampingforNewbies
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Great explanations. I work for a small water, waste water district. Good points
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the kind words and we are glad you liked the video!
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I found out in the City of San Jose, it is legal to dump into your sewer system provided 1. Your connection must screw on, no wights allowed. 2. If you have a spill, you must notify the city and they will clean up for you ($$$$$$$). 3. The blaster thing is not allowed. To clean out your tank, you have to take the "magic" wand thingy and flush the toilet from inside!!!
Hi oshtoolman,
Every jurisdiction has different rules so I'm glad you checked things out for where you live!
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The flush is "legal" as long as there is a back flow preventer on the line.
can you link the dye? My wife starts gaging when we need to empty i think this would help with also making sure the tank is cleared out. Thanks!
Lol!
We just used regular food coloring you can buy at the grocery store...
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Mike and Susan
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I dump mine at home when doing any maintenance that leaves my gray or black water tanks with water in them. It's good to know how to do it and where your septic or sewer clean out is wether it's something you plan to do or not. You never know when you might be in the doghouse and need a place to stay for a few days lol.
LOL! Great point...another great use of your sewer clean out in the front yard!
How do you know when the tank is full? Could it potentially overflow through the shower or toilet?
Hi Rustic,
Great question,
I just walk inside and check the control panel to see when the tanks are full. Or I ask Susan to check for me if she is inside the RV.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Your videos are so helpful! My husband and I just purchased our first rv and really have no clue what we’re doing. I appreciate all the time and effort you have put into your channel. Thank you!
Thanks Seasao!
I'm glad you find our videos helpful!!!
Please check out the website too! I have written over 340 articles all about RVing that could help you out too!
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Our daughter and her family lived in their 5th wheel in our back yard for several years. We had a septic system. The run from their black tank cleanout was more than 80 feet and slightly uphill. My son in law used a long straight PVC pipe that we left in place, with a connector on the septic tank end, and a dedicated hose to attach to the RV outlet. He also had an attachment that used hose water to pulverize the contents of the black tank as it connected to the drain hose. For their family of 3, he cleaned their tanks about every 7-10 days. Never had a problem.
Hi Lissa,
Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Mike and Susan
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I can't believe you told Nic it would be quite expensive to add a clean out. My husband did it with a shovel and a few PVC fittings from Home Depot. Had to cut out a section of 4 inch pipe. Really pretty easy if he could do it. No plumber!
Hey Deborah,
Wow! Good for him!
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Hard part for many would be knowing where the sewer line actually is without a clean out there.
Got to be a pretty deep hole to dig
In most States you are required to have a permit and inspection to tap into the city sewer line from the house to the street.
You can't just cut the pipe and tap in.
If you are on a septic system you may or may not be required to have a permit and inspection.
@@bobabooie6389 Depends on where you would be tapping in.
Since the line slopes down from the house it could be pretty shallow.
Like my cleanout in front next to the house is only about 8 inches below the surface. But out by the sidewalk is probably more like 3-4 feet below the surface.
Dumping in a storm drain makes it a hazardous waste incident. Which means that the person dumps not only will you be fine and possible criminal charges, but you will have to pay for the hazards material clean up.
Why would someone dump their mess into a storm drain??
Hey Jeff,
We appreciate the info!
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Most rv’s are designed to dump before you travel and will eventually drop on the road if you travel full.
Make sure your black tank is properly supported in the middle, under neath and not just hanging on each end.
After 40 years of rving, I find that unless you are having issues, just traveling with a few gallons of water with my chemical, my tank stays clean enough.
Never had any issue using Scotts single ply tp.
In the winter I let some anti freeze in the tanks.
This is a really great comment! If you travel with full tanks they could become dislodged and fall...what a mess that would be but it happens.
We do the same - add a few gals of water and antifreeze in the winter.
Thanks for your comment!
Mike
My clean out is by my house and I have a travel trailer. I wish it was closer to the street. I have an rv tote that I’m gonna have to drain into first. Thnx for the info
Hey Sebastian
Best of luck! :) We appreciate the love and support!
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Not only does this flush the tank but it also cleans the hose. Good idea. Gonna have to look for the Rhino blaster.
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Glad you found the video helpful!
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The water blaster does not clean tank if its not a straight shot into tank. None do. This product is a waist of time other than. Cleaning your hose
Our trailer has a black tank flush where we can hook a hose up to. Is that the same purpose as the rhynoblaster?
