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Draining the Holding Tanks<br />
The holding tanks terminate in a valve arrangement<br />
that permits draining each tank separately .<br />
The valves are called knife valves . A blade<br />
closes the opening in the sewer drain pipes .<br />
The blade is connected to a T-handle and cable<br />
assembly mounted in the utility compartment .<br />
Do not pull the holding tank knife valve open<br />
when the protective cap is installed on the<br />
pipe. Pull the T-handle to release the contents of<br />
the tank(s) .<br />
Gray Holding Tank Dumping<br />
Black Water Tank Dumping<br />
During self-containment use, the sewer line is<br />
securely capped to prevent leakage of waste<br />
material onto the ground or pavement . Always<br />
drain the tank into an acceptable sewer inlet or<br />
dump station .<br />
Drain the holding tanks only when they are at<br />
least 3 ⁄ 4-full. If necessary, fill the tanks with<br />
water to 3 ⁄ 4-full. This provides sufficient water to<br />
allow complete flushing of waste material into<br />
the sewer line .<br />
Plumbing Systems and Holding Tanks<br />
Whenever possible, drain the holding tanks before<br />
traveling . Waste water and sewage in the holding<br />
tanks reduce the carrying capacity of the motor<br />
home . See the Motor Home Loading chapter .<br />
During extended or semi-permanent hookups to<br />
sewage systems, waste materials will build up in<br />
the tank and cause serious plugging if the tank<br />
valves are continuously open . In these cases,<br />
keep the valves closed until the tanks are 3 ⁄ 4-full,<br />
and then drain into the sewage system .<br />
The holding tank drain valve outlet is to be used<br />
with a removable termination fitting that locks<br />
onto the outlet with a clockwise twist . Clamp the<br />
sewer drain hose to this fitting. A protective cap<br />
should remain in place when you are not draining<br />
the tanks .<br />
!<br />
WARNING<br />
Holding tanks are enclosed sewer systems and as<br />
such must be drained into an approved dump station.<br />
Both black and gray water holding tanks must<br />
be drained and thoroughly rinsed regularly to prevent<br />
accumulation of harmful or toxic materials.<br />
3 NOTE<br />
Local or state regulations may prohibit highway travel<br />
unless the holding tank outlet is securely capped.<br />
To drain the holding tanks:<br />
1 . Attach the sewer hose to the holding tank<br />
outlet . Insert the end of the hose into the<br />
sewer or dump station inlet, pushing it<br />
firmly far enough into the opening to be<br />
secure . In some cases, adapters may be<br />
necessary or required between the line<br />
and the inlet . Arrange the sewer hose so it<br />
slopes evenly .<br />
2. Drain the black water holding tank first.<br />
Grasp the handle of the black water knife<br />
valve (the large one) firmly and slide the<br />
valve open with a quick, steady pull .<br />
07-5