An RV dump station is a designated location for owners of recreational vehicles (RVs) to safely and lawfully dispose of their wastewater tanks. These tanks, also known as blackwater and greywater tanks, store waste from the RV’s toilet, sink, and shower.
Typically, an RV dump station includes a concrete pad with a sewer inlet and a water spigot for rinsing out tanks and hoses. Properly using an RV dump station is a vital part of owning and maintaining an RV, ensuring that waste is appropriately disposed of and in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Why Use an RV Dump Station?
Before we dive into the specifics of RV dump stations, let’s first discuss why they are important to use.
- Dumping your waste tanks improperly can cause damage to the environment and potentially even harm human health. Not only can human waste be toxic, but the chemicals used in waste tanks can also be detrimental to the environment.
- Most localities and campgrounds have laws and regulations that require RVers to use designated dump stations rather than simply dumping their waste in a random location.
- Additionally, using an RV dump station can make dumping your waste tanks much simpler and more convenient.
Key Takeaway: Using an RV dump station will ensure that your waste is safely and properly disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.
How Does an RV Dump Station Work?
An RV dump station will typically have a concrete pad with a sewer inlet and a water spigot for rinsing out your tanks. Some dump stations may also have a trash can and a garden hose used to rinse out your sewer hose. That said, every dump station is different, with different setups and amenities.
Here’s a high-level overview of how to use an RV dump station:
- Pull your RV up to the designated spot.
- Put on your protective gear (gloves, safety glasses, etc.).
- Connect your sewer hose to the sewer inlet.
- Open the valve on your black water tank first, followed by the valve on your gray water tank.
- Once both tanks have been emptied, use the dump station hose to rinse your sewer hose and the sewer inlet.
Important: Some RV dump stations may require a fee. This fee is usually nominal and helps cover the cost of maintaining and cleaning the dump station.
Where to Find an RV Dump Station
Now that you know what an RV dump station is and why it’s important to use one, you may be wondering where to find one. Fortunately, RV dump stations are widely available across the United States, and you can easily locate one using various resources.
First up is our very own online RV dump station directory, which features over 11,000+ dump stations in 6,300 different cities. We even have an interactive dump station map which is helpful for planning stops along your route. You can easily find a dump station near you and get important details like directions, GPS coordinates, fees, water availability, and more! Click the button to check it out.
We also have a downloadable RV dump station guide, allowing you access to our full dump station directory on your PC or mobile device, wherever you are – even without WIFI!
Related: Where to Dump RV Waste When Traveling? 15 Best Places
Another easy way to find an RV dump station is to use a mobile app specifically designed for this purpose. Some popular mobile apps include AllStays RV Dumps and RV Dump Sites.
Tips for Using an RV Dump Station
Now that you know what an RV dump station is, why it’s important to use one, and where to find one, let’s discuss some tips for using a dump station safely and effectively.
- Plan ahead – Before you hit the road, research dump stations along your route and plan your stops accordingly.
- Be prepared – Ensure you have all the necessary equipment, including a sewer hose, gloves, and sanitizer. If it’s your first time at a dump station, be sure you know what you’re doing ahead of time. Dump stations can be busy, so it’s a good idea to have the emptying process down.
- Follow the rules – Be sure to follow any rules or regulations posted at the dump station.
- Be courteous – Dump stations can be busy places, so be patient and courteous to others waiting in line.
- Rinse thoroughly – With the hose still connected to the dump station inlet, rinse out your sewer hose with fresh water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned before storing.
Be sure to read our step-by-step guide on how to use an RV dump station for more information.
Related: 10 RV Dump Station Etiquette Rules to Follow
FAQs
Is It Hard to Dump RV Waste?
Dumping RV waste is easy. Simply pull your RV up to the designated spot, put on your safety equipment, and connect one end of your sewer hose to your RV’s dump valve and the other end to the sewer inlet. Open the valve on your black water tank first, followed by the valve on your gray water tank. Once both tanks have been emptied, use the dump station hose to rinse your sewer hose and the sewer inlet.
What Is the Hose at an RV Dump Station For?
The dump hose is used to empty the waste from your RV’s black and greywater tanks into the sewer inlet at the dump station. When used properly, the sewer hose provides a quick and sanitary way to empty an RVs holding tanks.