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...

View from RV roof with solar panel, vents, and roof fan at an outdoor RV show
By Jennifer Schillaci June 13, 2026
Whether your RV roof is showing its age or you just want to stay ahead of summer damage, know when to DIY and when to call a pro. Learn the warning signs
Person in a white T-shirt pinching their nose while standing indoors by a beige wall.
By Jennifer Schillaci June 8, 2026
Do you really need a sewer hose to dump your RV tanks? RV black tanks, Grey tanks and Freshwater tanks tips. Get the complete RV tank guide from Learn to RV.
By Jennifer Schillaci June 5, 2026
The best classroom doesn't have four walls — it has four wheels.  This summer, the whole country is your curriculum.
By Dealora Snyder June 4, 2026
If you’re a full-time RVer, you already understand something most people don’t....that life doesn’t always go according to plan. You’ve chosen freedom. Flexibility. The ability to wake up in a new place whenever you want. But with that freedom comes a unique responsibility—especially when it comes to your health insurance. Because when you’re constantly on the move, having the right coverage isn’t just important… it’s critical. And recently, I was reminded exactly why.
Hand holding a scrambled Rubik’s cube against a plain brown background
By Amanda Pelser June 3, 2026
Full-time RVing families can road-school around a passion — how to find WCA speedcubing competitions and make your child's Rubik's Cube hobby a reason to travel.
Hands arranging letter cards on a yellow table during a group learning activity
By Jennifer Schillaci June 1, 2026
Your child is just wired differently. Learn the signs of dyslexia, what actually works, and how roadschooling families can take action today. with Russel VanBrocklen
RV Business Hub sign with people setting up a campsite beside two RVs in a sunny park.
By Jennifer Sansford May 30, 2026
Where Can RV Entrepreneurs Find Business Resources and Support? The RV Business Hub connects RV entrepreneurs with tools, tips, and resources to build and grow.
Hand refueling a vehicle with a green fuel nozzle at a gas station
By Jennifer Schillaci May 27, 2026
Fuel prices got you second-guessing your summer? Open Roads is too good to be true — except it's not. Free to join, diesel savings, VIP perks, tolls and more.
Black pickup truck driving through smoke, front view on a road
By Jennifer Schillaci May 26, 2026
Most RVers don't know what their policy won't cover until it's too late. Learn the most common coverage gaps & the questions to ask before you need to file a claim.
Person standing on the roof of a vehicle in a desert at sunset, looking into the distance.
By Jennifer Schillaci May 23, 2026
Your RV roof coverage has limits—and age makes it worse. Learn what insurance won't pay for, what aftermarket systems really cost, and the questions to ask before it's too late.
Show More