Motorhome Water Systems: Fresh Water, Waste Tanks and Maintenance

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Managing fresh water and waste is one of those everyday motorhome jobs that quickly becomes second nature, but when you’re new to motorhoming, the water system can seem surprisingly complicated.

Your motorhome needs to carry its own fresh water, pump it to your taps, shower, toilet and water heater, then collect the used water in a waste tank until you can dispose of it. You also need to know where to find safe water, how to keep your tanks and pipes clean, and how to prevent problems with pumps, smells and freezing temperatures.

This guide explains how a motorhome water system works, how to fill and maintain your fresh-water tank, how to conserve water when you’re off-grid, and how to manage and dispose of grey waste safely.

Motorhome Water Systems Key Facts

What it is: The Gap Decaders’ guide to motorhome water systems explains how fresh and waste water systems work, how to fill and clean your tanks, and how to manage your water when travelling and camping off-grid.
Fresh water: Motorhomes usually carry fresh water in an onboard tank, with a 12v pump supplying the taps, shower and water heater. Water should be taken from a potable supply using equipment kept specifically for filling your fresh-water system.
Cleaning & maintenance: Fresh-water tanks and pipework should be cleaned periodically to prevent the build-up of bacteria, biofilm, tastes and odours. The system also needs to be drained when necessary for storage or protection against freezing.
Grey waste: Water from sinks and showers is collected in a separate grey-water tank and should be emptied at a designated motorhome service point or other authorised disposal facility.
First-hand experience: The Gap Decaders have travelled more than 130,000 miles across Europe and beyond since 2018, managing onboard fresh and waste water systems while travelling extensively by motorhome and overland vehicle.

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How Does a Motorhome Water System Work?

Most motorhomes have two separate onboard water systems: fresh water for washing, showering, cooking and drinking if you choose to drink from your tank, and grey water for collecting waste from sinks and showers.

Fresh water is stored in a tank, which may be fitted inside the motorhome or underneath the vehicle. A 12v water pump moves the water through the pipework when you open a tap or turn on the shower.

Depending on your motorhome, the pump will either be a submersible pump located inside the fresh-water tank or a pressure pump mounted outside it. Both do essentially the same job, although they operate slightly differently.

Cold water travels directly to your taps and shower, while water for the hot taps passes through the motorhome’s water heater or combined heating and hot-water system first.

Once you’ve used the water, it drains from the sinks and shower into a separate grey-water tank, usually mounted underneath the motorhome. When the tank needs emptying, a drain valve or tap allows the waste water to be discharged at a designated disposal point.

Your toilet system is generally separate. Cassette and similar chemical toilets collect toilet waste in their own removable holding tank, known as the black-water tank or cassette, which must be emptied at an appropriate chemical toilet disposal point.

Motorhome Fresh Water Tanks

Your fresh-water tank stores the clean water you use for your taps, shower, cooking and toilet flush if your motorhome toilet draws from the main water supply.

Tank capacity varies considerably between motorhomes. Smaller campervans may carry around 50-80 litres, while larger motorhomes can have tanks of 100-150 litres or more. Our current overland truck carries 500 litres, but that is designed for extended off-grid travel and is far more than you’ll find in a typical motorhome.

Fresh-water tanks can be fitted internally, often beneath a seat or fixed bed, or externally underneath the vehicle. An internal tank is better protected from freezing, while an underslung tank may need insulation or heating if you plan to use your motorhome in sub-zero temperatures.

How Much Fresh Water Should You Carry?

Water is heavy, with one litre weighing approximately one kilogram, so travelling with a full 120 litre tank adds around 120kg to your motorhome.

That matters if your available payload is limited. You don’t necessarily need to fill the tank completely every time you travel, particularly if you’re moving between campsites or aires where fresh water is readily available.

For off-grid travel, the calculation is different. The amount you need depends on how many people are travelling, how often you shower, how much water you use for cooking and washing up, and how easily you can refill.

We tend to be much more conservative with water when we’re off-grid. Short showers, turning the tap off while brushing your teeth and washing up efficiently can make a surprisingly big difference to how long a tank lasts.

The important thing is to find the balance between having enough water for the way you travel and carrying hundreds of kilos of water unnecessarily.

