Plumbing Systems and Holding Tanks
Draining the Holding Tanks
The
holding tanks terminate in a valve arrange-
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 compartment.
Do
not pull the holding tank knife valve open
when the protective
cap
is installed
011
the
pipe.
Pull the T-handle to release the contents
of
the tank( s).
Gray
Holding Tank Dumping
Black
Water Tank Dumping
During self-containment use, the sewer line is
securely capped to prevent leakage
of
waste
material onto the ground
or
pavement. Always
drain the tank into an acceptable sewer inlet
or
dump
station.
Drain
the holding tanks only when they are at
least
%-full.
If
necessary, fill the tanks with
water to
%-full. This provides sufficient water to
allow complete 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 are 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 I
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. Insert 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. Arrange 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) firmly and slide the
valve open with a quick, steady pull.
07-5
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