Leave a Comment
RV dump stations are a necessity for many RVers.
Unfortunately, poor dumping practices and a lack of consideration can be extremely inconvenient and dangerous for fellow RVers.
This lack of etiquette can have far-reaching effects that can impact the entire RV community, even causing some dump stations to close down.
Below we cover ten RV dump station etiquette rules to ensure a safe and clean experience for everyone and help preserve these essential resources for future RV travelers.
Proper RV Dump Station Etiquette
Tip: Check out our RV dump stations list to find a dump site near you. You can even download our RV dump station directory to access it in areas without WIFI!
1. Inspect Dump Valves and Connections
Before you arrive at the RV dump station, inspect your RV’s dump valves and connections for any leaks or damage. Any leaks can be hazardous and contaminate the environment. If you notice any leaks, have them repaired before attempting to use the dump station.
2. Don’t Block Other Stations
If the dump station has multiple stations, avoid blocking access to the others. This is similar to when you’re trying to find a parking spot, and somebody is taking up two spots. Yeah, it’s that annoying.
3. Spray Water Spigots With Bleach Solution
Before and after using the water spigot at the dump station, spray it with a bleach solution to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. This helps ensure a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. Carry a spray bottle with a bleach solution in your RV for this purpose.
4. Use the Right Equipment
Using the right equipment is critical to avoiding spills and contamination. Make sure you have the appropriate gloves and cleaning supplies, and a high-quality sewer hose kit with a clear elbow adapter is a must-have. Check out my recommended sewer hose kits and see which one I use personally.
Related: How to Hook up an RV Sewer Hose and Use It (5 Simple Steps)
5. Move Quickly
While it’s important to be thorough, move quickly to avoid holding up the line. Being efficient and prepared beforehand can help make the process faster and smoother. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to use an RV dump station to ensure you’re ready to go.
6. Dump Your Tanks in the Right Order
Dump the black tank first, and once that is empty (which you can easily tell if you have a sewer hose kit with a clear elbow adapter), you’ll want to empty the grey tank.
Dumping the black tank first and following it with the grey tank helps prevent contamination and ensures a cleaner and safer experience for everyone.
7. Don’t Flush Your Tanks if There’s a Line
If there’s a long line behind you, save the flushing for a less busy time or location. Flushing is an important step, but you can certainly hold off if there’s a long line of RVs behind you.
8. Don’t Rinse the Sewer Hose at the Fresh Water Faucet
Never rinse your sewer hose at the potable water faucet to avoid cross-contamination. Use a designated hose and the designated spigot at the dump station to rinse the sewer hose.
9. Pick Up After Yourself
Ensure you clean up any spills or messes you create and properly dispose of all your trash. Keeping the dump station clean and tidy helps ensure a more pleasant experience for everyone.
10. Move Forward Before Filling Potable Water
After dumping, move forward before filling your potable water tank to avoid blocking others in the line. This simple gesture can help improve the efficiency of the dump station and make it easier for everyone to use.
By following these simple etiquette tips, you can help ensure a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable experience at the dump station.