Keeping it Clean: A Guide to Maintaining Your Class A Motorhome’s Waste Holding Tanks
Cleaning your RV’s holding tanks is a necessary part of proper maintenance and can help prevent costly repairs down the road. To properly clean your Class A motorhome’s waste-holding tanks, ask yourself, “do I really want to take on this project?” It can be a yucky, stinky job. You can hire a professional service to handle this that may be better equipped. Check for portable toilet service companies and explain your issue to see if they can help. If you want to take on this task, here’s what you need to know.
Parts and Tools Needed
When cleaning your RV’s waste holding tank, you will need the following parts and tools:
- Water hose
- Tank cleaning wand
- Cleaning solution
- Gloves and safety glasses
- Towels
Steps for Properly Cleaning Your Holding Tank
Follow these steps to clean your Class A motorhome’s waste holding tank properly:
- Start by making sure the tank is empty. This can be done by flushing the toilet multiple times or by using the tank valve to empty the tank.
- Disconnect the water hose from the tank. If necessary, use a wrench to loosen the connection.
- Attach the tank cleaning wand to the water hose. Make sure the connection is secure and that the wand is pointing toward the bottom of the tank.
- Turn on the water and spray inside the tank with the cleaning solution. Do this for several minutes until you see suds in the tank.
- Turn off the water and disconnect the cleaning wand from the hose. Use a towel to wipe away any remaining suds or debris.
- Reconnect the water hose and fill the tank with clean water. Allow the tank to fill completely and then flush it multiple times until all of the cleaning solutions have been removed.
Safety Tips for cleaning holding tanks
Some services service portable toilets and job site toilets that can clean your RV black and gray water tanks. I have had issues with clogged tanks from too many baby wipes being put in the tank by one of my children. The portable toilet service worker used a vacuum and pressure jet to clean the tank.
When cleaning your Class A motorhome’s waste-holding tanks, it is important to take proper safety precautions as you are dealing with sewage. Wear gloves and safety glasses at all times when handling chemicals and tools, and always remember to turn off the water before disconnecting any hoses or wands.
Related RV Issues
In addition to cleaning your holding tanks, other RV issues should be addressed regularly to ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition:
- Inspecting the rubber seals around the tanks
- Checking the electric and water lines for leaks
- Emptying and cleaning the waste-holding tanks
- Ensuring the toilet and other plumbing fixtures are functioning properly
- Replacing tank valves and hoses as needed