Cleaning An RV Gray Water Tank

RVs bring the comforts of home everywhere you go, but that comes at a price. The waste water from your sinks and shower end up in the gray water tank, which you’ll have to clean regularly to avoid gross backup and smells. We here at McGovern’s RV & Marine know that sounds intimidating, so we’ve put together a brief guide to get you started. To learn more, or to see the RVs we have for sale, contact our store in Grande Prairie, Alberta, today!

The Supplies

First, you need the right products. Harsh chemicals can damage the gray water tank, but you need something strong enough to get the tank clean. Your RV’s owner’s manual will contain a list of recommended products, which should cover that base nicely. 

You’ll also need a hose that fits the gray water tank’s valve, sturdy rubber gloves to keep your hands clean, and something heavy to weigh the hose down so it doesn’t spray everywhere—a rock or brick will do!

Empty It

Step one is to remove any water that’s inside the tank. Park the RV by a dump station and hook your hose up to the tank. Feed the other end of the hose into correct place at the dump station (possibly a disposable tank) and make sure there’s about five inches of slack. Set your heavy object on the hose near the loose end, then open the relief valve on the tank.

Flush It

While the water might be drained, there might still be gunk and small puddles of gross water in the tank. If your RV doesn’t have a flushing filter, you’ll need to flush it out manually. Throw in a little bit of cleaner if it’s especially dirty, then turn the kitchen and bathroom sinks and the shower on full blast. This will help flush out any residual nastiness from the grey water tank.

Clean It

Finally, it’s time to clean it fully. Make sure the relief valve is closed, then add in however much of your cleaning product is recommended by the manual or the product’s own instructions. You’ll need to get it evenly dispersed throughout the grey water tank, so once the cleaner’s in, take your RV for a short drive. Try to hit multiple turns and hills to ensure the cleaner reaches every nook and cranny, then head back and empty and flush the tank one last time.

We hope this guide helps you keep your RV’s modern conveniences convenient! If you have any questions, or if you’re on the market for a new RV altogether, contact us at McGovern’s RV & Marine. We proudly serve the people of Edmonton, Alberta—let us serve you today!