How to Use an RV Dump Station: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first time you use a dump station, it feels like everyone in the campground is watching. They probably were once too. Here is the exact order that keeps it clean and fast, whether it is your first dump or your fiftieth.
What you need before you pull up
- A sewer hose (most people carry a 15- to 20-foot set)
- A pair of disposable gloves
- A clear elbow fitting, so you can see when the water runs clean
- A separate hose for rinsing that you never use for drinking water
The steps, in order
- Put your gloves on first. Everything after this touches the waste side of your rig.
- Connect the sewer hose to your RV outlet, then to the dump inlet. Seat the inlet end firmly and weight it down if the station has a threaded connection, use it. A hose that pops loose mid-dump is the mess everyone warns you about.
- Pull the black tank valve first. Black is the toilet tank. Let it drain completely before you touch anything else.
- Then pull the gray tank valve. Gray is sink and shower water. Dumping it second rinses the soap and leftover water through your hose, so it leaves cleaner.
- Close both valves. Black first was for draining; now close in any order.
- Rinse the hose and the area. Use the non-potable rinse hose most stations provide. Never use the drinking-water spigot for this.
- Add tank treatment and a few gallons of water to the black tank. Starting with liquid in the tank keeps solids from building up before your next dump.
The mistakes that trip up beginners
- Leaving the black valve open at a full-hookup site. Liquids drain and solids stay behind, and you end up with a clog. Keep it closed until the tank is at least two-thirds full, then dump.
- Using the potable water hose to rinse. That spigot is for filling your fresh tank. Keep your rinse hose a different color so you never mix them up.
- Rushing the black tank. Give it the full drain. A tank that is not fully empty is a tank that smells by day two.
Where to find a dump station near you
Not every station is equal. Some are free, some charge a fee, and only some have potable water for refilling your fresh tank. Our directory lists those details for stations across the United States, so you can pick the right one before you drive out of your way.
Frequently asked questions
Do you dump the black tank or gray tank first?
Black tank first, then gray. Draining gray water second rinses soap and leftover water through the hose, leaving it cleaner.
Can I use the drinking water hose to rinse after dumping?
No. Use a separate hose dedicated to rinsing, in a different color from your fresh-water fill hose, so the two never get mixed up.
How full should the black tank be before dumping?
At least two-thirds full. A fuller tank drains with more force, which helps flush solids out instead of leaving them behind.
What do I do after dumping?
Rinse the hose and connection area, then add tank treatment and a few gallons of water to the black tank so waste has liquid to break down in before your next dump.