Jayco Embark 2023 Black Grey Water Holding Tanks User Manual

Black Grey Water Holding Tanks

Water from the sinks and shower flows into the gray water (or wastewater)holding tank. Water from the toilet will flow into the black water (or sewage) holding tank (see Black/Grey Water Holding Tanks).

Drain Pipes with P-Trap (if so equipped)

The drain pipes may be equipped with a “P-trap” installed to help prevent odors from escaping into the RV. During travel, water from the P-traps may spill and permit odors into the RV. By adding water and using a RV approved deodorizing agent you will dissolve the contents faster and will keep the drain lines and tanks clean and free flowing. These chemicals are available at an RV supply store or your dealer. Your RV may be equipped with a dry sealing valve that prevents the escape of odors from your waste system and eliminates the need for P-traps. Should the RV drain piping system become clogged, it is important that the dry valve be removed before passing a mechanical cleanout tool through the piping to open the drain. Passing a cleanout tool through the waterless valve may cause damage to the internal seal that may potentially allow sewer gases to escape into the RV interior. The waterless trap can be unscrewed from the water lines. A label has been placed near the location of the waste valve that reads as follows:

Your RV may be equipped with a dry sealing valve that prevents the escape of odors from your waste system and eliminates the need for P-traps. Should the RV drain piping system become clogged, it is important that the dry valve be removed before passing a mechanical cleanout tool through the piping to open the drain. Passing a cleanout tool through the waterless valve may cause damage to the internal seal that may potentially allow sewer gases to escape into the RV interior. The waterless trap can be unscrewed from the water lines. A label has been placed near the location of the waste valve that reads as follows:

REMOVE THE WATERLESS TRAP BEFORE USING MECHANICAL DRAIN CLEANING DEVICES

Sewer Hose Storage

Depending on your RV model, the sewer drain hose may be stored in an exterior compart-ment marked “Sewer Hose” or it may be located in the hollow square tube bumper. The bumper has removable plastic end caps, and the hose slides inside the hollow bumper.

Vents

Vent pipes and vents release air from the grey and black water holding tanks. On most models the exterior vent cap is attached to the roof and must be kept clear of obstructions to perform as intended. On some models, the vent pipe may be part of the drainage system referred to as a “wet vent” where water flows downward as air flows upward in the same pipe. Some models are equipped with a side vent system. On these models this label will be next to the termination valve. This label should not be removed from your recreation vehicle.

Black Grey Water Holding Tanks

Dump the gray and black water holding tanks before traveling to avoid carrying unnecessary weight. The weight of the holding tank contents is not calculated
into the RV cargo carrying capacity. Traveling with full holding tank(s) could cause you to exceed the individual tire ratings and/or the RV GAWR or RV GVWR. Potential damage to suspension components, such as springs, tires and axles, could result. If you are dry camping and cannot immediately empty your holding tanks, reduce your vehicle speed until you reach a dumping station. When connected to the sewer drain line at a campground, keep the black tank drain valve closed until the holding tank is at least ¾ full. This will provide sufficient water to assist in complete draining of the black water holding tank. Repeat as needed.

WARNING
Never travel with full black or grey water holding tanks. This not only wastes your fuel but depending on the location of the tank(s), it can affect your tow vehicle handling characteristics.

CAUTION
Never leave the black tank drain in the open position continuously when connected to the campground sewer system. Leaving the drain open will allow the liquid to drain out increasing the potential for a blockage in the tank. Keeping the drain in the closed position will prevent debris from accumulating in the tank.

• Do not add automotive antifreeze or caustic chemicals, such as laundry detergents, into the holding tanks. Although these products may have a deodorizing effect, they may damage the plastic and rubber parts of the plumbing system or the components. Before using the recreation vehicle, or after dumping the grey and black water holding tanks, always add the proper amount of deodorant to the black water tank to prevent odors and help break down holding tank contents (unless winterizing). Follow the deodorant bottle or package instructions. Driving to a disposal site will normally loosen any accumulated waste debris or solids from the sides of the holding tanks.

Black and Grey Tank Drains

There are labels on the exterior of the recreation vehicle indicating the location of the grey and black tank drains (also called dump valves). Depending on your model, you may have one or two valves. With one valve, the gray and black tank will release contents simultaneously. With the 2-valve set up, it is recommended that you release the black tank first, followed by the grey tank. This will help rinse and debris from the outlet and sewer hose.