How to Fill a Motorhome Fresh Water Tank

Most motorhomes have an external fresh-water filler point on the side of the vehicle. Depending on the system, you’ll either connect a hose directly to the filler or place the end of the hose into the filler neck and fill the tank until it reaches the required level.

Always use a food-grade hose intended for drinking water rather than an ordinary garden hose, which can affect the taste of the water and may not be manufactured from materials suitable for potable water.

We carry a selection of tap connectors because there is very little consistency between water points when you’re travelling around Europe. Screw fittings come in different sizes, while some taps have no thread at all, so a universal rubber tap connector can be extremely useful.

It’s also worth carrying a watering can or dedicated water container. There will inevitably be times when you can get your motorhome close to a water point but not quite close enough for the hose to reach, or when using a hose simply isn’t practical.

Keep your fresh-water hose, connectors and containers clean and use them only for potable water. Never use the same hose or equipment for rinsing toilet cassettes or dealing with waste water.

Where Can You Fill Your Motorhome with Fresh Water?

Finding fresh water is generally straightforward when travelling by motorhome in the UK and Europe. Campsites and motorhome aires are the most obvious places, but you’ll also find water at some service stations, marinas and dedicated motorhome service points.

Apps such as Park4Night are useful for locating places to fill up, especially when you’re travelling off-grid, but check recent reviews before making a special journey. Water points can be seasonal, temporarily out of order or removed altogether.

Wherever you fill, make sure the supply is intended for drinking water. At motorhome service points there may be several taps, including one for rinsing toilet cassettes, and you definitely don’t want to get those mixed up.

Filling Your Motorhome with Water at an Aire

Many motorhome aires have a dedicated service point where you can fill with fresh water and empty your grey and black waste.

The facilities vary enormously. Some provide free water as part of the overnight charge, while others have a service bollard or machine where you pay separately for water. You may need coins, a token bought locally or, increasingly, a bank card or app.

Some machines provide water for a set period rather than a set number of litres, so have your hose connected and ready before you press the button or insert your token. You don’t want to spend the first minute wrestling with connectors while your paid-for water disappears down the drain!

Check which tap is the potable water supply before connecting your hose. The fresh-water tap should be separate from any tap provided for rinsing toilet cassettes, although we’ve come across plenty of service points where the layout isn’t particularly clear.

This is also why we carry several different tap connectors. Across Europe you’ll encounter threaded taps of different diameters, push-fit taps and completely smooth taps where a universal rubber connector is often the only practical solution.

Not every service point allows you to park immediately alongside the tap either. A reasonably long food-grade hose is useful, but carrying a watering can or dedicated water container means you can still fill the tank when the hose won’t reach.

If an aire has separate fresh-water and waste facilities, deal with your fresh water first and keep your filling equipment well away from the cassette-emptying area. We store our fresh-water hose and connectors separately from anything associated with the toilet or waste system.

Filling Your Motorhome with Water at a Campsite

Filling with fresh water at a campsite is usually easier, although the set-up varies considerably from one site to another.

Some campsites have a dedicated motorhome service point where you can drive up and fill your tank. Others have drinking-water taps positioned around the site, which may mean using a longer hose or filling with a watering can or water container.

On fully serviced pitches, you may have your own fresh-water tap. If you’re staying for a while, this makes topping up particularly easy, but don’t assume the hose connector you normally use will fit. Campsite taps come in an impressive variety of shapes and sizes.

Before filling, check that the tap supplies potable water. Campsites sometimes have separate water points for drinking water, general washing and chemical toilet cleaning, particularly around motorhome service areas.

Be considerate if you’re using a communal tap. Don’t leave your hose permanently connected, block access while you do other jobs or allow the end of your hose to touch the ground or the tap outlet.

If you’re using a hose that has been stored for a while, let the tap run briefly before connecting it and flush a little water through the hose before filling your tank. After use, drain the hose as thoroughly as possible before storing it.

We always keep our fresh-water hose and filling equipment solely for fresh water. However clean a campsite or aire service point looks, never use your drinking-water hose for cassette rinsing or waste-water jobs.

How to Conserve Water in a Motorhome

If you mainly stay on campsites with easy access to fresh water, conserving every last litre probably won’t be a major concern. But when you’re wild camping or travelling off-grid, your fresh-water supply often determines how long you can stay in one place.

Over the years, we’ve become pretty good at making our water last without feeling as though we’re constantly rationing it.

