Sewer hookup: open or closed

[edatlanta]

I recommend keeping kitchen gray tank closed and with chemical in it just like your black tank and emptying when full or close to it. While it takes a lot longer for the food particle pyramid to build up than the poop pyramid, it will happen. Then when you finally close the gray valve for a boondocking period and the food pyramid gets wet - Well if you think a black tank smells. Believe me you don't want this to happen. It took mine about 3 years of full time use for this to occur.

[cekkk]

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

That's a special RV technical term, keep it a secret, just between us!

First I've heard of it. I thought it was called THE PYRAMID OF POOP!

[JesseS]

What everyone else stated, also, leaving the valve open can send some very stinky sewer gas smell up into your RV.

[Forelyndogs]

I guess I am adding to the chorus on this. Drain the tank, flush the hose and close the black tank valve. Yes, those of us who like highly technical terms do want to keep our magic terms secret so please be careful when you refer to the “poop pyramid”. When attached to a campground sewer for more than a day or two I do leave the sewer hose connected and leave the grey water valve open until the day before I intend to drain the black tank. I always flush the hose after dumping the black tank with water from the grey tank.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by jimp

I would love to hear your argument for keeping the BT valve open. Inquiring mind(s) want to know.

His post #6 indicates that he saw the light and agrees on keeping it closed, until ready to dump.

[Marmot]

Keep the black tank closed, and add the chemical of your choice. Only dump when it is 3/4 full or more. Always rinse the tank well after each dump. Leaving it open will result in a solid mass of crap at the bottom of the tank.

[kblast523]

Originally Posted by Fyouberg

This is a best practices question. When using a full hookup site, is it best to leave the black tank valve open (continuous drain) or closed with tank chemicals in there (periodic drain)? In my mind, I can make an argument either way, but am wondering what the best practice is.

First hand knowledge here...have a 2002 FR Cherokee 5R that is under carport and skirted. Been stationary since 2013 and used as a rental for a while. One of the 'tennants' called me shortly after moving in to ask why solids in the commode had accumulated right under the potty, and no liquid was there...they took a shower every night. I came over and explained...
Show and potty water don't mix until they hit the 3" pipe to city sewer.
Large valve is black holding tank under commode.
Small valve is grey holding tank for the other drains.
You must leave water in the black tank to help eliminate solids.
Left instructions on back of bathroom door: ALWAYS-

(1) leave small sewer valve open.
(2) leave large sewer valve closed.

(3) periodically drain large sewer valve and rinse with shower wand.
No problems since.

[spook]

Originally Posted by JesseS

What everyone else stated, also, leaving the valve open can send some very stinky sewer gas smell up into your RV.

This is a very important point for those of us with a combined network of piping in an enclosed underbelly. We were camping for a week at a full hookup sight where I just went ahead and connected the sewer hose on day one, but didn't open any of the tanks to drain. The first time I dumped the tanks (about 3 days in) you woulda thought I opened the gates of Hell. The smell was horrible and took a long time to get rid of. Lesson learned.

I should note this was one of our first outings in our new 32BHTS. Our old TT had both the black and gray valves right at the house connection point -so no long network of piping between the hose connection point and valves to fill with sewer gas.

So now I just don't connect the sewer hose until I'm ready to dump and have been considering putting in what I'll call a "last chance valve" at the end of the run / just before the sewer hose connector -something Jayco should have done anyway.

[kblast523]

[QUOTE=spook;773290]This is a very important point for those of us with a combined network of piping in an enclosed underbelly. We were camping for a week at a full hookup sight where I just went ahead and connected the sewer hose on day one, but didn't open any of the tanks to drain. The first time I dumped the tanks (about 3 days in) you woulda thought I opened the gates of Hell. The smell was horrible and took a long time to get rid of. Lesson learned.
.[/QUOTE
When I built my park I used a plumbing contractor out of a city 60 miles away. Before 'covering up' the water and drain lines, the city inspector made the plumber put in 'p' traps just past the ground opening. Had to hurry to the local lumber yard at 430pm and wipe them out of 3" 90 degree fittings and pvc cleaner and glue.

I have stayed in parks in other states (live in Texas) where I had the 'sewer gas' phenom, and it ends up, those facilities had straight drops into their septic/sewer systems. Has nothing to do with length of pipe or location on the trailer, has to do with what you are hooked up to. As for leaving the gray tank open to drain, the roof vent should take care of venting, the 'p' traps in the trailer will prevent gassing.

[rhouthoofd]

I’ve cubes work too

[Edd505]

after dumping I add 10-15 gallons of water to the black. The tank self cleans as I drive with the clean water sloshing. Repeat after each dump and you'll not get the solid buildup.

[Aggie79]

Closed if you plan on keeping the unit for the long haul. If not you'll an additional feature in your black tank called the pyramid. Not selling point. Grey tanks closed util full enough to drain. If you're running the washer, open grey tank. Closed when washer stops.

[RobShanVegas]

Originally Posted by Murff

As stated above, wait until tank is at least 3/4 full l so there is enough water to make all the nasty stuff flow out.

The "3/4 Rule" has been the suggested guideline for next to forever in the annals of RVing.

On the same note, you can leave the gray water open while hooked up. Just try to remember to close it the night before you leave. Then you can douche out your hose with the soapy gray water after the poo tank has been emptied.

Murff

Definitely the best practice here! Thought you were being punny until I saw the 2nd 'n' in annals...

[Gwaltz]

Agree with the Retired One

[hikerjohn7]

I agree with your strategy.

[garyp4951]

Don't forget to create a p trap with your slinky if you are leaving any valves open, sewer roaches have been known to enter rv tanks. Yikes!

[cgbrooks]

I call it the "pooramid" for short.

[lbyeary]

We have always called it “the cone” and cleaning the tank is called “cone displacement”.

[Johnynorthland]

Must keep it closed and I use a clear adapter between the hose and dump valve connection. I fill my Black tank 2/3 full with water than dump and repeat 2-3 times until I see clear water draining with no solids. You’d be surprised how much “stuff” is left in the tank when you don’t rinse! I don’t do it every time on a travel day, only on the last day before storage. But it I were full time I would do it at least once or twice a month.

[thenne1713]

Originally Posted by Scott_Trailer_Newbe

“poop pyramid” I’m still laughing my ass off

(Funny) until you have to deal w/ it, downpipe clogged, water filled, and you have a get a way to get solids to soften and solids/ liquids to drain.... and probably, somewhere in all that mess is a big wad of paper :-(