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Yucky story about dumping the black tank
My wife and I are new to the motorhome/RV experience, which we are enjoying very much (2011 27’ MB acquired in May).

This post shares a story and asks a question.  Readers are cautioned, per the topic title.

We recently returned from a 5-day trip to Jalama Beach and Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara County.  Both are wonderful places/parks, if often very crowded.

We dry camped at Jalama and had a full hookup a Cachuma Lake, though we only hooked up electricity. 

As we prepared to leave Cachuma Lake for home, we hooked up the dump hose and carefully positioned it in the sewer drain.  Having seen another camper place a foot on the elbow of the sewer-end of the dump hose, and thinking it a good idea, I asked my wife to put a foot on top of the elbow and I opened the valve.  Well, unbeknownst to us, the sewer drain was partial plugged and even with my wife’s foot on the elbow it popped up a bit and leaked yucky stuff into an 18 inch radius including my wife’s sandaled foot.  I closed the valve, apologized to the Mrs., asked her to take care of herself, determined that while slow, the sewer line was not fully blocked, coaxed what remained in the dump hose into the drain, and cleaned up the area.  We then moved to the campground dump station to complete the procedure.  One would think and hope that the story is over, but it’s not.  At the campground dump station, we did, indeed, dump the black tank with no issues until I went to close the valve, at which point the valve and ABS plumbing simply fell off the tank onto the ground!  All things considered, the best possible timing for such a failure!  Although I had earlier noticed that the valve was a little wobbly, I did not investigate – shame on me -- and got extremely lucky with the timing of the failure.  We dumped the grey tank, moved the coach, and I cleaned and reattached the plumbing. Neither the tank nor plumbing was damaged; the hose clamps simply needed to be tightened.  As a side note, on my LD, there is no anchor bracket from the fiberglass panel to the valve, something I will rectify this week.

When we got home I searched the LDO forum for information and found this very helpful thread that answered several of my questions: Lost dump valve assembly

One question remains: What, if anything, can be done to avoid the first event in which the campsite sewer drain is plugged or partially blocked?  Do most campers test the drain (with a hose) before using the drain?  In itself, using a hose could produce very messy results.  Thanks, in advance, for your insights.

Jim S.
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra
 
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #1 –
Quote from: CBSShermans  - 
Neither the tank nor plumbing was damaged; the hose clamps simply needed to be tightened.  As a side note, on my LD, there is no anchor bracket from the fiberglass panel to the valve, something I will rectify this week.

One question remains: What, if anything, can be done to avoid the first event in which the campsite sewer drain is plugged or partially blocked?  Do most campers test the drain (with a hose) before using the drain?  In itself, using a hose could produce very messy results.  Thanks, in advance, for your insights.


A word to the wise, check and tighten the hose clamps that hold the dump valves on to the tanks and plumbing.
The are attached with hose clamps to allow easy replacement, as they tend to occasionally get damaged or start leaking.

Your experience with the slow dump is not uncommon. I have messed my shoes up before, doing the same thing.
i suggest inspecting the aground around the dump opening to see if there is a lot of uh, debris, around the site, indicating leakage or overflowing.
Open the valve slowly, and be ready to close it quickly, if you are not sure about the capacity of the dump.
I have found slow dumps at campsites and at dump stations. It's alway a crap shoot.
Welcome to RVIng.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #2 –
Thanks, Larry, for the advice and the chuckles.   :)

Working to keep my feet dry,

Jim
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #3 –
Jim,

When dumping, I look for a heavy rock or two to place on top of the dump lid after inserting the dump hose. There is usually one around somewhere.

Some dump lids/covers are heavy enough to keep the hose from snaking out. Inserting the hose a foot or so can also help to prevent its escape from the dump station opening. I never stay inside the dump pit while releasing waste water. It’s a pretty nasty place to begin with.

Loosing your dump valves isn’t uncommon either through loose fittings or a sharp blow from a curb or Campground rock. I carry a spare dump valve (RB, basically a one piece unit) and tools for an emergency “dumpvalvectomy”.

