Plumbing
Systems
and
Holding
Tanks
Draining the Holding Tanks
The holding tanks terminate
in
a valve atTange-
ment that permits draining each tank separately.
The valves are called knife valves. A blade closes
the opening
in
the sewer drain pipes. The blade is
connected to a T-handle and cable assembly
mounted in the utility
compattment. Pull the
T-
handle to release the contents
of
the tank(s).
During self-containment use, the sewer line is
securely capped to prevent leakage
of
waste
material onto the ground
or
pavement. Do
not
pull
the holding tallk knife valve open when
the
protective cap is illstalled
on
the pipe.
Always drain the tank into
an
acceptable sewer
inlet or dump station.
Drain the holding
tanks
only when they are at least
If.,-full.lf necessary,
fill
the tanks with water
to
If.,-
full. This provides sufficient water to allow com-
plete flushing
of
waste material into the sewer line.
Whenever possible, drain the holding tanks before
traveling. Waste water and sewage in the holding
tanks reduce the carrying capacity
of
the motor
home.
See the Motor Home Loading chapter.
During extended or semi-permanent hookups to
sewage systems, waste materials will build
up
in
the tank and cause serious plugging
if
the tank
valves are continuously open. In these cases,
keep the valves closed until the tanks are
%-
full,
and then drain into the sewage system.
The holding tank drain valve outlet is to be used
with a removable termination fitting that locks
onto the outlet with a clockwise twist. Clamp the
sewer drain hose to this fitting. A protective cap
should remain in place when you
at'e
not drain-
ing the tanks.
A.
WARNING
Holding tanks are enclosed sewer systems and
as
such must be drained into
an
approved dump station.
Both black and gray water holding tanks must be
drained and thoroughly rinsed regularly to prevent
accumulation of harmful or toxic materials.
.II
NOTE l
Local
or
state regulations may prohibit highway travel
unless the holding tank outlet is securely capped.
To drain the holding
tanks:
1.
Attach the sewer hose to the holding tank
outlet. Inselt the end
of
the hose into the
sewer or dump station inlet, pushing it firmly
far enough into the opening to
be
secure. In
some cases, adapters may be necessary or
required between the line and the inlet.
AlTange the sewer hose so it slopes evenly.
2. Drain the black water holding tank first.
Grasp the handle
of
the black water knife
valve (the large one)
finnly and slide the
valve open with a quick, steady pull.
3. Allow enough time for the tank to drain
completely. Rinse and flush the tank
through the toilet.
When
the tank is empty,
push
the handle in to close the valve. Run
enough water (up to five gallons
or
so) into
the
tank
to cover the bottom. This will aid
the
break
up
of
solid wastes, and reduce
"pyramiding"
of
waste material.
4.
To
drain the gray water tank, repeat the steps
above using the small knife valve. This tank
is drained last to aid in flushing the outlets
and hose. The gray water knife valve
may
be
left open in a semi-permanent hookup.
5.
See the tank flush system instlUctions
in
the next section
if
your recreational vehicle
is so equipped.
6. Remove the sewer hose and cap the outlet.
7. Rinse out the sewer hose with fresh water
and remove the sewer hose from the
dump
station.
8. Replace sewer or dump station covers.
A CAUTION
The sewer drain valve must
be
open when using the
black tank flush inlet.
07-5
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