Cleaning Your RV’s Grey Water Tank

There are plenty of maintenance tasks that you can do to make sure your RV continues to run without any issues. Your camper’s grey water tank is one of the most important components that you’ll want to maintain on a regular basis. The plumbing system is a bit complex, so letting it get too dirty can lead to expensive repairs down the road, which you certainly do not want to happen.

Here at The RV Guys, we want you to enjoy a comfortable camping experience every time you hit the road. That’s why we crafted this brief guide to help you with the task of cleaning your RV’s grey water tank. If you want more information or you want to check out our wide selection of RVs for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership in Valley View, TX.

Cleaning Prep

Before you begin, it’s helpful to gather everything you’ll need in one area so you’re not trying to find something in the middle of the cleaning process. First, you’ll want a hose that can be connected with your RV’s grey water tank. You’ll also need a specialized cleaning agent that’s designed for the purpose. While you can pick a dishwasher detergent for the job, a specialized cleaning product is the best choice for achieving optimum results. Last but not least, you’ll want a heavy object, like a rock or brick, to weigh down your draining hose and keep it from moving around when you’re cleaning the tank.

Dumping the Grey Water Tank

Regardless of whether you clean your tank once it’s empty, you’ll need to empty it periodically. A grey water tank is considered to be full when it hits 75%. You’ll have some empty space remaining, but unless you want a big mess on your hands, don’t continue to put this off. Fortunately, most modern RVs have a way to gauge how full your tank is without opening it.

Although your grey water tank is not as toxic as your black water tank, greywater is still wastewater. The best strategy is to empty the tank at designated dump stations. Laws vary by state, so it's best to check the rules in your location. You should also avoid dumping the water onto your lawn. The water could contain chemicals and other debris that aren't ideal for grass health. Plus, the water could end up making your lawn smell.

Locate the nearest dumpsite and grab your sewer hose. Before you head to the dumpsite, put some dish detergent down the drain and wash it down with hot water. The idea is to coat the tank with soap, so once you hit the road, the natural movement of the vehicle will create more suds and hopefully move the detergent around. Once you’re at the site, hook up the hose to the dump hole and then open the grey water tank valve to start the draining process. When the tank is empty, add a chemical treatment product to prevent buildup and block odors.

Cleaning the Tank

With the hose still attached to the dump hole, turn on your faucet and start running freshwater through your tank to flush it out. Then add more chemical treatment to really make sure that it’s completely clean. Also, consider looking around your area to make sure there was no dripping that needs to be cleaned up. If you’re cleaning all your tanks at once, consider starting with the black water tank, rather than the grey water tank. Finally, because your grey water tank is considered a pollutant, you’ll want to make sure that the valve is securely closed when you’re finished.

Each time you empty your black and grey water tanks, it’s important to sanitize them. You’ll have to do a thorough cleaning a few times a year in order to make sure nothing remains that could produce bad odors during storage.

Cleaning your RV’s grey water tank is not much fun, but it’s not that tough, too. Plus, it’s an important part of regular maintenance, so you’ll want to do it regularly. If you need service or if you’re still looking for the perfect camper, feel free to visit us at our dealership in Valley View, Texas. The RV Guys serves all of North Texas, so stop by today!