Your RV Gray Tank

Welcome to another Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA)—the largest hands-on RV training academy in America!

This week, Sue Rasmussen—a professional black and gray tank cleaner and NRVTA instructor—takes over to talk about a topic many RVers overlook: gray tank maintenance.

Why Gray Tanks Are Dirtier Than You Think

Most RVers worry about keeping their black tanks clean, but gray tanks often end up being even filthier. Why?

Unlike black tanks, which contain only human waste and toilet paper, gray tanks collect everything from your kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, and more. This includes:
✅ Grease and oil from cooking
✅ Food scraps and coffee grounds
✅ Soap residue from dishwashing
✅ Hair and dead skin cells from showers
✅ Lotion and personal care products

All these materials mix together inside your tank, turning it into a warm, moist breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and bad odors. Over time, this buildup creates a sticky sludge that clogs pipes, leads to unpleasant smells, and makes dumping a nightmare.

3 Simple Ways to Keep Your Gray Tanks Clean

1. Limit What Goes Down the Drain

The easiest way to prevent buildup is to control what enters your gray tanks in the first place. A few simple habits can make a huge difference:

• Scrape food off plates before washing them—never rinse scraps into the sink.
• Wipe off grease and oil from pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing.
• Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash instead of rinsing them down the drain.

By keeping solid waste out of your gray tanks, you reduce buildup and minimize the chance of clogs.

2. Use a Sink Strainer

Even after scraping dishes and wiping down pans, small particles still make their way down the drain. A simple sink strainer is a great investment to trap food scraps, hair, and other debris before they enter your plumbing system.

Sue recommends choosing a fine mesh strainer because it catches more debris than standard sink strainers. Bonus tip: Replace it every few months, as it will collect slime, rust, and mold over time—just like your gray tanks!

3. Keep Your Gray Tank Valve Closed Until Dumping

Many RVers make the mistake of leaving the gray tank valve open, allowing wastewater to drain continuously. This can lead to two major problems:
1️⃣ Waste buildup: When the valve stays open, grease and soap scum settle along the tank walls, leading to sludge and odors. Keeping the valve closed allows water to build up, creating a flushing effect when you dump.
2️⃣ Bugs and critters: The sewer system is home to all sorts of nasty insects, including sewer flies and larvae. An open gray valve is an invitation for them to crawl up into your tank and make a home inside your pipes.

To keep your tanks clean and bug-free, always keep your gray valve closed and only open it when it’s time to dump.

Bonus Tip: Treat Your Gray Tank Like Your Black Tank

Most RVers use tank treatments for black tanks, but your gray tanks need treatment too! A good liquid or enzyme-based tank cleaner will:
✅ Break down grease, soap scum, and food residue
✅ Prevent foul odors from forming
✅ Keep your plumbing flowing smoothly

Simply add a small amount of tank treatment into your gray tank every time you dump to maintain a clean system.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Gray Tanks in Top Shape

By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your RV’s plumbing, prevent nasty odors, and make dumping a hassle-free process:
✔ Limit food, grease, and coffee grounds from entering the tank
✔ Use a fine mesh sink strainer to trap small particles
✔ Keep the gray valve closed until dumping to prevent sludge and pests
✔ Use a tank treatment regularly to break down buildup

With these easy maintenance habits, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your RV smelling fresh—inside and out!

That’s your Tech Tip Tuesday! If you found this information helpful, be sure to subscribe and share this with your fellow RVers. 🚐💨 Happy camping!