lisau849
Davis, CA, USA
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Joined: 07/23/2001
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I've seen references to dumping your holding tanks at home, but I'd like a little more information please. Where exactly is the sewer cleanout located at a residence? Is it usually well marked so you know what it is? Is the opening large enough to accomodate a typical motorhome sewer hose? It would be nice to know we could empty the tanks at home as sometimes it's hard to find conveniently located dump stations on the way home.
We're still fairly new at rv'ing, and all information is greatly appreciated.
Lisa
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leede
colo.usa
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Joined: 10/19/2001
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Depends on your house where the sewer cleanout is.Usually in the basement.Some people have a "tap" put in outside the house,near your camper parking area.Local codes,etc. can get involved.Check with the city,county,or whatever,maybe you could get a local contracter to give you some ideas,but figure it`s going to cost $$$$$$$!Also,check with any RV dealers where there might local dump sites in your area.
*This Message was edited on 24-Jan-02 07:48 AM by leede*
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RJJ
Va
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Joined: 12/21/2001
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On many older homes like mine, I do not have a clean out. I use a mascerating pump with a 100 foot garden hose and run it into my vent stack. The Sewer solution might work also. Way cheaper then having clean out installed.
Take Care.
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kpoppa
Lufkin, Tx, USA
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Joined: 12/09/2001
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Basements are an extreme rarity in our area. Generally the Southern Building Code requires a clean-out near the slab and 1 or more, depending on the distance between the home and the public sewer tap.
The clean-out is nothing more than a joint in the pipe with a 'riser' that allows the plumber to 'roto-rout' the pipe in both directions. Generally, the clean has a screw on cap the same size as a sewer dump station would have.
Most are underground several inches, but could easily be accessed.
I know of no laws or rules that would prevent using the clean-out as a dump station.
Cheers
kpoppa
Foretravel - 40' DP
Toad1: Harley Classic and Fat Boy
Toad2: Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 M&G Brakes
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mike b
Lower Al.
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Joined: 11/07/2001
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what would the tank chemicals do to the septic tank? I would be afraid they would kill the bacteria used to process the waste.
mike b
04 Laredo 28RE
3/4 ton GMC
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leede
colo.usa
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mike B,I think you are on the wrong posting area.Lisau849 didn`t mention anything about septic tanks or leech fields,which would be a whole new ballgame.Try Gen,discussions.SMILES!
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LLeopold
Windsor, CO USA
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Joined: 06/19/2001
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Shortly after I acquired my FW, I contacted my local city and county waste management offices and asked what, if any, ordinances or rules were if I were to use my city sewer clean-out. The clean-out is in line between the sewer system in my home to the city sewer system, so if you know where, under your lawn the city sewer is, you can trace it to your house and locate what appears to be a round cap with a square (approx. 2") knob similar to that found at a full-service campsite. In my case, my sewer clean-out has a threaded top that turns out to be compatible with the threaded end of my dump system fitting which provides a secure seal just like at camp (a somewhat shameless plug: I use the Prest-O-Fit Ultimate Sewer Kit).
The response was "as long as I used either no holding tank chemicals or used a treatment that was compatible with the city's bacterial-based system, they would be OK with it." It would be considered as if it came from my home. I inquired about their treatment and was provided with a description of their treatment to help locate compatible products (was that a learning experience!). Turns out that any bacteria-based no-"aldahyde" product would be OK. I did, however, register the intent to use my sewer trap, with the city, so that if there were any waste water problems, they could notify me and I could cooperate as part of any investigation. I also did this when I installed my own water softener (salt water backwash) in my home.
Hope this helps.
*This Message was edited on 24-Jan-02 10:58 AM by LLeopold*
*This Message was edited on 24-Jan-02 11:03 AM by LLeopold*
Lou Leopold
Between RVs at this point
but I continue to tent camp!
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F. Paul Figlia
Bailey, Colorado USA
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Joined: 12/27/2001
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Mike b,
If you think your RV chemical additives adversely affects the natural bacterial action in your septic system, you can buy a product available in packets which introduces and stimulates the bacterial growth necessary . I got it from the people who clean out my septic tank every three years.
I put some in my septic system on a monthly basis (along with my RV dumpings) and never had a problem.
My chemical of choice in the RV is a product available at Camping World called TST (Total Sanititation ???)in my gray AND black tanks
If you have any trouble finding the stuff, send me an email and I'll give you more specifics.
F. Paul Figlia - email: fpfiglia@earthlink.net
Bailey, Colorado
2001 Gulfstream Conquest Ltd. Ford V10 Triton
"The problem with life is there's no danger music"
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superchief
south alabama
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Joined: 07/20/2001
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Lisa looks like you`ve got some good help here.My two cents....the clean outs are located in different places,probaly get someone who knows what they ate looking for.
I have been using mine for several years although I have a septic tank.Like the other post I use TST treatment(bought at wally world) and have never had a problem.
Good luck..........JJ
It sure makes it nice having a dump at home.
1988 superchief
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cwsoules
Columbia, SC
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I have used home type clean out plugs in two locations. In Columbia SC the homes in my daughters neighborhood had their clean out plugs in the front yard between the house and street. Here in Alameda, CA the clean out plug is in my drive way betweent he house and street. These cleanouts are about 3 inches in diameter and screw into a fitting in the drain system. The screw in coupling I use at a campground to amtch with the campground sewer fitting also screws into these clean out plugs.
I use an enzyme type treatment system. I buy mine at Home Depot and get the septic tank enzyme additive.
USN RET. 2001 Diesel Dodge Quad Cab 2500 Auto w/4:10 rear end. Miller Mfg Truck Bed Cover, with RBW hitch, and a 1995 29' Automate 5th wheel with one slide
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