Let’s face it: dumping your holding tanks is not the most fun nor the most glamorous part of RVing. It can be a tedious task to move the RV to a dump station. After an enjoyable camping trip, dealing with the hassle of dumping the holding tank can be frustrating.

So you may be asking:  “How long can I go without dumping my holding tank?” 

Here at Unique Camping + Marine we recommend dumping your holding tank every three to five days with regular use (two to four people staying in the RV). And this recommendation depends on your practice of proper holding tank care.

Proper holding tank care is a 50/50 scenario – 50% the right product and 50% the right process.

The Process 

The most important part of the process is using the right amount of water.

Filling the RV black water holding tank with water before adding a treatment
Filling the holding tank with water before adding a treatment
  • Before using the toilet, it is good to start with a baseline amount of water in the holding tank. Three to five gallons of water is usually enough. 
Hand adding a high quality holding tank treatment to an RV black water holding tank
Adding a high quality holding tank treatment
  • Next, add a dose of high-quality holding tank treatment. The three to five gallons in the tank should be a sufficient amount of water to get the digestive properties of the tank treatment going.
Foot holding the RV toilet flush pedal down enough to fill the toilet bowl
Holding the toilet flush pedal down enough to fill the toilet bowl
  •  Hold the toilet flush pedal down just enough to allow water into the toilet bowl without draining into the black tank. About fifteen seconds should allow for roughly half a bowl of water. From there the toilet is ready to use. 
Foot holding the RV toilet flush pedal down enough to rinse the toilet bowl after use
Holding the toilet flush pedal down enough to rinse the toilet bowl after use
  • When you are finished using the toilet it is very important to hold the flush pedal long enough to rinse away any residue left in the toilet bowl.
RV toilet bowl refilled with water for the next use and to create a vapor barrier
Toilet bowl refilled with water for the next use and to create a vapor barrier
  • Follow this by refilling the toilet for the next use. 

It is pretty clear that with the amount of water required to keep a holding tank healthy and bacteria thriving, dumping the holding tank after three to five days is a necessity as it will be close to being full. 

Boondocking

When it comes to boondock- style camping, it can be tempting to forgo the longer flush since you are trying to conserve water. But this practice can lead to some pretty big problems in the holding tank. 

Diagram of waste and paper above the water line in an RV holding tank allowing odors to escape
Waste and paper above the water line allowing odors to escape
  • Odors will become an issue as there will not be enough water to fully cover the waste, even if you are using a high-quality product. Without enough water for the bacteria to replicate in, they will have a difficult time digesting waste. As waste builds up, it can lead to clogs, misreading sensors and the dreaded pyramid plug.

There are a few things that can be helpful to save water while boondocking. First,  use a wash basin to wash dishes. Then use the dirty water from the wash basin to pour into the toilet after use. You can do the same with a bucket in the shower to catch water as you bathe.

 If this is the route you choose to take it is important to avoid antibacterial soap, because these soaps may begin to kill off the good bacteria that digest the waste and toilet paper in the holding tank. 

Auxiliary RV black water tote next to an RV
Auxiliary black water tote

Having a sewer tote is also a good way to extend the length of a boondocking camping trip. You will have a place to dump the holding tank without having to break camp and go to a dump station. 

Post Camping

When you are done with your camping trip, always dump the contents of the holding tank before putting the RV into storage.

Additionally, if the temperature is expected to stay above freezing, adding seven to ten gallons of water and a high-quality bacteria and enzyme long-term tank treatment such as Store- It can ensure the RV is odor free for your next camping trip. 

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