Outdoors RV Mountain Series Owner's Manual page 61

Plumbing Systems
The drain plumbing system is very similar to that used in your home. The sinks and showers or tubs
have water traps and are vented to the exterior to minimize waste gases from backing up into the RV.
The components are made of ABS plastics the same as plumbing parts found in modern homes and are
just as durable and resistant to most chemicals and cleaners used in the household.
Each system is self-contained and allows for disposal of wastewater at designated dump stations at your
convenience. A flexible sewer hose is required to connect the holding tank outlet to the inlet of an
approved wastewater dump station or sewer system. This hose can typically be purchased at your local
department store or RV dealership. A storage location is provided for the sewer hose in the rear bumper
by removing the rubber cap at either end.
If you encounter a clogged sink, shower or tub drain, you will be able to disassemble the water trap
(sometimes called P-trap) in the same way that you would at home. Some models have a clean-out
access fitting for using a plumber snake tool. These fittings are generally located behind drawers at
galley cabinets.
Toilet
Your RV is equipped with a marine-type toilet. It is different than your toilet at home in that it does not
have a water tank attached to the back of it to flush waste out through the pipes. Your RV toilet dumps
waste directly into the black holding tank with very minimal pipe connecting between the two. By this
design the RV toilet requires very little water to flush and relies on gravity to do the dirty work.
This toilet operates by use of a foot pedal that is pressed downward to control function. The pedal has
two positions. To add water to bowl, press down halfway. To flush, press all the way down. It is
recommended to keep a small amount of water in the bowl at all times except when traveling. You may
find that you will require more water in the bowl when flushing solids. Hold the flush pedal down long
enough to release the contents of the bowl, but not longer than necessary as this will result in excessive
water usage.
Unnecessary, frequent flushing of the toilet will quickly deplete your fresh water supply and fill your
holding tank faster. If the black water tank becomes full, you will no longer be able to flush the toilet
until the black tank can be drained. Remember to occasionally monitor tank levels.
Holding Tanks
Your RV will have a minimum of two holding tanks, a Black tank for the toilet and a Gray tank for the
sinks and shower or tub. Typically rear kitchen model RVs will have an additional gray tank for the
kitchen sink. Due to the distance of separation between kitchen and bathroom on rear kitchen model
RVs the drain lines cannot share the same gray tank and must be plumbed to each respective tank.
Unfortunately this means that the additional gray galley tank must be drained separately from the
primary waste outlet location.
The primary holding tanks are generally located beneath the bathroom and kitchen areas with drain
outlet(s) and drain valve handles located on the driver side behind an easy access hatch. On rear kitchen
model RVs the additional gray tank is generally located close to the kitchen area with the drain outlet
and valve handle on the driver side as well. Mid-profile fifth-wheel drain handles are located in the front
storage compartment. The black tank drain valve is identified with a black pull handle and the gray tank
drain valve is identified with a gray colored pull handle.
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