Take short showers and turn the water off while you soap or shampoo. A motorhome shower can use a surprising amount of water if you leave it running continuously.

Don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth, washing your hands or preparing food, and use a bowl for washing up rather than washing everything under running water.

Wipe dirty plates and pans with kitchen paper before washing them. This reduces both the amount of fresh water you need and the food debris going into your grey-water tank, which can help prevent smells.

If you’re waiting for hot water to reach the tap or shower, catch the cold water in a jug or bowl rather than letting it disappear down the drain. You can use it for drinking, cooking, washing or cleaning.

We also keep drinking water separate when it makes sense, particularly in countries where we’re less confident about the local water supply. That means we’re not using valuable tank water simply because we want a glass of water.

The biggest difference comes from being conscious of every tap you turn on. Once you’ve spent a few days relying entirely on the water you’re carrying, using it carefully becomes second nature.

Motorhome Water Management Tips

Follow these tips to keep your motorhome fresh-water system clean and working properly:

Always drain down your water system when storing your motorhome in conditions where freezing is possible. Water left in tanks, pumps, pipes, taps and water heaters can freeze, expand and cause expensive damage.

Clean and sanitise your fresh-water tank and pipework periodically using a product designed for motorhome or caravan water systems. We generally do ours a couple of times a year, as well as after the motorhome has been stored or if the water develops an unusual taste or smell.

You don’t need to add water-purification tablets every time you fill from a reliable potable water supply. If you’re unsure about the quality of a particular water source, it’s better not to put it into your tank for drinking.

Only use your fresh-water hose, watering can and water containers for potable water. If you carry several similar containers, clearly mark the ones used for drinking water.

Don’t assume every tap is potable just because water comes out of it. This is particularly important at aires and motorhome service points, where taps may also be provided for cleaning toilet cassettes.

If you’re travelling in an area where you don’t like the taste or quality of the mains water, you can keep a separate supply of bottled or filtered water for drinking and use your tank water for washing, showering and other domestic purposes.

Check and clean your water pump filter periodically. Many motorhome pressure pumps have a small strainer on the inlet side that catches debris before it reaches the pump. A blocked filter can reduce water flow and make the pump work harder.

Don’t leave water sitting in the tank indefinitely. If the motorhome won’t be used for a while, drain the tank and system rather than storing it full of stagnant water.

Carry a separate supply of drinking water as a backup. We usually keep drinking water in refillable bottles, which also means we always have something available if we run out of tank water or can’t find a suitable filling point.

Keep an eye on how much water you’re actually using rather than relying entirely on the tank gauge. Tank level sensors aren’t always accurate, and you’ll soon learn roughly how long your supply lasts with your normal travelling habits.

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How to Clean a Motorhome Fresh-Water System

Even if you only fill your motorhome from potable water supplies, the fresh-water tank and pipework need periodic cleaning. Over time, biofilm, sediment and other deposits can build up inside the system, particularly if water has been left standing for long periods.

We generally clean our fresh-water system a couple of times a year, as well as after a period of storage or if we notice an unusual taste or smell.

Use a cleaning and sanitising product specifically designed for motorhome or caravan drinking-water systems and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The required concentration and contact time vary between products.

A typical clean involves draining the existing water, adding the cleaning solution and fresh water to the tank, then running the solution through each tap and the shower so that it reaches the pipework as well as the tank.

Leave the solution in the system for the time specified by the manufacturer before draining it completely. Refill with fresh potable water and flush the system thoroughly through every outlet until the cleaning solution has been removed.

Don’t forget any less frequently used outlets, such as an external shower or outside tap, if your motorhome has them.

Cleaning the Water Pump Filter

Many motorhome pressure pumps have a small filter or strainer on the inlet side to prevent debris from entering and damaging the pump. This should be inspected and cleaned periodically.

Switch off the water pump and isolate or drain the water supply before removing the filter. Be prepared for some water to escape when you open the housing.

Rinse away any debris, check the filter and seal for damage and refit everything securely before switching the pump back on. Check carefully for leaks afterwards.

If your water flow has reduced or the pump seems to be working harder than usual, a blocked pump filter is one of the first things worth checking.

How Often Should You Clean a Motorhome Water Tank?

There isn’t a single cleaning interval that suits every motorhome. How frequently you need to clean the system depends on how often you use it, where you obtain your water and how long water is left sitting in the tank.

