TO DUMP OR NOT TO DUMP THAT IS THE QUESTION

[Lin]

I did do it once some years ago.  My situation though is a little different though.  Since the cleanout is quite far from the closest we can get the bus, I used a macerator to pump it the distance.  Now, as I understand septic systems, the solids are supposed to go to the bottom to digest, and only fluid is supposed to drain into the leach lines.  If large amounts of sludge get into the leach lines, they can clog them up.  Eventually, one would be faced with having to install a new leach field.  I do not really know if dumping straight or through a macerator is more likely to cause a problem (or even if either/both will for sure do any harm).  However, before I made a habit of it, I would do a bit more research. 

On the other hand, Clifford's long history of dumping that way is encouraging.  I would also guess that there are many people that do it, which, of course, does not mean that it is safe.  Anyway, if you choose to go that route, be careful about what chemicals you put in your holding tank.  Many are definitely bad for septic systems.

[gg04]

We have hookups for 3 RV's two 30amp, and one 50 amp.. there has always been at least one hooked up and a three bedroom two bath house. Our septic was built to service 14 people 38years ago and has worked perfectly ever since. You will never have any problems with a properly designed system. The best texts on design and care are Chinese. Two NASA engineers designs are the basis of modern American systems..rdw

[sledhead]

we have a 3" dump drain that we use all the time to drain the tanks and have used it for years with zero problems on our septic system . if we were home instead of in the r/v the use would be the same . the only extra thing I do is flush more water through the dump drain after use . it just makes life better

dave 

[belfert]

The only issue with dumping at home through a cleanout is for people like us that are on septic systems.  I question whether residential size systems could handle the infusion without effecting the leach lines.  If you are on a municipal system, you're okay though.

My home septic system is sized for 625 gallons a day.  I live alone so I doubt 100 gallons from my bus would hurt anything.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Also, if you are dumping into your septic system at home, theoretically you are gone for the same length of time that your home septic system is not being used so it is a zero-sum average kind of thing for all of you that took the math class called Game Theory.

[Dirtball]

 I have a dash switch for an air operated dump valve for my 180 gal mixed gray/black tank . Haven't done a highway dump cause I don't get away for more than a few days at a time, so I always dump on my gravel driveway near a barn that houses the coach. Coming in off the road I don't need the macerater as things are nice and mixed up. No problem dumping on my land , the 30-40 cows on the other side of my house don't clean up after themselves.
My tank additives are some "Green Stuff" for odor and some Calgon liquid water softener to keep things "sliding" around, plus any suds from the shower.  I don't if I am wasting cash on the Calgon.
When we hit the road in a few years after stopping work for good, I will have to learn the campground tricks, but as yet I have never had to hook up a hose. I can see a highway dump in heavy rain with no traffic to the rear. After reading about the negative pressure above I'd slow it down to 25mph or so.

[RJ]

I have a dash switch for an air operated dump valve for my 180 gal mixed gray/black tank... I can see a highway dump in heavy rain with no traffic to the rear.

Dirtball (and others contemplating this) -

http://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-0503100266mar10-story.html

FWIW. . .

[sledhead]

on the featherlite it has the same switch above the driver seat ...why ? is it like a prevost that have people for that ? what do you have some one that hooks up the drain system to the drain but because you want to be in control you have to hit the switch ?

just kidding you prevost guys 

dave

[bigred]

So we now know why no one put's their name on their buses any more !!! lol

[boxcarOkie]

Stick a fork in me, I am done. 

Kind of tired of "Poo-Poo" talk, how about you?  You know times are tough when you cannot stir up any good arguments with a post about dumping on the highway.  I would bet by the silence of the lambs that more people have dumped where they shouldn't than we realize. 

That is the bottom line ...

Dr. Oz Show said just the other day ... "You want floaters you don't want sinkers."    Chew it up and spit it out any way you want, but never put it on a public right-of-way.  That makes it a bio-hazardous material, and they have stiff penalties for that (enforced on everyone except political candidates, as usual, they get a pass). 

BCO

[Scott & Heather]

BCO, I think you have it backwards. You want sinkers not floaters lol. Floaters mean you ate too much fatty foods. For example, after you eat KFC, you'll notice floaters. After eating a big salad and lots of fruit, you will not see a single floater. That being said, I've never in my life dumped anywhere except an approved line. I never let it get that desperate. We plan ahead so we can dump before i ever fill my 150 gallon tank. But I suppose if I were desperate, I'd crack the line just enough for liquids to dribble while driving down a very lonely dirt road in a heavy downpour. I'd deal with the solids later when I had time to flush the tank


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[boxcarOkie]

You could very well be right Scott, I have often heard it said, "He is full of it, but NEVER have heard it said, He is an EXPERT on it."

So, I could very well have it backwards.  I didn't check yesterday after Long John Silvers, but I did get a free drink when I spoke to the server-person in a Pirate Dialect.  She liked that. 

Oh well, bigger mysteries in life, eh?

Why do they need my birth date to purchase spray paint, I am over sixty-years old.  If mankind evolved from Apes, then how come we still have Apes?  Last night I dreamed SHE came back and I woke up screaming.  
Man-man, it just has to be Wednesday.

BCO 

[bigred]

Just curious and then I too am through with this subject,but what idiot manufacturer would actually put a "dump switch" in the drivers area??With all the buttons and switches already there ,this is a recipe for disaster!!!

[bigred]

Just curious and then I too am through with this subject,but what idiot manufacturer would actually put a "dump switch" in the drivers area??With all the buttons and switches already there ,this is a recipe for disaster!!!

[CrabbyMilton]

"I'm very sorry Mr. Motorcycle Goon I thought I was turning on the lights. Please pass along my regards to Skull and Nail Face."