Yes but better as it sprays out in the tank like a fire water sprinkler in a building so it rinses the walls of the black tank and helps to flush the lines
Hi Ron,
Great question and yes - you are good to go with your built in black tank flush.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Good stuff. I do the exact same thing in Toronto. The clean out is perfectly located in my driveway. No more line ups at the camp ground. Cheers
Thanks for watching Tim! I am surprised by the number of people who didn't even realize this was a possibility so of course we had to make a video about it!
So much easier to dump the tanks in the middle of a Wal Mart.
You can also do that at a school, church, old folks home, orphanage or a battered women's shelter.
But if you are going to do it home, do it when the neighbors are having a wedding reception, cooking out or having a birthday party so there are no noise concerns.
And never wear rubber gloves and definitely wear flip flops...
@@billd8167
I never wear rubber(s) anyways.
Hey Joey
😂😂😂
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
Always dump your tank immediately after parking. Driving around will mix and loosen things up.
Add a flush line to the tank, and you can drain and flush at the same time.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your suggestions!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
On a personal home septic system, with a leach field and septic tank, do the camper black tank chemicals hurt the e natural enzyme process in the in ground septic tank?
Hi Charlie,
It depends on the chemicals you use but overall your septic system will be fine. More damage is caused in home septic systems by bleach cleaning products and antibacterial soaps which kill bacteria in the system. Great question!
Mike
I believe they are similar, if not the same products as those used in home septic systems… enzymes
@@margaretcannon4696correct, if you're using additives in your rv black tank, they should inherently be "septic safe." Since a black water tank is essentially a very tiny septic tank.
Any product you add to your black water tank after cleaning should be enzymatic, not antimicrobial or disinfecting. I personally wouldn't add any type of enzyme to the tank for at least 3 days after cleaning with something like bleach, if that's something you prefer to do as part of your maintenance.
If you just dumped, flushed and refilled, I'd wait about 24 hours. Also, if you flush your tank with something like dish detergent or laundry soap, I'd also wait 24 hours. But really, you can go ahead and retreat with the enzymes right away, since neither of those products are disinfectants.
Of course, unless you're refilling your tank with water directly from a ground source, it's going to contain some amount of disinfectants and acidification agents as part of the treatment process. And there's nothing you can do about that, short of buying a large filtration system.
So, your black tank will never be ideal, no matter what. But at the very least, you should let the tank sit for at least 24 hours before adding enzymes, to give them a fighting chance.
We are not RV owners...YET...so we are doing our research. Question regarding the Rhino and rinsing. When you are filling your tank with the gated device, if you should get distracted from the filling do you risk the tank overflowing inside the RV? Or, is that not possible? Thank you! Love your videos!
Hi NJ,
Great question!
Yes if you get distracted water could come up through the toilet and flood your RV. But we just keep an eye on the control panel to make sure that doesn't happen. So far so good!🤞
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Storm drains normally run directly to a body of water without treatment. You MAY be able to get away with grey water depending on where it leads to and local laws.
Black water always goes to sewage treatment plant or septic tank.
Dumping in a storm drain will also land you a nice present from the DNR.
Hi Geoffrey,
All true but we can't recommend dumping gray water into a storm drain...I'm very certain that won't fly in most jurisdictions...
Thanks,
Mike
There is a city of 30,000 homeless people in San Francisco dumping their sewage directly into storm drains and no one seems to care.
In fact NYC just changed the laws to decriminalize urinating in the streets.
Ironically I was almost arrested in Michigan for a grey water leak on a road that had giant piles of horse manure every few yards from the Amish horses.
When you say fill the black tank with the Rhino Blaster, do you fill full before you release the valve to drain? Thanks
Fill it and drive around a bit to agitate it and loosen deposits a few hard stops and quickly dump 😉
Thank you!!
we dump the solids at the park and when we get home we give it a good cleaning out. we have a sewer line clean out in our back yard it even has the threads in the clean out so we can screw in the hose
Hey Bartons,
We appreciate the info! :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
I was just curious why you wouldn't turn the rv around so you didn't have to run your hose underneath?
thought the same thing. Looks like the RV was parked on an incline. If he went the other way it would not drain properly.
