BLACKWATER HACKS

Part of RV life is carrying everything with you, and that means absolutely everything—your home, your water… and your waste. It’s what makes that vagabond life a such sweet dream, and a bit of a nightmare. You get to see new landscapes, explore and adventure, but eventually you’re going to have to use that RV bathroom. And not long after that, you’ll need to empty your blackwater tank.

RVs have three main holding tanks: the freshwater tank, the graywater tank for drainage from the shower and sinks, and the blackwater tank—the receptacle for your toilet. The blackwater tank is your portable sewer, and it needs to be managed with a delicate hand. Neglected blackwater tanks can ruin your day in a hurry with a whole slew of smelly, germ-ridden problems.

Tips for Managing Your Blackwater Tank

Decide How to Dump

The question isn’t whether you’re going to empty your blackwater tank; the question is how you are going to empty your blackwater tank. It’s a procedure that requires the use of valves and hoses, and a very basic understanding of how they work. It’s also a job that is required frequently