Your RV has what is referred to as a gray water holding tank and a black water holding tank. The gray water holding tank collects dirty water from the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower. The black water holding tank is for the toilet. These tanks terminate into one main outlet used to empty the holding tanks. This is where we connect our sewer hose.

RV holding tanks are used to hold, or store waste water until a sewer system is available to empty the tanks. Because little water is used, in comparison to a domestic waste water system, RV holding tank waste water is far more concentrated. Adding to the problem are the chemicals required to assist in breaking down the waste and controlling odors. This requires more treatment than a regular house type waste system and it complicates disposal of RV holding tank waste. In many cases it is much easier to just close the dump station.

As you travel you may or may not keep fresh water in this tank-remember that a gallon of water weighs 8lbs so even a half filled tank can add extra weight to your vehicle, not mention the sloshing back and forth my cause some havoc with the way the RV handles. If you arrive at a campsite with a water supply bib, fill your tank then. If you leave home without water and the supply is no good when you get there, you will have another problem. A good idea is to use a water filter inline before filling your tank- it will catch most of the sediment that might be in the water supply. If your white tank begins to smell, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the tank.

Normally this procedure will be successful. If it is not successful and the tank is not full most likely this problem has been developing and growing worse with time in an rv that is not used on a regular basis, and guess what? This blockage has had time to sit and dry out…only exacerbating the problem. Your option now is to let it sit and add an environmentally safe substance that will hopefully break down the blockage. If time is of the essence someone is going to have to try to ream the blockage out or the last resort, tear things apart.