For a regularly used motorhome, cleaning the fresh-water system a couple of times a year is a sensible routine. You should also consider cleaning it after prolonged storage, after filling from a questionable water source, or whenever the water develops an unusual taste, smell or appearance.

If you’re putting the motorhome away for an extended period, it’s generally better to drain the system rather than leave water standing in the tank and pipework.

Draining Down a Motorhome Water System

If you’re storing your motorhome for an extended period, particularly over winter, you should drain the fresh-water system rather than leaving water sitting in the tank and pipework.

Draining down is especially important when temperatures may fall below freezing. Water expands when it freezes and can damage pumps, taps, pipes, filters, valves and water heaters, potentially turning a simple winterisation job into an expensive repair.

Start by switching off the water pump and water heater, then drain the fresh-water tank using its drain valve or plug. Open the hot and cold taps, usually leaving mixer taps in the central position, so water can drain from both sides of the system.

Your water heater will also need to be drained. The exact procedure depends on the system fitted to your motorhome, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Many Truma systems have a FrostControl safety/drain valve designed to protect the boiler in low temperatures, but you shouldn’t rely on this as a substitute for properly winterising a motorhome that’s going into storage.

Drain any accessible filters, external showers and other water outlets too. Run the pump only if your motorhome manufacturer’s draining procedure specifically requires it, as allowing some pumps to run dry for extended periods can cause damage.

Leave taps open once the system has drained so any remaining water has room to expand, and make sure shower heads and hoses are emptied as far as possible.

Don’t forget the grey-water tank. Empty and clean it before storage and leave it drained so you’re not storing the motorhome with dirty water sitting in the tank.

When you recommission the motorhome, close all drain valves, refill with potable water and check the system carefully for leaks. After a long period of storage, it’s also a good opportunity to clean and sanitise the fresh-water system before you start using it again.

Can You Drink Water From a Motorhome Tank?

Yes, you can drink water from a motorhome fresh-water tank, provided the water you put into it is potable and the tank, pipework and filling equipment are kept clean.

Some motorhomers happily drink from their onboard tank all the time, while others prefer to use bottled or separately stored drinking water and reserve tank water for washing, showering and cooking. There isn’t a single right approach, and much depends on how confident you are about your water system and the supplies you use while travelling.

We tend to keep separate drinking water, particularly when travelling in countries or areas where we’re less certain about the quality or taste of the local supply. It also gives us a useful backup if we run out of tank water or can’t find a suitable filling point.

If you do drink directly from your motorhome tank, only fill from a supply you know is potable and keep your hose, connectors and water containers exclusively for fresh water. Clean and sanitise the tank and pipework periodically and don’t leave water sitting in the system for long periods between trips.

You don’t need to routinely add purification tablets or chemicals every time you fill from a reliable potable supply. If you’re uncertain about a water source, the safest option is not to use it for drinking rather than relying on treatment to make questionable water safe.

Be alert to changes in the water. If it develops an unusual taste, smell, colour or visible contamination, stop drinking it until you’ve drained, cleaned and flushed the system and refilled from a trusted source.

Motorhome Grey Waste Water

Grey waste water is the used water that drains from your motorhome sinks, shower and, depending on the layout, bathroom basin. It normally collects in a separate waste-water tank mounted underneath the motorhome.

Grey water doesn’t contain toilet waste, which is classed as black waste and must be dealt with separately. However, that doesn’t mean grey water is clean. It can contain food particles, grease, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, cleaning products and bacteria, and can become pretty unpleasant if it’s left sitting in the tank.

Motorhome Grey Waste Tanks

Most motorhomes have a grey-water tank underneath the vehicle, although the size and location vary. The tank is connected to the sink and shower drains and has an outlet controlled by a tap, valve or lever that allows you to empty it.

Your control panel may show how full the grey-water tank is, but treat the reading as a guide rather than an absolute. Grey-water tank sensors are particularly prone to becoming coated with grease, soap and other residue, which can cause inaccurate readings.

The grey-water tank is often smaller than the fresh-water tank, so it can fill surprisingly quickly. If you’re using your onboard shower and washing up regularly, keeping an eye on the waste tank is just as important as monitoring your fresh-water supply.

