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
Check opening hours, fees, seasonal closures and whether the station accepts your type of RV. Some locations are restricted to registered campers.
2 Step 2
Before entering the lane, secure loose items, confirm your tank levels and prepare gloves and a serviceable sewer hose.
3 Step 3
Pull close enough to reach the inlet without stretching the hose across traffic or walkways; set the parking brake.
4 Step 4
Identify the waste inlet and distinguish potable-water outlets from non-potable rinse taps. Read all posted signs.
5 Step 5
Attach and secure the sewer hose before opening valves; drain black water first, then grey water.
6 Step 6
Use designated rinse water only for the equipment it is intended for, with appropriate backflow protection.
7 Step 7
Close valves, disconnect without spilling, cap fittings and store dirty equipment away from drinking-water supplies.
8 Step 8
Leave the station clean, follow posted instructions and move forward so the next RV can use it.
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.
Find an authorized facility
Look for municipal, provincial-park, campground or commercial dump stations that accept RV wastewater. Verify hours, fees, seasonal access and whether non-guests may use the facility. Some stations close or shut off rinse water during freezing weather.
Arrive with the right hose length, secure fittings, gloves, payment method and enough time to work without rushing. Avoid blocking the station while reorganizing equipment.
Position and prepare
Park with the outlet near the drain and ensure the RV cannot roll. Keep the hose route as short and smooth as practical. Confirm that the drain is intended for RV sewage, not a stormwater grate.
Put on gloves and secure the sewer hose to the RV outlet before placing the other end in the dump opening. Use a compatible elbow or weight where the facility requires it.
Dump without spills
Open the black-tank valve and remain at the outlet while flow occurs. Close it when draining is complete, then open the grey-tank valve if your RV has one. Follow your model’s instructions for any additional tanks or flushing systems.
If the drain begins backing up, close the valve immediately and notify the operator. Do not continue discharging into an overflowing inlet.
Clean up responsibly
Rinse the exterior of the hose only where the facility permits, using its designated non-potable rinse hose. Do not spray wastewater onto adjacent pavement or vegetation. Cap the RV outlet and hose ends, stow equipment and wash hands.
Leave the station ready for the next person. Pick up disposable gloves and other rubbish, and do not leave chemical containers or wipes in the drain.
Etiquette and winter conditions
During busy weekends, complete basic preparation before pulling into the station and move to a separate parking area to finish chores. Never use a dump station as a campsite or block the approach lane.
If the station is frozen or closed, keep tanks secured and find another approved facility. Do not dump on snow, in roadside ditches or in a campground toilet without express permission.
Finding dump stations in Canada
Use your campground, provincial park or municipal dump station. Many close in winter, so check hours in advance and carry what you need to rinse and store hoses.
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