Keep the black tank valve closed when hooked to shore power. Leaving the black tank valve open will cause liquids to drain and solid waste build up to clog the tank. Regularly observe the holding tank levels through the wall monitor, Aladdin system or water bay monitor. When the black tank fills halfway close the gray tank valve, fill the gray holding tank to half and prepare to dump the tanks.

Holding tanks are emptied through campground sewer connections, or at authorized holding tank dump stations. Before you prepare to empty the tanks, don a pair of rubber gloves. A pair of rubber boots worn only for tank dumping is also a good idea to avoid tracking spills back into the RV. Use a heavy-duty sewer hose, about six to eight feet long. The fresh water hose used to rinse and flush the black tank should be a non-potable hose that never comes in contact with the fresh water tank fill.

There are a few rules of etiquette to follow at central dumping stations when multiple vehicles are waiting in line to empty the tanks:

1. Do not leave the hose unattended.
2. Promptly clean up spills.
3. Once the tanks are empty and flushed, pull the vehicle away from the drain site.

After confirming that the dump valves are in the CLOSED position, remove the tank cap and securely connect the sewer hose to the outlet. Extend the sewer hose to the drain opening and insert the end five to ten inches into the hole. Position a heavy object, on top to hold the hose in place.

Open the black tank valve. You will hear a rush of water flow. Once the sound stops, close the valve. Next, open the gray tank valve. You will again hear a flush of water. When the sound ceases, close the valve.

To use the black tank flush, connect a non-potable fresh water hose to the black tank flush connection. With both the gray and black water valves closed, turn on the fresh water to flush the black tank. DO NOT leave the black tank flush unattended. After 3-4 minutes, open the black tank valve to once more flush the tank and sewer hose.

To disconnect, first confirm that both valves are closed. Start by removing the sewer hose from the tank outlet and replace the outlet cover. Lift the end of the hose up to drain any remaining waste into the drainage hole. If a fresh water faucet is available and your vehicle does not have a black tank flush, use a non-potable hose to rinse the inside and outside of the sewer hose while it is still attached to the drain hole.

Store the hose and then rinse the surrounding ground area to remove any spillage. Carry small plastic pouches of dry pool chlorine inside the water service bay to sprinkle over a spill and assist with clean up.

Before again using the black tank, add three to five gallons of fresh water and the recommended amount of RV approved deodorizer. After emptying liquid deodorizer, fill the bottle with a small amount of water. Replace the cap and give the bottle a good shake and then empty the water and residual deodorizer into the toilet.

In the event you experience a tire blow out or any sort of underbody collision, carefully examine the holding tanks for physical damage.

Regular dumping of the black tank will help to reduce build up around tank probes. When putting the RV into storage for 30 days or longer, dump the black tank and then fill the tank with fresh water and the recommended amount of tank deodorizer. This will help to loosen build up while the tank is sitting in storage. Prior to leaving on a trip, dump the tank and add 3-5 gallons of fresh water along with the recommended amount of RV tank deodorizer.

Put only RV approved toilet paper and waste into the black tank. Frequently inspect the sewer hose for wear and tear and replace as necessary.