Some motorhomes have insulated or heated waste tanks for winter use. If yours doesn’t, an underslung grey-water tank and its drain valve can freeze in very cold weather, preventing you from emptying it and potentially causing damage.

What Can Go Into a Motorhome Grey Water Tank?

In normal use, water from washing up, hand washing, brushing your teeth and showering will all end up in the grey-water tank.

Try to prevent food scraps, cooking fat and oil from going down the sink. They can collect inside the tank and pipework, contribute to unpleasant smells and make the system harder to clean.

We wipe greasy plates, pans and cooking utensils with kitchen paper before washing them, particularly when we’re travelling off-grid. It reduces the amount of grease and food residue entering the waste tank and also means you need less water for washing up.

Never pour chemicals, solvents, paint, fuel, engine fluids or other hazardous substances into the grey-water system. These need to be disposed of appropriately rather than through a motorhome waste tank.

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How to Empty a Motorhome Grey Water Tank

The easiest way to empty your grey-water tank is at a dedicated motorhome service point. These are common at campsites and aires throughout Europe and usually have a drain or grated area that you drive over before opening the waste-water valve.

Positioning the motorhome can sometimes be the hardest part. Grey-water outlets aren’t in a standard location, and we’ve encountered plenty of disposal points where getting the outlet directly over the drain involves a bit of manoeuvring.

Once you’re correctly positioned, open the grey-water valve and allow the tank to drain completely. If there’s a hose available for rinsing the disposal area, leave it clean for the next person.

Some motorhomes have a waste outlet at the side of the vehicle rather than directly underneath. In this case, you may be able to attach a short length of waste hose to direct the water into the drain.

If you can’t position your motorhome over the disposal point, a portable waste-water container can be useful. Drain the grey water into the container and carry or wheel it to the designated disposal point.

Where Can You Empty Motorhome Grey Waste?

Campsites, motorhome aires and dedicated motorhome service areas are the best places to empty your grey-water tank. Many motorway and service areas in Europe also provide motorhome waste facilities.

Use a designated grey-water disposal point whenever one is available. Grey water contains detergent, grease, food residue, personal-care products and bacteria, so it shouldn’t automatically be treated as harmless simply because it doesn’t contain toilet waste.

Never empty grey water into a surface-water drain unless it is specifically marked or designated for motorhome waste. Roadside and street drains may discharge directly into rivers, streams or the wider environment rather than going to a sewage-treatment system.

Rules on grey-water disposal vary between countries, regions and individual campsites or parking areas, so follow local signage and instructions. If you’re unsure, keep the waste in your tank until you reach a proper disposal facility.

And it should go without saying, but never open your grey-water valve while driving and allow the tank to drain onto the road.

How to Stop a Motorhome Grey-Water Tank Smelling

A smelly grey-water tank is one of the less glamorous parts of motorhome life. Food particles, grease, soap, hair and other organic matter collect inside the tank and pipework and, in warm weather, can start to smell surprisingly quickly.

The best way to prevent odours is to minimise what goes down the drains in the first place. Scrape plates thoroughly and wipe greasy pans and dishes with kitchen paper before washing them. Sink strainers are also useful for catching small pieces of food before they disappear into the waste system.

Empty your grey-water tank regularly rather than allowing dirty water to sit for long periods, particularly in hot weather. If you’re putting the motorhome into storage, empty the tank completely and clean it rather than leaving waste water inside.

Periodically flush and clean the grey-water tank using a cleaner designed for motorhome or caravan waste systems. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product you use, as concentrations and contact times vary.

Pay attention to the sink and shower drains too. Hair, soap residue and food debris can accumulate in traps and pipework, and sometimes what appears to be a smelly waste tank is actually coming from the drains.

If you notice smells while driving, check that sink and shower plugs are fitted securely. Changes in air pressure as you travel can sometimes draw odours from the waste system back into the habitation area through the drains.

Persistent smells can also indicate a problem with the tank’s ventilation, waste pipework or fittings, so if cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, inspect the system for blockages, leaks or damaged connections.

We avoid relying on heavily scented products simply to mask grey-water smells. Keeping food and grease out of the system, emptying regularly and cleaning the tank periodically deals with the cause rather than covering it up.

