How to Dump your RV Septic Tank in Boise, ID

As we move into the summer season, more and more of our clients are enjoying the nice weather and spending time as many Idahoans do: spending time in the great outdoors. From backpacking to white water rafting, floating the river or going for a ride on the greenbelt, it's a season of enjoying the beauty of the Gem State; families are breaking out the tends, hammocks, and gearing up to use their RVs. As a local family-owned business serving southwestern Idaho, our team at ASAP Septic loves supporting our clients in whatever ways we can. Today, we'll be discussing general information you should know about dumping the septic tank in your RV. 

1) Always dump your black-water tank first. Your black-water tank is the dirtiest waste collected from your RV, and can present a biological hazard. By dumping the black water tank first, you create a system where your gray water can flush out the hose, preventing any unwanted debris from lingering in your hose. 

2) Safety first. Black water tanks are filled with biological waste, including potentially infectious agents that you don't want to introduce to surfaces of your RV or anywhere else. Always wear latex gloves when dumping your RV septic tank, and make sure to leave the dumping area as clean as you found it as a courtesy to other campers who may come after you. It's not just a courtesy; it can be a safety issue, too. 

3) Be like Goldilocks: dump your tank when it's just right. Dump your tank when your black-water tank is between 2/3 and 3/4 full; this will usually translate to every 3-5 days. Dumping this frequently will prevent clogs, bad odors, and malfunctioning sensors. If there are others in line behind you at the dump station, you can skip the hose rinsing and tank flushing. 

5) Look out for your future self. There are some easy ways to prevent future problems, and taking these preventative steps can save you substantial stress and headache down the road. Avoid dumping anything other than the contents of your holding tanks into the dump station, as materials like wrappers and other trash can quickly lead to the station backing up. Also, don't leave the black-water valve open when hooked up to a campsite. This is a quick way to drain liquids and end up with solid waste hardened on the bottom of your tank, which is an extremely difficult--not to mention unpleasant--issue to deal with down the road. 

6) Select your hoses with care. A heavy-duty, 6-8 food sewer hose is optimal length for easy handling. Most RV campers keep a second hose for rinsing just in case a given dump station doesn't have one. And, above all, store your septic hoses far, far away from your drinking water hose, and never allow your freshwater hose to be used for anything related to dumping your tanks. There is risk of cross-contamination, which presents a serious health risk.  

Although there are a lot of things to keep in mind when dumping your RV septic tank, many campers choose to do this themselves. If emptying your RV septic tank isn't your cup of tea, ASAP Septic provides RV tank pumping, cleaning, and dumping services in Boise, Nampa, Middleton, Melba, Donnelly, and throughout southwest Idaho. With over 40 years of experience under our belts, ASAP Septic is a team of professionals who know how to get a job done right quickly and efficiently. Give us a call at (208) 991-7184 or fill out our online contact form.