How to Clean an RV’s Gray Water Tank

Properly cleaning your RV’s gray water tank is an essential part of maintenance. This container is filled with the washing water from the shower and sinks. You definitely don’t want to leave all of that sitting inside your RV for too long! Keep reading for some tips for cleaning the gray water tank. If you have any questions, reach out to Happy Camper RV Sales in Boise, Garden City, or Nampa, Idaho. We also proudly serve Meridian!

Gather Supplies

The first step is to gather all of the necessary supplies. You’ll need a hose that fits well with your camper’s gray water tank. Keep in mind that any cleaning supplies you use should be made for this specific purpose. Check your owner’s manual for information on what products you should or shouldn’t use. You’ll also want to get a pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands clean, as well as something to weigh down the hose.

Drain the Tank

Now it’s time to drain the water from the receptacle. Position your rig close to a dump station’s disposal tank. Remove the cap from the camper’s outlet port. Connect the hose to the gray water tank’s relief valve. Next, hook up the hose to the input of the dump station’s tank. Open the relief valve.

Flush the Gray Water Tank

The next step is to flush the gray water receptacle so that you get rid of any leftover food pieces or microbes. Some models come with a flushing filter which will flush the container for you, but most RVs will need manual flushing. Run the bathroom and kitchen sink taps as well as the shower at full blast. This will get rid of anything that remains.

Time to Clean

Now your gray water tank is finally ready to be cleaned. Add the cleaner and ensure the relief valve is closed. Drive the camper for at least 30 minutes and take some turns and hills. This will help the cleaning product get evenly distributed. Once you’re done, empty the container and flush it out with fresh water.

Dumping Locations

Keep in mind that there may be some RV gray water tank restrictions regarding where you can dump the liquid. Some states require them to be emptied at an official dump site, while others allow them to be emptied into the sewer system.  

We hope this guide helps you successfully clean your RV’s gray water tank. If you want any more tips or you’re looking to buy a new rig, call Happy Camper RV Sales. We have locations in Boise, Garden City, and Nampa, Idaho. We are proud to serve Meridian, too. We can’t wait to help you prepare for your next great road trip!