Tips for Cleaning Your RV’s Gray Water Tank

Owning an RV will bring plenty of joy and excitement into your life, which is why so many people choose to invest in one. However, don’t forget about the responsibilities that come with RV ownership. For example, there are several aspects of cleaning and maintenance to take care of. If you’re not familiar with cleaning the gray water tank in your RV, we can help. Keep reading for some helpful pointers.

Gather Supplies

You can check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations regarding what cleaning supplies you should use when cleaning the gray water tank. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for mild cleaners rather than harsh chemicals. Remember that your RV’s fixtures are more fragile, after all. 

Next, you’ll need a hose that fits your rig’s gray water tank and something to hold it still and steady when the water begins flowing. Be sure to use a pair of rubber gloves and eye goggles so you’re protected from chemical splashes.

Drain Your Tank

Position your RV over a dump station disposal tank that is designated for gray water use. You should never dump your tank on the ground, so be mindful of this. Confirm your hose can reach the disposal tank and that it has around 5 inches of slack for good measure.

Remove the outlet port cap that connects the gray and black water tanks before you hook your hose up to the release valve. Once that’s done, allow the water to flow. You’ll want to check and see that the hose is weighed down and stable enough to avoid accidental spillage.

Flush The Tank

The next step in the process of cleaning the gray water tank is to flush it. Confirm that it’s fully emptied before you proceed. Some rigs have a flushing filter built in, but some will require a manual flush. You’ll need to turn your sinks and shower on full blast, which will help rinse out anything that’s left in the tank. When you’re finished, remove the hose for a bit.

Start Cleaning

Now that all the preparation steps are complete, it’s time to actually start cleaning the gray water tank! Add the cleaner you’ve chosen, making sure the relief valve is closed. Drive the RV around for about 30 minutes so the cleaner has time to move around and thoroughly clean the tank. After enough time has passed, you’ll have to drain and flush the tank one last time. Fortunately, that’s the last step in the process and you can continue on your travels.

If you have any additional questions about cleaning your gray water tank, give us a call or visit us at Broadmoor RV. We’re located near Seattle and Spokane, WA. You’ll find our dealership in Pacso, in the Tri-Cities. We can also assist with parts and services.