How to Use an RV Dump Station

The short version: gloves on, connect the sewer hose to the RV and the inlet, drain the black tank first and the grey tank second, rinse with the non-potable hose, then close the valves and disconnect. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

What to bring

  • A sewer hose long enough to reach the inlet, with a bayonet fitting for your RV
  • A clear elbow or adapter for the inlet, so the hose cannot slip out
  • Disposable gloves
  • A separate rinse hose that you never use for drinking water
  • Black tank treatment

Step by step

  1. Pull up with the dump inlet on your side

    Most RVs have their tank outlets on the driver's side. Line up so your sewer hose reaches the inlet without stretching, and set the parking brake.

  2. Put on disposable gloves

    Keep a box of nitrile gloves with your sewer kit. Wear them for the whole job and throw them away when you are done.

  3. Connect the sewer hose

    Attach the hose to the RV outlet first, then put the other end firmly into the dump inlet. Many people weigh the inlet end down or use an elbow fitting so it cannot pop out.

  4. Open the black tank valve first

    Pull the black tank valve and let it drain completely. Black water is toilet waste, so it goes first.

  5. Close the black valve, then open the grey valve

    Grey water from sinks and the shower is soapy and cleaner. Draining it second rinses the hose out.

  6. Rinse with the non-potable hose

    If your RV has a black tank flush, connect the dump station rinse hose to it and run it until the water runs clear. Never use your drinking-water hose for this, and never use the rinse hose to fill your fresh tank.

  7. Close the valves and disconnect

    Close all valves, disconnect the hose at the RV end first, lift it to drain the last of it into the inlet, then remove it from the inlet.

  8. Clean up and add tank treatment

    Rinse the area around the inlet if there is a hose for it, cap the outlet, store the hose, and add a dose of tank treatment with a few gallons of water to the black tank.

Etiquette at a busy dump station

  • Have your gloves on and hose ready before you pull up.
  • Do your tank flushing elsewhere if a line is waiting behind you.
  • Leave the inlet cleaner than you found it, and close the inlet cover.
  • Pay the fee if there is one. It keeps these stations open.

Frequently asked questions

Which tank do you dump first, black or grey?

Black first, then grey. The grey water rinses the solids from the black tank out of the sewer hose.

How long does it take to use an RV dump station?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes once you know the routine. At busy stations, be ready before you pull up so the line keeps moving.

Can I fill my fresh water tank at a dump station?

Only from a tap clearly marked as potable (drinking) water, using your own drinking-water hose. The rinse hose at the dump inlet is non-potable and should never touch your fresh water system.

How often should I dump my RV tanks?

When they are about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Dumping a nearly empty black tank can leave solids behind, because there is not enough liquid to carry them out.