I also carry plenty of spare rubber gloves and a spray bottle of water/bleach for cleanup. Lots of “Yellow” Costco micro fibre towels too.

Personally I have never experienced a blockage in the dump sewer drain but apparently it does occur. As Larry has suggested, take a look around and see if there is an issue. I don’t peer into the “black hole” so as to avoid loosing valuable belongs (LD keys 😫).

Best advice at this point while dumping is to “Stand Clear” and “Go Slow”.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #4 –
Thank, Kent.  That's a lot of good advice.  The array of spray bottles and stack of yellow towels is ever growing.

Jim
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #5 –
The only problem with a dump hole 'blockage' that I've had was during sub-freezing weather; one can move very quickly when necessary.

I use disposable Nitrile gloves and paper shop towels when dumping.

Very good advice to make sure that the tank straps and valve connections are tight, and always carry spare dumping equipment, hoses, fittings, and shoes!

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #6 –
I make it a point to never dump in sandals. Or shoes I like. I too weigh down the elbow, and gingerly open the valve while holding the hose in place at the valve end. I always expect an incident. It took only one blowout to teach me these lessons.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #7 –
I have been known to open and shut the gray valve a bit to just check for leaks prior to opening the black valve.
Dave 04 PleaureWay Excel TD
2004 PleasureWay TD
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #8 –
The dump horror stories are the best RVing Halloween campfire stories.  You now have a good one.  Congrats on the rv and hope the future memorable stories are some what . . . Cleaner.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #9 –
I had that same problem at Cachuma when I camped there earlier this year.  It was one of my first times dumping so I was going slow, and I managed to close the black tank valve before making a mess of my own.  Nice to know this is a common problem, I'll know to wear shoes that can be thrown in the wash.
Hi, I'm Jo!
My little red wagon is a 1997 23.5 TK
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #10 –
Interesting coincidence this topic comes up now. I was just talking to the ranger at our local state park (we go daily). And was asking him about the dump station being closed. He told me it gets plugged a few times a year. Usually do to rv sewer caps being drop down the pipe. But the last clog was due to a coat and pair of shoes someone shoved down the pipe. The current clog is unknown as they have tried clearing it multiple times with no luck.
Lynn and Lori
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #12 –
Now I see that I am simply a newbie inductee into the dump catastrophe club.   8)
Jim & Sue
Formerly owned: 2011 27' MB, Sidra
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #13 –
Black tank dump stories ......

Once you get the tank and hose connected  and dumping to the dump station outlet don't try to back up the RV to get a bit closer.   Its even more important you don't do this is a high end 'resort' RV park in Palm Springs.   I'm told that sometimes the connection to the black tank comes undone pouring  effluent  on the ground around the RV.   Trust me when I say this the smell doesn't go away very quickly.    DW and all the others will see and smell  the attempt at using water to clear and clean the area.


personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #14 –
"Once you get the tank and hose connected  and dumping to the dump station outlet don't try to back up the RV to get a bit closer."
---
 :o Yeah; what could go wrong!?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Yucky story about dumping the black tank
Reply #15 –
In 24 yrs with LD rigs, I have never had a dump 'disaster'. But many close calls and moments of consternation, so far just with our first rig of 19 yrs, an '83 FL. Two come to mind...

First incident I remember came at Jalama Beach at the end of our stay. That rig had separate connections for black and gray. I had the hose connected to the black tank, stretched about 5' across the pavement, and down into the large dump port. Dumping and flushing was done, so I closed the valve, disconnected the hose, and set it down while I took the valve cover off the gray tank. I heard a sound like ZIIIIIIIP!... , looked over, and the hose was gone. The whole thing just snaked down the port and into the septic tank. Lesson: NEVER release an unsecured dump hose.

Another exciting moment occurred at a FS campground at Mammoth, CA. Hose connected to black, I pulled on the lever, and it came off in my hand - complete with the actuating rod. Luckily, the valve had not budged. Dump completed later at a CW with an assortment of tools and replacement parts...

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit