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SECTION 7 –
PLUMBING
HOLDING TANKS & DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
Travel trailers and fifth wheels are equipped
with two or three separate holding tanks to
accommodate waste. One holding tank
accommodates toilet drainage. The tub/shower
and sinks have a separate drainage system. Both
systems terminate at the waste valves outside the
trailer.
TOILET & TOILET HOLDING
TANK
Proper toilet instruction and maintenance is
explained in the manufacturer's manual supplied
with the toilet.
•
The toilet operation is designed to minimize
the use of water needed to flush it.
•
It is advisable to instruct children and
strangers of proper toilet use because of the
unusual operation of this type of toilet.
Before using the toilet's holding tank, prime
the tank with five (5) gallons of water to
discourage waste solids from settling directly
under the flush valve. Add a holding tank
chemical (available from your local RV
supplier). Follow instructions on the package. If
required, an antifreeze solution can be added at
this time. It will not harm the plastic holding tank
material.
The holding tanks will more effectively drain
solids when the tank is relatively full of fluids.
When the toilet's holding tank is ready to be
emptied, locate a proper disposal station to
prepare for drainage.
1. To empty or dump the toilet holding tank,
remove the cap at the 3" drain connection.
2. Securely attach a 3" hose adapter and hose.
3. Connect the hose to a sewer connection at the
disposal station and pull the toilet holding
tank drain valve handle out in a straight line.
4. After draining, close the valve handle, rinse
the tank with several gallons of water and
drain again.
7-4
NOTE: After draining the holding tank, a false
reading may sometimes occur on your
monitor panel due to debris or tissue
hanging on the sensor probes in the tank.
Most debris clinging to the monitor
probes will dislodge during travel by
maintaining holding tank fluid levels of
at least 1/3 capacity.
GRAYWATER HOLDING TANK
The sinks and tub/shower wastewater will
drain to a separate holding tank. This holding
tank will be referred to as the graywater holding
tank.
•
Drain unheated, graywater holding tank(s)
after the toilet holding tank. This will help
flush the drainpipe and valve. Simply pull the
1½" pipe valve handle labeled "WASTE" to
empty the gray tank(s).
•
Continuous draining for the galley, tub and
sinks is possible without draining the toilet
holding tank. NEVER leave the drain valve
open continuously on the toilet holding
tank. Instead, use it as on self-contained
operation and then drain it periodically as
required.
•
Add all necessary chemicals after draining the
tank.
•
The tank must contain fluid to operate and
drain properly.
•
Dumping stations are found at most RV
campgrounds, RV parks and some automobile
service stations. Lists of these stations can be
obtained through sources such as recreational/
camping publications.
•
Whenever possible, dump the holding tanks
before traveling. Wastewater and sewage in
the holding tanks reduce the carrying capacity
of the trailer.
•
Dump holding tanks only when they are at
least ¾ full. If necessary, fill the tanks with
water to ¾ full. This provides sufficient water
to ensure complete flushing of waste material
into the sewer line.
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