Hey David,
Great question! Our driveway is at an incline. :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
This might be just what we need for a good flushing! I've seen other RVers rinse extra water down the toilet at the dump station.... Our bathroom is folded up during travel!
Hey Adventure in Pop Ups,
Maybe! Hopefully it helps!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
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Great video thank you! Using that Rhino blaster - how do you know when the tank is full with water so you can turn it off? Thanks again!
Hey Easthall Design,
Great question! Check your sensors inside the camper to tell how full it is. :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
By the way, we hope you will subscribe to our FREE monthly digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine. Let us know how you like it!
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@@RVBlogger On some RV's you really don't want to rely on the accuracy of the sensor. I think it's safer to have a 2nd person looking in the tank through the toilet opening. On some RV's if that tank gets overfilled you'll get seepage inside the RV or worst case scenario the toilet will over flow if the trap door isn't a perfect seal.
Thanks for the video, I'm buying one of those.
Screw what's legal, you pay for the sewer already and it all goes to the same place. Simple logic. Great video to help others out.
Hi canzcustoms,
Lol! I love your spirit my friend. Gotta be cool when we make a video so we don't get anyone in trouble.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
Thanks Mike and Susan, glad the video is there to show people that they can drain their tanks at home, better in every way, no lines and can take your time, I do it at my house. I did cut the video short but hoping people add plenty of water when dumping in sewer, it can clog, I did it but was a plumber so no biggie. Thanks You again
How do you know when to stop filling up the black tank with water so it didn't overflow inside the rv somewhere ? Also , no mention about how the hose is getting a good cleaning ! Just saying !
Hey Mark,
Great question! You gotta keep checking the sensors on the inside of the RV to make sure you don't overflow. :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
I'm just starting out, never even used the toilet for #2 just #1 for 2 days. came home thinking there's just gonna be a little piss lets empty on side yard.wrong a 3' turd came out that's been in there since I bought the B-class in sep. I never smelt odors. so how many gallons should I pour into toilet to flush black tank (BL tank is 11 gallons) out? not sure if RVing is for me.thanks for sharing Steve
Don't give up yet Steve. First I gotta say, you really shouldn't dump the black tank out on the ground. I know it's your yard and your pee 😂 but it's frowned upon and ILLEGAL and hopefully you don't have neighbors who tattle. Luckily we have a sewer connect in our yard that we use if we need to dump our tanks at home. Second, must've been a pertrified turd! Sorry I'm having too much fun! Are you adding toilet chemicals to help break down waste, smell and bacteria? If not, you should. But to answer your question, I would add at least 6-8 gallons of water and drive to a state park or campground and use the dump station to empty and clean out your tanks. Most importantly, don't give up yet. Thank you for watching our Dumping RV Tanks at home video and commenting.
If you use the blackwater tank enzymes (tablet or packet) and deodorizer, I've read that will mess up the enzyme balance in a septic tank because the balance is different for tanks. Is this true that it will damage a septic system?
NO!! It has NEVER upset balance in my home's septic. Misinformation is an epidemic in America, nowadays.
Hey Simply4me,
Not that we're aware of :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
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Got one. Works great. Don't let just anyone operate it. They found out the hard way, make sure the grey tank is CLOSED before you cut the pump on. Gets ugly fast!!!
Hi Mark,
What happened? You can use it on the black or gray water holding tanks but they should be empty first...
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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Brown pants would be a great addition too!
Good eye Marsie!!!
You are the first person to pick up on the brown shirt!!!
Mike and Susan
just replaced my faucet and shower head. so glad you say your not handy or i might have not tried to do it myself. Victory!
Hey Raney,
Woohoo!! See, you got this!! 💪
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
BTW, let us know what you think of RV Camping Magazine, our free digital and video magazine!
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That's impressive girl!!! Such a satisfying feeling. I was amazed at the mechanical things I could handle once I was on my own. It feels great. I have someone that is great at all that now but the way I go try boyfriends I need to stay on my toes with the things. 😆
with the hose filling your black water tank, how do you know when its full? I mean wouldn't it overflow inside your RV if you weren't paying attention?
Most of not all rvs have a monitor inside that shows the tank level
@@LostinArkansas hey thank you
@@bingochoice if you get distracted and the water keeps filling it WILL most definitely come though your toilet and flood the inside of your RV.
