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How to Drain a Class A Motor Home Septic

Class A motor homes are large, bus-sized RVs that some people use as homes. They can be connected for months to permanent utility systems, including water, electricity and sewage. But on the road, the holding tanks must be emptied at an appropriate disposal site. Class A motor homes, such as the Winnebago Journey, come with two tanks, one for "black water" from the toilet, and one for "gray water" from the sinks and shower. These tanks allow the RV to be fully self-sufficient.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the holding tank valves, drain outlet, drain hose and valve. These will be in the water service area. Remove the cap from the sewage drain outlet and attach the drain hose. Make sure the connection is snug.

    • 2

      Lift the valve handle lock with your thumb on the valve at the base of the hose where it connects to the drain outlet, and push the handle forward. Pull the other end of the hose to the disposal site opening. The valve must be open, as a closed valve creates a vacuum, preventing the hose from extending. Do not open the tank valves until the hose valve is open and the hose connected to the disposal opening.

    • 3

      Open the black water drain valve with a quick pull. You can gently move and shake the hose to ensure no blockages. A feature on some motor homes includes an interior cleansing spray feature in the black water tank. Leave the valve open after it has drained and connect a garden hose to a city water source. Attach the other end of the hose to the fitting marked as a water inlet for the tank. It is separate from the RV water inlet. Let the hose run about three minutes, then shut it off, disconnect it and close the tank valve.

    • 4

      Open the gray water tank valve with a quick pull. Close it as soon as the tank is empty.

    • 5

      Close the hose valve by pulling up on the handle until it locks. Rinse off the end with clean water and store it.

    • 6

      Add a commercial odor control product through the toilet into the black water tank. These products can be found at most RV supply stores.

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