When you’re setting up camp, it’s tempting to connect your sewer hose and just leave the valve open the whole time. After all, it seems like it would make things easier, right? Less hassle, no chance of an overflowing tank. But here’s the thing—leaving your sewer tank open while camping is actually one of the biggest RV etiquette mistakes you can make.
Let’s break down why it’s a bad idea—for both your campsite neighbors and your trailer’s plumbing system.
1. Your Neighbors Can Smell It (And It’s Not Pleasant)
If your black tank valve is open while you use the toilet, the odor doesn’t just disappear into the sewer system. Instead, it can waft right up through the hose and out into the air. That means every time you flush, your neighbors (and possibly you!) get hit with a foul, unmistakable smell. Not exactly the friendly, relaxed camping atmosphere you’re aiming for.
Camping communities thrive on consideration and courtesy, and nothing says “I don’t care” quite like filling the air with sewer gas.
2. It Messes With How Your Tanks Work
Your RV’s holding tanks—especially the black tank—are designed to hold waste until you dump them in a single, strong flush. Leaving the black tank open means all the liquid waste drains out, but the solids stay behind. Over time, this leads to something every RVer dreads: the dreaded “poop pyramid.” Without enough water in the tank, waste builds up and hardens at the bottom, making it much harder (and grosser) to clean later.
The same goes for your gray tank. It might seem harmless, but leaving it open can allow odors from food waste and soap scum to build up. Plus, without occasional flushing, the tank can accumulate gunk over time that leads to clogs and smells.
3. The Right Way to Dump Your Tanks
Here’s how to do it right—and keep both your trailer and your neighbors happy:
- Keep both your black and gray tank valves closed until you’re ready to dump.
- Wait until the black tank is at least 2/3 full (or as close to full as possible). This creates the pressure needed to push everything out in one go.
- Dump the black tank first. This gets the worst of it out of the way.
- Then dump the gray tank. The soapy, less-nasty gray water helps rinse the sewer hose and flush out any leftover solids.
- If you’re staying somewhere for more than a few days, do a full flush of both tanks at least once a week to keep things fresh and functioning properly.
Bonus Tip: Use a Clear Sewer Hose Adapter
If you haven’t already, consider using a clear elbow fitting on your sewer connection. It’s not glamorous, but it lets you see when the water runs clean—so you know your tanks are fully emptied. Plus, it helps you avoid guessing when flushing your tanks or troubleshooting a clog.
Wrap-Up: Be a Good Neighbor and Protect Your Trailer
Leaving your sewer valves open might seem easier in the short term, but in the long run, it leads to problems—both for you and those around you. By keeping your tanks closed until they’re ready to be dumped, you’re doing your part to keep the campground clean, comfortable, and respectful for everyone.
Plus, you’ll keep your trailer’s plumbing in better shape, saving you time, money, and the unpleasant task of dealing with stubborn clogs and lingering odors.
Got any tips or tricks for tank maintenance or funny dump station stories? Share them in the comments!
