Most RV owners don’t want to spend much time getting to know their waste water system – rather a quick pull of the handles at the dump station and the rest is out of sight, out of mind.
That is until there is a foul odor inside the coach or the tanks won’t dump at all! Ask a seasoned RV veteran and they all have a horror story when it comes to dumping the tanks somewhere in the past.
In this class, your instructor Dave Solberg will provide an understanding of how the waste water system works, the correct chemicals to use, and some preventative maintenance that will make dumping your tanks an odor- and hassle-free experience.
This class starts with an overview explaining how the waste water system is designed to hold the waste from the toilet, in what is commonly referred to as the black water tank, and the waste from the shower and sinks, in what known as the gray water tank.
Properly dumping the waste water tanks is more than pulling the valve and waiting for the water flow to stop. Critical topics you’ll learn include installing a clear plastic adapter, using a black water flush valve, and tips for proper dumping and etiquette at the public dump station.
You’ll also learn how using the right chemicals are important, as enzymes are introduced into the system and aerobic bacterial help break down the waste. The waste water system requires little maintenance, however there are some tips that can make your seal more pliable and last longer. And if a valve fails to hold the waste water, you’ll learn how the rubber seal can be cleaned or replaced.
Finally this class will also show you how to troubleshoot inaccurate monitor panel readings, remove a toilet, troubleshoot other common problems, and more.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this online class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information, including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; resource documents that will help you with cleaning and troubleshooting your toilet, and a BONUS Video that gives you some good tips on toilet paper for your rig.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your RV Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Q: How do I know what the Class covers?A: Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Q: Do I have to be a Member of RV Repair Club to purchase a Class?A: No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Repair Club Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
Q: How do I purchase a Class?A: First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
Q: How do I access/view my Class?A: Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Repair Club. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Classes” will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Q: Do I have to take the Class right away?A: No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Q: Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?A: No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Q: Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?A: No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Repair Club, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
Q: How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?A: Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
Q: How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?A: Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Q&A Resource area. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Repair Club contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Q: Can I print out Class details?A: For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
Q: What are PDF downloads?A: These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Q: Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?A: Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Q: Why do you need my email?A: We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Repair Club from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Q: Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?A: Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
Q: How do I contact RV Repair Club Academy?A: If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVRepairClub@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
The waste water system in all RVs consists of separate tanks to hold the waste from the toilet, referred to as the Black Water Tank, and cleaner waste water from the shower and faucets, known as the Gray Water Tanks. Some models, especially trailers with two bathrooms, will have more than one tank for each system. These tanks are emptied by a spade valve connected to a dump hose and a dump station.
Session 2: Black Water Tank
6:50
Waste from the toilet and sometimes the bathroom faucet are held in the black water tank, which is actually gray in color, the same as the gray water tank(s). It’s important to use the correct chemical, which will introduce enzymes for the good/aerobic bacteria to help break down the waste.
Session 3: Gray Water Tank
5:45
This tank holds the cleaner shower water and most of the faucets inside the unit. Since more water is used for the shower, these tanks are generally larger or there are two or more. The dump valve can be identified by the smaller 1.5” pipe coming out of the tank vs. the larger 3” pipe used for the black water tank.
Session 4: Sewer Hoses
9:37
Most standard sewer hoses that come with a unit are the basic plastic accordion hose with a generic end. It’s a good idea to upgrade to a more professional hose that extends the length needed and has a 90-degree end that will fit on a variety of dump stations. Keep it stored in a sanitary location away from other hoses and fittings.
Session 5: Monitor Panel & Sensors
3:18
Typically, monitor probes for the waste water system are connected to the side of the tank by drilling a hole, inserting the probe and wire, and tightening the screw. As the waste water level rises, the probes “arc” across and send the signal to the panel for the different levels. Impurities in the water, toilet paper, and other contaminants can create a constant “arc” even when empty. Using the proper toilet paper and probe cleaning products can reduce this.
Session 6: Proper Dumping
24:41
Just pulling the valve and waiting for the water to stop flowing will surely create problems down the road. Start by using a clear plastic adapter to see the waste flow and after the first waste drain, fill the tank back up to ¾ full and drain again, you’ll be amazed at the amount of waste still in the tank. Using a black tank flush valve is also a good way to get all the waste off the side of the tanks and the probes.
Session 7: Waste Water Maintenance and Repair
6:56
The waste water system typically doesn’t need much maintenance, however keeping the system clean and the valves/seals lubricated will reduce problems down the road. Make sure the valve pulls are not bent and sticking, the seals have been lubricated with an approved product, and using the correct chemicals and paper will ensure a trouble free waste system operation.
Session 8: Toilet Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
11:32
Even though the toilet in your RV looks similar to the residential model in our home, it’s quite a bit different. It has lower water pressure that is supplied by the lines rather than a tank, and you need to manually put water in the bowl.
Session 9: Proper Sewer Venting
2:18
All waste water systems need to be vented to eliminate a vacuum and allow water to flow to the waste tanks. Most RV vents run to the top of the unit with PVC pipe and a cap on the top which should be inspected on an annual basis. An aftermarket vent is available that will rotate with the wind direction and actually draw odors out of the holding tanks.
Session 10: Winterizing
2:52
The waste water tanks need very little attention when it comes to winterizing, just a little RV antifreeze dumped down the toilet and shower. However, the toilet water supply needs to be drained or filled with RV antifreeze and RV antifreeze poured into the P Traps of the sinks.
Session 11: Troubleshooting Other Common Problems
15:05
This class covers troubleshooting common problems such as nothing coming out when the valve is pulled, a continual leak when the valve is supposedly closed, replacing seals on the valves, and what to do to eliminate odors coming inside the unit by replacing the standard vent with a rotating “Cyclone” roof vent.
Session 12: Class Summary
2:26
Class Q&A Resource
Access to the Q&A Resource for this
Class is available with purchase.