Understanding Your Waste Water Systems
Properly managing your waste water tanks is one of the most important aspects of RV living. Frida has two separate waste water systems:
🚿 Grey Water Tank
Capacity: 31 gallons
Contains: Water from sinks and shower
Dump Valve Location: Passenger side (handle only)
🚽 Black Water Tank
Capacity: 31 gallons
Contains: Toilet waste and water
Dump Valve Locations:
- "High" handle on passenger side
- "Low" handle on driver side
The waste water connection is located on the driver's side rear of the RV. This is where you'll connect your sewer hose when it's time to empty your tanks.
Frida's Waste Water System Layout:
- Grey Water Handle: Passenger side
- Black Water "Low" Handle: Driver side (pull FIRST)
- Black Water "High" Handle: Passenger side (pull SECOND)
- Waste Water Connection (Sewer): Driver side rear
- Black Tank Flush Connection: Driver side
When to Empty Your Tanks
You should plan to empty your waste water tanks:
- When the monitoring panel shows the tanks are 2/3 to 3/4 full
- Before traveling long distances with the RV
- At the end of your rental period (as a courtesy)
IMPORTANT: Never let your black tank get more than 3/4 full before emptying. Overfilling can cause backups and sensor issues.
Required Equipment
To dump your waste water tanks, you'll need:
- Sewer hose: This should be provided with Frida.
- Disposable gloves: Always wear gloves during this process.
- Sewer hose connector: To secure the hose to the dump station inlet.
- Tank rinse hose: For using the black tank flush feature (separate from your drinking water hose).
NEVER use your fresh water drinking hose for any waste water or tank flushing operations. Cross-contamination can cause serious illness.
Step-by-Step Dumping Procedure
Preparation
- Park as close as possible to the dump station inlet.
- Put on disposable gloves.
- Remove the cap from the waste water connection (on driver side rear).
- Connect your sewer hose to the RV waste water connection and secure it.
- Connect the other end of the hose to the dump station inlet, ensuring it's secure.
Emptying the Tanks
- Empty the BLACK tank first:
- Pull the BLACK tank "low" handle on the driver side first
- Then pull the BLACK tank "high" handle on the passenger side
- Allow the tank to drain completely (3-5 minutes)
- Use the black tank flush:
- Connect your tank rinse hose to the black tank flush connection
- Turn on water to a moderate flow
- Let it run for 2-3 minutes to help clean the tank
- Turn off the water and disconnect the hose
- Close the BLACK tank valves in REVERSE order:
- Push in the "high" handle on the passenger side first
- Then push in the "low" handle on the driver side
- Now empty the GREY tank:
- Pull the GREY tank handle on the passenger side
- Allow the tank to drain completely (2-3 minutes)
- Close the GREY tank valve by pushing the handle back in completely.
PRO TIP: Always empty your black tank before your grey tank. This way, the soapy grey water helps clean out your sewer hose.
Clean Up
- Disconnect the sewer hose from the dump station inlet.
- Rinse the outside of the hose with clean water if available.
- Disconnect the hose from the RV and rinse the connection area.
- Replace the cap on the RV waste water connection and secure it tightly.
- Store all equipment properly, keeping waste handling equipment separate from clean water equipment.
- Remove and dispose of gloves appropriately.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Preventing the Dreaded "Poop Pyramid"
WARNING: One of the most common black tank issues is the "poop pyramid" – when solid waste builds up in a pile and doesn't dissolve properly. This can cause clogs, sensor failures, and difficult-to-remove blockages.
To prevent the poop pyramid from forming:
- Use plenty of water: Always flush with plenty of water to ensure solids are breaking down.
- Add RV-specific toilet paper: Only use quick-dissolving, RV-safe toilet paper.
- Use tank treatments: Add RV-specific black tank treatment to help break down waste and control odors.
- Keep black tank closed: Only open the valve when you're ready to dump. Don't leave it open at campsites with sewer hookups, or liquids will drain while solids remain.
- Flush regularly: Don't let waste sit in the tank for extended periods if possible.
HYDRATION TIP: If you're staying at a site with full hookups for several days, fill your black tank about halfway with water, add tank treatment, and then close the valve. This creates a "pre-charge" that helps waste dissolve more effectively.
Using Your Tanks While Camping
At Campsites with Full Hookups
| Tank |
Valve Position |
Why? |
| Grey Water |
Can be left OPEN |
Allows shower and sink water to drain continuously |
| Black Water |
Keep CLOSED |
Prevents solid waste buildup (poop pyramid); only open when dumping |
When Dry Camping (No Hookups)
- Both valves should remain CLOSED until you're ready to dump.
- Monitor your tank levels daily.
- Conserve water to extend the time between dumps.
- Consider using campground facilities for showers if available.
Tank Level Sensors and Monitoring
Frida is equipped with electronic sensors that monitor the fill levels of your tanks. These are displayed on the monitoring panel inside the RV.
However, it's important to know that black tank sensors often give false readings due to debris clinging to them. If your tank reads "full" immediately after dumping, it's likely due to sensor issues rather than an actual full tank.
SENSOR TIP: If the black tank sensors are giving false readings, try filling the tank halfway with water, adding a tank treatment, driving a bit to slosh the water around, then dumping again. This can help clean the sensors.
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
What if the tank won't drain?
If a tank isn't draining properly:
- Check that the dump valve is fully open.
- Ensure the sewer hose doesn't have kinks or uphill sections.
- For the black tank, try adding water and RV-approved tank treatment, then try again later.
- If problems persist, contact the rental office for assistance.
What if there's an odor in the RV?
Unpleasant odors usually indicate:
- The toilet's rubber seal needs cleaning
- The black tank needs treatment chemicals
- The tank hasn't been emptied recently enough
- The P-trap in a sink has dried out (run water briefly to refill it)
Can I use regular household cleaning products in the RV?
No. Only use RV-specific cleaning and treatment products in your waste tanks. Household chemicals can:
- Damage rubber seals and valves
- Kill beneficial bacteria that break down waste
- Create dangerous gas buildup in tanks
- Harm the environment at dump stations