Motorhome Grey-Water Management Tips

A few simple habits will make managing your grey-water tank easier and help prevent smells and blockages:

  • Empty your grey-water tank whenever you have access to a suitable disposal point, particularly before a long journey or an extended period off-grid.
  • Avoid putting food scraps, cooking oil and grease down the sink. Wipe plates and pans before washing and use a sink strainer to catch food debris.
  • Keep an eye on the tank level, but don’t rely entirely on the control-panel gauge. Grey-water sensors can become coated with residue and give inaccurate readings.
  • If your tank starts to smell, clean it rather than simply adding products designed to disguise the odour.
  • Check and clean sink and shower drains periodically, including any accessible traps or strainers where hair, soap and food residue can collect.
  • Carry a short waste hose or portable waste-water container if your motorhome outlet isn’t easy to position over disposal drains.
  • Empty and clean the grey-water tank before storing your motorhome for an extended period.
  • In freezing conditions, remember that an external grey-water tank, pipework and drain valve are vulnerable to freezing. Follow the winter-use guidance for your particular motorhome.
  • Never leave the grey-water drain valve permanently open on a campsite pitch unless the site specifically permits it and you’ve connected the outlet correctly to an appropriate waste drain.
  • Always use designated disposal facilities where available and follow local rules and signage when travelling.

Motorhome Water Systems FAQs

How long can you leave fresh water in a motorhome tank?

There isn’t a fixed period that’s safe for every situation because it depends on the quality of the original water, temperature, cleanliness of the system and how the motorhome is being used.

If you’re using the motorhome regularly and topping up from potable supplies, water will naturally turn over. If the motorhome is going to sit unused for an extended period, drain the system rather than leaving water standing in the tank and pipework.

How often should you clean a motorhome fresh-water tank?

We clean our fresh-water system a couple of times a year and after extended periods of storage. You should also clean and sanitise it if the water develops an unusual taste, smell or appearance, or if you suspect you’ve filled from a questionable supply.

Why does my motorhome water pump keep running?

A pump that continues running after you’ve closed the taps can indicate a leak, air entering the system, an empty fresh-water tank, a blocked filter or a problem with the pump or pressure switch.

Check the water level first, then inspect the pump filter, visible pipework, connections and taps for leaks. If the pump continues running, investigate further rather than allowing it to operate continuously.

Why is my motorhome water pump pulsing?

Some pulsing is normal when you’re using a small amount of water, particularly with pressure-pump systems. Excessive or unusual pulsing can indicate a blocked filter, air in the system, restricted water flow, incorrect pressure or an issue with an accumulator if your system has one.

If the behaviour has suddenly changed, that’s usually a good reason to check the system.

Can you travel with a full motorhome fresh-water tank?

Yes, provided your motorhome remains within its permitted weight limits and the tank and its mountings are designed for travelling full.

However, one litre of water weighs approximately one kilogram, so a 100 litre tank adds around 100kg. If payload is tight and you know you can refill at your destination, there may be little benefit in travelling with a completely full tank.

Can you drink water from a motorhome fresh-water tank?

Yes, provided you fill from potable water supplies and keep the tank, pipework and filling equipment clean. Some motorhomers drink directly from their tank, while others prefer to carry separate drinking water.

Can you use bleach to clean a motorhome water tank?

We prefer to use a cleaner and sanitiser specifically designed for motorhome and caravan drinking-water systems. Different motorhome components and water-heating systems can have specific requirements, so follow the vehicle and appliance manufacturers’ guidance rather than adding household bleach without checking compatibility and the correct concentration.

Why does my motorhome grey-water tank smell?

Grey-water smells are usually caused by food particles, grease, soap, hair and other organic matter accumulating in the tank, drains or pipework.

Prevent as much food and grease as possible from going down the sink, empty the tank regularly and periodically clean the waste system with a suitable motorhome grey-water cleaner.

Where can you empty motorhome grey water?

The best place is a designated motorhome waste point at a campsite, aire or motorhome service area. Drive over the drain or position your waste outlet above it and empty the tank completely.

If you can’t position the motorhome over the drain, a portable waste-water container or suitable waste hose can make emptying easier.

Can you empty motorhome grey water on the ground?

Don’t assume that you can. Grey water may contain detergents, grease, food residue, personal-care products and bacteria, and rules governing its disposal vary between locations.

Use a designated grey-water disposal point whenever one is available and follow local rules and signage. Never discharge grey water into a roadside or surface-water drain unless it is specifically designated for motorhome waste.

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