Before you begin
Gather the equipment recommended in your owner’s manual, work in a safe and well-lit area, and check campground rules before using shared utilities or facilities.
Step-by-step instructions
1 Step 1
Confirm the dump station is open, permitted for your use and compatible with your RV. Put on disposable gloves and keep clean-water gear separate.
2 Step 2
Park securely and locate the RV waste outlet and dump inlet. Inspect the sewer hose and fittings before opening any valve.
3 Step 3
Connect the sewer hose firmly to the RV outlet and secure its other end in the dump inlet using the approved fitting or weight.
4 Step 4
Open the black-tank valve first and allow it to drain completely. Never open a cap while a valve is open.
5 Step 5
Close the black valve. If your RV has a manufacturer-approved black-tank rinse, follow its instructions and use only the designated non-potable supply with proper backflow protection.
6 Step 6
Open the grey-tank valve to rinse the hose with grey water; close it once drained.
7 Step 7
Confirm both valves are closed before disconnecting. Lift and drain the hose toward the dump inlet, then cap and store it in a separate compartment.
8 Step 8
Rinse the station only as local rules permit, remove gloves, wash hands and add the manufacturer-recommended amount of water and tank treatment if needed.
Detailed Canadian RV guide
The following practical details expand on the quick steps above. Equipment differs between motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailers and truck campers; use the instructions for your particular RV and components whenever they differ.
Understand black and grey tanks
The black tank typically receives toilet waste; the grey tank receives sink and shower water. Many RVs have separate valves and gauges, and some have more than one grey tank. Consult your plumbing diagram before opening a valve.
Never discharge either tank onto the ground or into a storm drain. Use an authorized sanitary dump station or a campsite sewer connection where allowed.
Prepare a clean, secure connection
Wear disposable gloves and closed-toe footwear. Position the RV so the hose reaches without stretching. Check the sewer-hose fittings, seals, elbow and supports; attach the hose securely at both ends before opening a valve.
Keep the potable-water hose and fittings away from the sewer work area. If a dump-station rinse hose is marked non-potable, never use it to fill the fresh-water system.
Dump in a controlled sequence
Follow your RV manual; the common sequence is black tank first, then grey tank to help rinse the hose. Open the appropriate valve fully and stay beside the connection while the tank drains. Do not rely solely on a sensor reading to know when flow has stopped.
Close the black valve before opening the grey valve. Never leave the black valve permanently open at a full-hookup site unless your particular system specifically calls for a different method; solids can accumulate in a mostly empty tank.
Rinsing and finishing
If your RV has a black-tank flush inlet, use it only according to the manufacturer’s directions and with the correct backflow protection. Never walk away while flushing. Close the tank valve and turn off the rinse water before disconnecting.
Drain the hose toward the dump inlet, cap fittings and stow the hose in its dedicated compartment. Remove gloves, clean touched surfaces and wash hands thoroughly.
Odours, clogs and sensor problems
Odours may come from a dry toilet seal, blocked roof vent, leaking connection or a tank needing maintenance. A stuck sensor does not necessarily mean the tank is full. Avoid harsh drain chemicals unless approved for your plumbing system.
If sewage backs up or a valve will not close, stop and contact an RV service technician or the campground operator. Do not force a valve or disconnect a pressurized hose.
Dumping rules in Canada
Use approved dump stations or your campsite’s sewer connection. Never discharge on the ground or into storm drains, and carry gloves and a hose rinse kit.
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