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RV Sewer Hookup and Black Tank: Emptying the Tanks

How to connect the sewer hose and empty an RV’s black and grey tanks, with Freedom Rentals’ own video of the setup.

Black tank, grey tank and the sewer hose

An RV keeps its waste water in holding tanks. The black tank holds what goes down the toilet; the grey tank holds the water from the sinks and the shower. At a site with a sewer hookup, or at a dump station, a sewer hose carries both into the sewer.

It sounds like the worst job at camp. Done in the right order, it is quick and clean.

What you need

  • Disposable gloves
  • The RV’s sewer hose and its fittings
  • The adapter or seal for the campsite sewer inlet
  • Water for rinsing

Video by Freedom Rentals. It plays from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play.

Emptying the tanks, step by step

Black first, grey second, and the hose drained before it is stowed.

  1. Put on gloves

    Use disposable gloves, and keep this gear well away from the drinking-water hose.

  2. Connect at the RV first

    Check both tank valves are closed, take the cap off the RV’s sewer outlet and twist the hose fitting on until it locks.

  3. Seal the campsite end

    Fit the other end into the campsite sewer inlet with its adapter or seal, so it cannot work loose.

  4. Empty the black tank first

    Pull the black tank valve and let it drain completely, then close it.

  5. Then the grey tank

    Pull the grey tank valve next. Its soapy water rinses the hose on the way out. Close it when the tank is empty.

  6. Drain the hose and stow it

    Lift the hose from the RV end toward the sewer to drain it, disconnect at the RV and cap the outlet, then take out the campsite end and stow the hose.

Habits at camp

Keep the black tank valve closed at camp until the tank is mostly full, then empty it all at once.

Add some water to the black tank after emptying it, and watch the tank levels on the control panel.

Watch out for

  • A black tank valve left open lets the liquid drain away and leaves the solids behind.
  • Use toilet paper made for RVs, or one that breaks down quickly.
  • Follow the campground’s or the dump station’s own rules for rinsing.

Sewer and Black Tank: questions

Not covered here? Call (210) 899-7016.

All questions about renting
What is the difference between the black tank and the grey tank?

The black tank holds toilet waste. The grey tank holds water from the sinks and the shower. Empty the black tank first, then the grey.

Should I leave the black tank valve open at a full-hookup site?

No. Keep it closed until the tank is mostly full, then empty it all at once. An open valve lets liquid drain away and leaves solids in the tank.

What if my site has no sewer hookup?

Use a dump station. Many campgrounds and some travel stops have one. Connect the hose the same way and follow the station’s rules.

Where do I check how full the tanks are?

On the RV’s control panel, which shows the tank levels. Freedom Rentals’ control panel video shows where it is.

The other setup guides

Each one comes with Freedom Rentals’ own video.

Plan your RV trip

Call with your dates and what you are planning, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

  1. You call (210) 899-7016 with your dates.
  2. You talk it through and get a quote for your dates.
  3. You book and stay out past sunset.
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Closed
Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Call for a quote

(210) 899-7016

Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Or email [email protected]

Have these ready: your dates, what you want to rent, where it is going and how many people.