Empty your caravan black water tank without failing in the attempt.
Emptying and cleaning theblack water tank is one of the basic things you have to learn when you embark on a caravan trip. However, most people don’t know how to do it properly. If you are one of them, we don’t blame you, it can be a bit tricky. So here’s the breakdown of steps to show you how to do it.
For your campervan to have a pleasant smell always, ensure you apply the best methods for sanitizing and cleaning the black water tank. If the wastewater tank is not well kept, it will produce horrible odours and breed bacteria in the coach. It may also cause clogs in the sewer systems. Such instances will give you a miserable experience and will incur you a lot of money in repairs.
That is why you need to be aware of the simple do’s that keep your motorhome in the perfect condition and away from bacteria.
Here are the simple yet vital things and hacks to have in mind!
1. Protect Yourself
Whatever that comes out of the sewer hose is noxious. Ensure that you are all covered with clothing such as shoe covers, hand gloves, and glasses too. You don’t want to be smelly, and all washed up with human waste. Also, keep paper towels and liquid soap to wash up everything after you have finished the job before going back to the coach.
2. Dumping from the Black Water Tank
You need to park the campervan adjacent to a sewer outlet to unload efficiently. It could either be at a dumping station or the campsite. Connect your motorhome to a sewer hose and put the end of the tubing into a sewer opening.
Ensure that you always keep the valve for the black water tank closed, and the one for the grey water tank should be left open. Before you dump the waste, fill the grey water tank with soapy water and then close the valve.
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3. Empty the Tanks
It is very vital always to empty the tanks before they are full. This is because the liquid is quite heavy, and this may cause damages to your black water tank. If left to hold the waste to the brim, then it will become problematic as the weight is too much.
Always empty the tank when it is at most half full to avoid such damages. It will also enable you to clean up the reservoir and sanitize it avoiding any instances of clogging.
4. How to Unload the Black Water Tank
- After you have connected the sewer hose to the sewer outlet, open the waste water tank valve.
- Once all the waste is out, close the lid and fill the tank with freshwater and open the valve again to get rid of the content.
- Make use of a clear hose to enable you to know what is being ejected from the tank.
- Keep doing the procedure in the first point until all you can see is clear water only.
- After you are confident that the tank is clean, lock the waste water valve and then open the grey water tank valve.
- Let the contents empty to the sewer outlet.
5. Deep Clean the waste Water Tank
Just by emptying the tank and leaving it will not keep it tidy nor have an appealing smell. You need to perform a thorough cleaning at least once every week to ensure the tank remains clean at all times. You could use liquid bleach and freshwater soaked in the tub for a few minutes. It cleans up the wastewater tank effectively after you drain the tank with water after the mixture is gone.
Tools you may require
- Macerator
It shoots high-speed water jets into the black water tank to get rid of any buildup. - Flush Valve
This valve allows you to flush out and rinse waste from your sewer hose and also cleans the tank sensors. - Tank Wands
This apparatus flushes the waste water tank by attaching an outside water hose and the tank wand.
Conclusion
Motorhomes are a very thrilling experience but can be quite stressful if not appropriately managed. You should be aware of all the hacks to maintain it and especially the wastewater tank. If not taken good care of, the campervan will end up having a foul smell. Visit our website for more tricks and know-hows on dealing with campervans.