@@fresh2k2004 thats what I thought, you need someone inside to keep an eye on it...I'm trying to learn about RV"S, I've never had one before, so I'm doing my research, before I buy one..thanks for your reply.
Hi bingochoice,
Great question and I pay attention when filling the black tank. To know if the tank is full I just yell - "hey Susan - check the monitor at the control panel! Is the black tank near full yet?"
Easy as that!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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Thank you guys for the videos. I’ve been learning a lot from you guys. We’re planning on purchasing an RV soon and I’ve been watching your videos.
Hey Lourdes,
Thank you for the kind words, glad you liked the videos!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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I have a valve that opens automatically while im driving, by the time im home its empty 😂
Hmmm....ok
You're a Sick F~€|{.
Rhino blaster is nice, but I prefer using the tank clean out port that has the oscillating jet nozzles inside. Just hook up the hose, turn it on and wait for the water to run clear out the black tank. No filling and draining.
Hi Jason,
Is that an aftermarket product or was it built into your RV tank when you bought it?
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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RVBlogger built into the tank.
I need 60 feet of sewer hose to reach my sewer on the front lawn from the driveway. With that, I can give the black tank a good cleaning at home. I don't think my neighbors even know what I'm doing.
Hi Ralph,
Lol! Mine do but that's because I told them...but they don't care.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Mike
I guess if you're on a septic system, you can't really flush the black water tank too many times or you'll overflow your septic tank and maybe damage your leach field. But I guess you can do maybe do 1-2 flushes per day to allow time for septic seepage.
Hey Paschats4FD,
We appreciate the input!
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❤ Mike and Susan
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Depends on the size of your tank 🤔
I don't think it would be a problem for most.
In a day you can potentially run hundreds of gallons of water into your septic.
I grew up in a house with 9 people so with toilets laundry showers and dishes constantly we never had any issues with the early 70s septic tank and drain field.
We can dump right at the sewer treatment plant in the city. City residents can dump free anyone else $5.00
Hi Chris,
That is awesome and $5 is pretty cheap!
Thanks for that info!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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I would also mention, there are probably some toilet chemicals still in existence that contain formaldehyde. Even though they are great at reducing odor, it’s very bad for any sewer system.
Hey GenX
We appreciate the info!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
I have had a dump station in my yard for 50 years, so this is nothing new. Had the pipes run from house main drain to where I parked the unit.
Hi Poppy Ron,
Glad you are in the know but not everyone knows this info.
It's pretty awesome knowing it is an option though.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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Im a flowjet guy! Just run a 12v power supply plug and mount it at the rv drains and hook flowjet up and macerate it all and feed thru a garden hose to a toilet! I have a direct dump at my house which is better but for those that dont then using the toilet as the dump portal is fine....just remember to clean out flowjet and spray insides with wd40 after each use...keeps it working for years!
Hi steve,
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
How long of a garden hose are you running ?
I'm looking at a set up where the RV is potentially 100+ feet from a sewer clean out . Would a larger pump and maybe an oversized hose, pump that slop 100-150 ft.?
@@JRL1963 I usually run around 25 feet but have run it up to 75 feet on fairly level ground - it still pumped well..I would say this pump should still reach 100 plus feet as long as it isnt too much upward slope...150 feet might also be pushing it tho...I use a 5/8" diameter hose...
I was all with you till you told us to tell your neighbor what were doing.
I get along with all my Neighbors, but it's still none of their business.If they have a problem oh well.
I'm a live and let live kind of guy but I also respect my neighbors too. I'm not saying ask for their permission. Just let them know what you are doing so they aren't surprised. Surprised people don't react well. Just how I do things.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
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I agree I don't feel my neighbors need to be told anything . Even if city says I have to ask my neighbors because I want to add say a room to front of my house and it will stick out more than there home . I pay the taxes on MY property not them. They should have no say .
My wife and I are looking into getting an RV with in a couple years. so I'm doing a lot of homework on them. my question is, when your ready cleaning the black tanks for the second time, how do you know that the black tank is refilled? many more questions to come.
Hi Michael,
Great question! I yell inside the camper and ask Susan to check the control panel. It tells us how full the tanks are.
Please feel free to ask all the questions you like.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
By the way, we started a Facebook group called RV Camping for Newbies. Hope you will check it out and join if you are interested!
facebook.com/groups/RVCampingforNewbies/
@@RVBlogger Thank you so much, and I will check out your FB page,
@@michaelsmyth5234 happy to help. The Facebook group is really active and a great resource. Hope to see you in there. Have a good evening!
