Traveling in a campervan is synonymous with freedom, but it also involves responsibilities that every driver must keep in mind. One of the most important tasks during your trip is knowing how to empty your grey and black water tanks. If you don’t do it correctly, you could not only have hygiene problems but also face penalties in some places where emptying these tanks is regulated.
This post will explain step by step how to perform this task safely, hygienically, and without complications. Additionally, you will learn the difference between grey and black water, when is the right time to empty the tanks, and the precautions to follow to avoid accidents or bad smells. Ready? Here’s everything you need to know.
What are grey and black water?
Before going into details about how to empty the grey and black water tanks, it’s important to understand what these waters are and why it’s essential to manage them correctly.
- Grey water: This is the water that comes from daily activities inside the campervan, such as washing dishes, showering, or washing your hands. Although not as contaminated as black water, grey water still contains soap residue, grease, and dirt, making it unsuitable for dumping anywhere. The grey water tank in campervans tends to fill up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with several people, so emptying it frequently is an important task to avoid bad odors or tank overload.
- Black water: This water comes from the campervan’s toilet. This type of water contains human waste, making it much more polluting and requiring proper management to avoid health and environmental risks. The black water tank in campervans is smaller than the grey water tank, but it must be emptied in specifically designated areas, as dumping it in unauthorized areas could result in fines and damage to the environment.
When and where to empty the tanks
Before addressing the exact procedure on how to empty the grey and black water tanks, it’s important to know when to do it and where it’s allowed.
- When to empty the tanks: The right time to empty the tanks varies depending on the capacity of your campervan and the number of people traveling with you. However, here are some general tips:
- Grey water tank: This tank tends to fill up faster. It’s advisable to empty it when it reaches 75% of its capacity to avoid problems. Additionally, if you notice bad odors in the campervan, it’s a sign that the tank is close to full.
- Black water tank: Due to the nature of black water, this tank has a smaller capacity. It’s essential to empty it before it reaches its maximum capacity to avoid health risks. Some campervans have fill indicators that alert you when it’s time to empty the tank.
- Where to empty the tanks: One of the most common mistakes made by beginners is emptying the tanks anywhere. Not only is this illegal in many areas, but it’s also disrespectful to the environment. To avoid problems, follow these recommendations:
- Campervan service stations: Most areas equipped for campervans offer emptying points for grey and black water. Look for specific signs or ask the staff.
- Campsites: Many campsites have suitable and safe emptying areas for both types of water. Additionally, they often offer facilities such as hoses and cleaning points for the process.
- Service areas: Some gas stations or service areas on highways are also equipped for this type of task. However, it’s advisable to confirm in advance if they have facilities for emptying grey and black water.
How to empty the grey and black water tanks step by step
Now that you know what grey and black water is and where to empty the tanks, let’s go into detail about how to empty the grey and black water tanks efficiently and safely.