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Open or Shut?

jbajor
jbajor Member Posts: 233
in Heating/Plumbing & Winterizing
When at a campground with hook ups (and hooked up) , what is the 'school of thought' about whether to leave the grey water tank valve open, so that it constantly drains, or closed and drain periodically as it fills up?  Has anyone had issues with 'swamp gas' coming up from the sewer hook up and triggering the propane detector?  Cheers!
Ultimate Toys Teardrop Camper
Volvo XC-40
SF Bay Area, California
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Comments

  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    You can leave it open but to prevent sewer gas from coming back through your vents you can create a P-trap by bending your drain hose into a U shape to trap water like a P-trap. Personally, I’d rather just keep the valve closed and just remember to drain it every other day.
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,934
    My vote is SHUT

    I don't even hookup the drain hose until it is time to dump.
    Also consider turning-off the city water source when away from trailer for the day . . . so an unexpected plumbing leak does not flood the trailer.
    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
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  • jbajor
    jbajor Member Posts: 233
    Great suggestions!  Thank you!  
    Ultimate Toys Teardrop Camper
    Volvo XC-40
    SF Bay Area, California
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  • Mickerly
    Mickerly Member Posts: 485
    I'm with MuttonChops. I don't connect the sewer until I'm ready to dump.Having the hose connected with the valve closed is adding another tripping hazard with no side benefit.

    The two sinks in the trailer have traps. they should stop sewer gasses from entering the trailer. I don't connect to get a better flush from the tank. The more full, the better it drags out anything in the bottom of the tank.

    If you were going to use the shower, you may want to let the gray system drain.
    2018 320CS-S
    "Just Enough"
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