Understanding RV Gray Water and Black Water Waste Tanks: Your Guide to Not Mixing Them Up!

RV plumbing can be a messy business, but mixing up your gray water and black water waste tanks takes it to a whole new level! While it may seem like common sense to keep these two tanks separate, you'd be surprised at how many RVer’s make this mistake. So, to help you avoid any unpleasant surprises (and smells), let's take a closer look at these two tanks and why it's important to keep them separate.

First, let's start with the basics: what's the difference between gray water and black water? Gray water is the wastewater that comes from your sinks, showers, and washing machine, while black water is the wastewater from your toilet. Gray water is relatively clean, while black water is, well, not so clean.

Now, here's where things can get tricky. Both tanks are connected to the same drain valve, which means that if you accidentally open the wrong valve, you could end up with a nasty surprise. Trust us, you don't want to mix up these two tanks!

So, how can you avoid this unpleasant situation? The key is to always double-check which valve you're opening before you dump your tanks. And if you're not sure, just take a whiff! Gray water has a much milder odor than black water, so use your nose to confirm which tank you're dealing with.

In conclusion, mixing up your gray water and black water waste tanks is not only unpleasant, it's also unsanitary. So, be sure to keep these two tanks separate and always double-check before you dump. And if you do make the mistake, just remember: it's a rite of passage for all RVers!