Can I dump my RV or camper tank into my septic tank?
If you live in a rural area, chances are you have a septic tank. Wouldn’t it be convenient to simply attach a hose from your rig to your home septic tank and house visiting guests in there? Is this even possible?
The simple answer to this is yes. Yes, you can dump your RV or camper tank into your septic tank. However, this “yes” comes with lots of responsibility. There are lots of if’s, but’s and and’s that go along with this statement. If you take the time to educate yourself in this matter, you’ll be able to successfully use your own septic tank to empty your black and gray water tanks.
If you’re going to dump your tank into your septic than you need to understand the basic operations of your typical septic tank system.
The Septic Tank Breakdown
Septic systems are used when centralized sewer systems are not in range of an individual’s home. They are underground sewage treatment structures that break down organic matter and disperse wastewater. With a holding tank and nature on its side, this is a very efficient and resourceful structure.
After every flush or every time the faucet is used, the waste and water travel through pipes, out of the house and into the septic tank. There is a baffle in the middle of the tank to block sludge, grease, and oil from the outlet to prevent blockages. The baffle has an opening mid-way down to allow for wastewater to pass but to prevent solids from sitting at the bottom and oil at the top from going through the outlet into the drain field.
As more waste is added to the tank, an equal amount of wastewater is pushed out to the drain field. The drain field is made up of three perforated pipes called laterals. The pipes slope deeper into the ground at one-quarter inch per foot. A fast decline is not beneficial in that water wouldn’t push solids along, but slide right past them. The underground pipes are surrounded by rocks to aid in smooth, easy drainage. If the septic is not pumped regularly the pipes may clog with sludge that has crept its way over the baffle.
So, with the description given, you have to know exactly where your septic tank is underground so you don’t dump on the wrong side of the baffle. It’s important to not empty your tank’s contents on the wrong side because solids could be pushed along into the outlet and clog the drain field.
Can I use chemicals?
This is a very organic and raw system that works because of the environment inside the tank. The concern with dumping your RV’s contents is the chemicals. Chemicals put in our tanks that assist in the breakdown of waste and paper can potentially be detrimental and damage the natural biome in the septic tank.
Septic wastewater treatment systems have both aerobic and anaerobic organisms that assist in the breakdown of organic matter. Anaerobic organisms do not need high levels of oxygen whereas aerobic organisms require oxygen. Both are necessary to maintain because they ingest different pathogens.
Adding chemicals that are intended to help break down waste, will kill the good bacteria in the septic tank. If the bacteria are destroyed, there will be an imbalance in the tank. This potentially can shut down the septic system’s natural bacterial action. This would cause backflow, blockages, and flooding in the drain field.
It may seem odd that it is inadvisable to dump chemicals into your own septic system when campgrounds and dumps sites have no restrictions regarding chemicals. The way to think of it is, you’re not the one paying for the maintenance at the campground. If you are going to be dumping your tank into your own personal septic system, avoid chemicals.
Also, depending on the usage of the main house and the addition of the RV, you want to be aware of the extra use and be prepared to have the tank pumped more frequently. The key to a happy and healthy septic system is regular maintenance and pumping. Depending on your tank size, the average pump schedule ranges from every two to three years.
How to empty the trailer or RV tank into the septic system
Now that we have a clear understanding on how a septic system works, the easiest way to dump your tank is through the septic system’s cleanout. This is a PVC pipe that is above ground with a screw cap. This can be found between the house and the tank. Simply remove the cleanout’s cap and attach your sewer hose to your RV and the cleanout. If you can’t secure the hose to the pipe opening, make sure to put something heavy on top of the hose to ensure it doesn’t decide to go flailing off the opening and make a big disgusting mess.
You can leave your RV hooked up and have sewage slowly enter the septic system or you can choose to wait until you’re ready to empty the black water tank and dump it all at once. There are some words of caution scattered online regarding adding too much waste to your septic at one time. Some say it shocks the system and disrupts the natural bacteria. However, the legitimate concern would be overloading the tank too quickly. This can cause sludge and other solid matter to splash over the baffle and into the outlet. If this happens, it can potentially cause a blockage.
We wrote an article with a step by step guide on how to dump the tanks in a trailer successfully. Find the article here.
Use caution when using an access port
If your septic system doesn’t have a cleanout you can remove the lid of an access port. This can be extremely dangerous as the gases in the tank can be fatal. Bring a partner to help you remove the lid and safely empty your tank. You cannot leave your RV hooked up like this as it is not only dangerous, but too much air could kill the anaerobic organisms that help break down organic matter.
If you’re going to dump your tank into the access port, be sure you’re dumping on the correct side of the baffle. You want to dump on the side that keeps solids in the tank. You’re going to want to dump in the access port closest to the house.
What about gray water?
The great thing about dumping your black water in your septic is that you can also dump your gray water. As long as you are using septic friendly products that easily break down, you can dump both tanks with no issues.
When using dish soaps, shampoo, cleaning products, and toilet paper on a normal plumbing system, the composition of those products isn’t a concern. However, on a septic system, it’s important to be conscious of the kinds of products you’re using. Not all products mesh well with a septic system. By being sensitive to its naturally occurring waste disposal you can ensure your septic lasts for a very long time.
Conclusion
In summary, yes you can dump your RV or trailer tanks into a septic system. Don’t use chemicals in your black water tank that may destroy your tank’s natural ecosystem. When dumping from an access port, try to make sure you’re on the correct side of the baffle. This will ensure solids remain far from the outlet. And lastly, you are able to dump both your black and gray water tanks. Remember to use septic safe soaps and cleaners so your tank can break down the products efficiently.
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