Dumping Tanks at a Dump Station

Doug S • April 30, 2025

I have no shame in saying that we are RV park queens and often slaves to full hookups. But recently I bought a sewer bladder (like a Blueboy/turd hearse only made of cloth) that lets me dump my tanks, we’ve started staying at places without sewer hookups. It’s nice because it is cheaper and, often times, more scenic- as was the case at a tiny little park in Picabo, Idaho just outside of Craters of the Moon National Park (which is beautiful, by the way!).

Dumping at a dump station is pretty straight forward:

Pull up to the dump station

A hose is attached to the side of a rv.

Try to make sure your camper’s sewer outlet is generally lined up with the station’s hole in the ground. If you have 2 sewer outlets on your camper, you’ll either line one up and move OR just line up so that you’re about in the middle and stretch the hose to each.

Glove up

To wear gloves or to not wear gloves is a great debate. While I don’t typically use gloves on a site with full hookups, I do wear gloves at a dump station because on my site, I can easily go inside and wash my hands. At a dump station, I usually move the truck/camper before I can go wash up.

Use your 90-degree elbow + secure it

A stack of wooden blocks sitting on top of a concrete surface. When possible, I like to use my 90-degree elbow for the dump hole in the ground. This makes sure the “water” is pointed down into the hole. The alternative is to sort of aim the hose down the hole and have someone keep their foot on it.

Even with the elbow, it helps to put some weight on it. Almost all dump stations have something - Picabo Angler had some wood; other places have rocks or wood or even bowling pins.

Elbows are often sold in sewer kits but also sold separately.

Connect sewer hose

I shouldn’t have to say this, but I’ve heard enough 2nd-hand stories of people driving up to dump stations and supposedly just letting ‘er rip right out of the camper’s sewer outlet. It mostly flows to the cement catch at the dump station and then they blissfully pull away (usually walking through the mess). Yuck.

So seriously, connect your sewer hose to the camper’s sewer outlet and the 90-degree elbow you put into the ground (or, if you go without- lined up and secured at the dump hole).

Let the sh#$…err, stuff fly

Pull the handles for the tanks you’re dumping. Black first and then gray so your sewer hoses are slightly less gross (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise- gray water is nasty too!). Be mindful when you first pull the gray that the force doesn’t knock your hose out of the dump hole; it happens if you aren’t well secured.

Courtesy first, if no line- feel free to flush your tanks

A red faucet is attached to a wooden pole

If there isn't anyone waiting behind you, feel free to flush your tanks. This is tricky as sometimes there is a threaded hose connection and others there isn't When there isn't a threaded hose connection, sometimes a Water Bandit will help.

Put everything away

Yep, you’re not leaving your stuff just laying around and driving off. Put away the elbow and sewer hose.

Discard gloves/sanitize hands

Throw the gloves away and wash or sanitize your hands- e coli is no joke!

Do a last walk-around

As I’ve said before, I’m a proponent of a final walk-around before getting into the driver’s seat and driving away. So do one last walk around of your tow/towed vehicle and RV.

Drive off into the sunset

Hopefully you’re headed to another campground and extending your trip for a spell. (smile)

 

Other blogs you might like...

By Jennifer Schillaci March 25, 2026
What Full-Time RVers Know About Spring Travel That Weekend Campers Might Not
A calico kitten with tabby markings rests its head on a white surface against a solid gold background.
By Jennifer Schillaci March 23, 2026
RVing with pets? From dogs and cats to ferrets, snakes, and birds — the honest guide to what works, what's legal, and how to handle emergency vet care in an RV
By Bob Harper March 20, 2026
"What started as a phone call with a club president turned into one of our best RV decisions"
Close-up of bright pink, spiked Celosia flowers blooming along a paved roadside with a blurred hilly landscape.
By Jennifer Schillaci March 19, 2026
Who spoke at the FRVA Ladies Luncheon in Perry Georgia 2026? Jennifer & Tasha from Learn to RV The Podcast shared community, connection & heart with the ladies
A long row of stacked, light-colored commercial laundry dryers with circular glass doors in a laundromat.
By Jennifer Schillaci March 18, 2026
Where do RVers wash their laundry? We break down every option — from onboard washers to laundromats & more — so you can find what works for your rig and lifestyle.
By Jennifer Schillaci March 17, 2026
How We Read More Now in the RV Than We Ever Did in a House
Yellow school bus with side mirrors and signal lights against a cloudy sky.
By Ashley Wright March 13, 2026
Can a skoolie survive winter? Ashley Wright of Gypsy Gameschooler shares real tips, lessons, and what full-time skoolie life looks like when temps drop.
Gravel path winding through a lush green forest, sunlight dappling the ground and trees.
By Jennifer Schillaci March 12, 2026
Thousand Trails looks different than it did a few years ago. Learn to RV shares what has changed, what it means for your membership, and how to make the most of it.
By Steve Gallaher March 11, 2026
America's 250th Birthday, One Road Trip at a Time & a Shirt That Gives Back
Boy in green hat and shamrock glasses, raising a hand. White background.
By Jennifer Schillaci March 10, 2026
March is bursting with learning on the road — Women's History Month, César Chávez Day, St. Patrick's Day, cherry blossoms, migration. Your March roadschooling guide.
Show More