Put a gallon flow meter so you know exactly how many gallons of water you are putting into the tank.
That is a great option! Thank you for suggestion that for our viewers too! Thanks for watching our Dumping RV Tanks at Home video and commenting.
Good information, we are still worried about dumping legally so we will stick to marked locations. Good content video !!
I worried about it too! So I pulled up the county guidelines about dumping into my public sewer and it turns out that it's legal. You could probably call someone in your county or local government in the sewer water department and ask. Better to ask then to get in trouble. I'm glad you liked the video though! Thanks for watching ! Is there another topic you want to learn about so we can plan future videos too?
I just realized I answered from my personal RUclips account - but it's me. Mike from RVBlogger. 😬
I live out in a rural area and my septic tank lids are right there on the grass line. Could I pop the lid off and empty my grey and black water in there ?
that is what I do
If it makes you feel better you could just dump down the clean out
Hey That Guy 1200
Sounds right
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
You make this chore tougher than it needs to be. FloJet 12 volt waste pump and a 3/4 inch garden hose. Pumps the entire tank in 15 minutes or less into a toilet and has a washer built into it. If your trailer is anywhere near modern you have a flush connection built right into the tank anyway. This is done with my fifth wheel parked at home on the RV pad.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing how you dump at home. Whatever works best!
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mike and Susan
GET READY! We are launching our new digital/video magazine called RV Camping Magazine on June 1st! Stay tuned for our RUclips Video all about it!
this is the option i would have to go with. nobody in our area has an outside sewer cleanout. really worth the $6 and 3 mile trek to the local gas station that has a rv dump on monday tho.
Pumped out yeah right. If your septic tank works like it should no need to call the septic tank guy out, my parents never had to have the tank pumped out. Dad had an elaborate system. Also washing machine water was recycled into the ground the kitchen had a grease trap. I been almost 30 years at our house and we never pumped our septic tank. We don't use a garbage disposal. 73
If you use wet wipes you definitely need to pump every 2 years, much cheaper than replacing the tanks or clogging the drain field
We've lived in our house 25 yrs & pumped our 2 septic tanks only twice, even tho we probably didn't have to. I have a garbage disposal that's used frequently. However greasy messes never go there or stringy stuff like celery. We put everything in kitchen trash can or compost can & take out as needed. I follow my grandparents lead when it comes to toilet trash. Everything into the bin in the bathroom, & only when it's brown flush it down. I also use products like Rid-X periodically but probably don't have to. As far as our septic lids they're just below ground level but easy to get to. Our problem is having a long enough hose to get from the RV to the closest tank. & we have separate hoses & connectors for fresh, grey, & black water are separate colors and stored in separate individual containers along with another separate container for gloves.
@@DC-ct8tv human waste only in the toilet. Sometimes potato peals to make bacteria also sour milk. Rid X is good if you use it regularly. Don't expect Rid X to fix septic problems. Rid X is only for maintenance. Most septic problems is the drain field Roots is the number one problem. Don't have a weeping willow tree or a camphor tree. The roots will find their way into the drain field. There are other trees that roots are a problem. 73
Ron B you are correct. Absolutely correct.
Hey Ron,
That sounds like an awesome setup for you and your fam! :)
Thanks for watching and commenting!
❤ Mike and Susan
Great info... still learning everything!! Our "new to us" Class A came with 2 of those without the gate valves... so time to go shopping.
The learning, and the shopping I'm afraid, never end! Thanks for watching! What kind of class A did you get?
@@RVBlogger ... Old, errrr I mean Classic 1999 Fleetwood Flair 34D
Well they don't build them like they used to. Everything is "value engineered" these days which is a fancy way of saying they are built with lower quality products to increase profits! I looked it up on line - nice rig! Good luck with her! Did you buy from a dealer or private owner?
@@RVBlogger Thanks ...definitely a private owner. They took great care of it.
Def wouldn’t say anything to the neighbors. Neighbors make phone calls and then you have problems.
Hi cd,
My neighbors are cool...no problems and they share their beer with me too!
Thanks for watching!
Mike
You might need better neighbors. Mine would bring beers and make jokes about my poo.