1. To make drainage easier, level the RV.
2. Remove the sewer hose housing dust cap and attach the sewer hose (customer sup-plied).
3. Place the end of the sewer hose into the approved dump station.
4. Open the black tank dump valve (depending on your model the valve may be located under the RV, or on the utility center). Close the dump valve when the black water holding tank is empty.
5. Open the grey tank dump valve (depending on your model the valve may be located under the RV or on the utility center). Close the dump valve when the grey holding tank is empty.
6. Remove, clean and store the sewer hose.
7. Close the sewer hose housing dust cap. You can locate dump stations throughout the United States and Canada in Woodall’s, Rand McNally Camp Guide, Good Sam Camp Guide, KOA Kamp grounds Camp Guide and various other publications. Some fuel stations also have dump stations. Please contact your RV dealer for assistance in the purchase and installation of a sewer hose or sewer hose extension (if needed).
   

Sewage (black) tank preparation

WARNING
It is important to add enough water to prevent solid waste buildup. Follow the directions listed below and in the manufacturer’s operator manual.

1. Release one to two quarts (1 or 2 liters) of water into the toilet bowl.
2. Follow the directions on your RV-approved toilet chemical bottle (customer supplied) and put the recommended quantity of holding tank chemicals into the toilet bowl.
3. Flush the toilet and allow at least two gallons (8 liters) of water to flow into the holding tank.

Waste (grey) holding tank preparation

No special preparation is required, however, placing a small number of chemicals into this tank, such as baking soda or an approved RV chemical, will reduce odors from food particles in the system.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The toilet should be cleaned regularly for maximum sanitation and operational efficiency. Use only RV-approved chemicals. Do not use chlorine (undiluted) or caustic chemicals, such as laundry bleach or drain opening types, in the toilet system. These products damage the seals in toilets and dump valves.

Macerator Pump System (if so equipped)

Your RV may be equipped with a macerator pump system used to discharge waste from the gray and black waste tank. The system has a 1-1/2 inch diameter flexible hose that runs from the pump (under the RV) and is stored in an exterior storage compartment. The system when powered on can discharge waste (uphill if necessary) up to a distance of 150 feet.

WARNING
Before operating the macerator pump, make sure the external dump hose is properly attached at the RV and at the dump station. The hose is under pressure and therefore waste is discharged under pressure. Failure to follow instructions can lead to possible injury or property damage. The use of this system for anything other than intended will void the warranty.

CAUTION
Water can accumulate in the flexible hose and dump connector of the macerator system. When winterizing the RV, antifreeze must be added to the macerator system. Refer to the Winterizing section.

Open the hose compartment and pull out the 1-1/2 inch flexible hose with the attached dump connector. The dump connector includes two connections: a small removable cap for attaching a 3/4 inch garden hose, and a larger 3-inch removable cap that allows it to attach to the sewer outlet at the dump station.

Using the system

1. To make drainage easier, level the RV.
2. Attach the dump connector to the 3-inch sewer outlet at the dump station (Fig A), or to a 3/4-inch garden hose and run the hose to a dumping location.
3. Open the black tank dump valve.
4. Turn the Macerator power switch ON (switch lights up red) at the hose storage compartment and the macerator pump will begin sending waste through the dump hose.
5. When the tank is empty, turn the macerator power switch OFF. Close the black tank valve.
6. Select the gray drain valve.
7. Turn the Macerator Power Switch ON.
8. When the tank is empty, turn the macerator power switch OFF. Close the gray tank valve.
9. Unhook the dump connector, rinse it out, and replace the hose and connector back into the storage compartment.

The black tank flush inlet can be used with this system also (refer to the Black Tank Flush section). The Macerator Bypass Valve is located underneath the external hose storage box. This by-pass will allow you to gravity dump the waste from the tanks straight down to a 3-inch sewer hose connection under the trailer, in the event there is a problem with the macerator motor.

NOTE: The bypass valve also doubles as an emergency cutoff in the event of a problem with the flex hose or dump connector. Closing the valve stops waste flow out of the macerator pump and up to the flex hose, but will divert waste to the main dump connector under the RV. Make sure the main dump gate valve is closed until you are ready to empty the black tanks.

To operate

1. Attach a 3-inch sewer hose to the main dump connector under the trailer and to a sewer outlet at a dump station.
2. Open the desired black/gray (manual) drain valves, one at a time (black then gray).
3. The macerator bypass valve will be pointing away from you and is attached to the macerator pump. The valve location is by design to prevent accidentally engaging the bypass when system is operating normally.
4. The bypass valve is normally open (handle is pulled OUT). To bypass the macerator, push the bypass valve IN (turns off flow from the macerator pump) allowing waste to flow out of the dump connector under the trailer via gravity.
5. When finished, close the main dump gate valve under the trailer, along with the black-gray dump valves. Disconnect the sewer hose from the main dump connector and at the dump station.

Winterize the Macerator system (if so equipped)

1. Ensure all waste tanks are empty.
2. Pour RV antifreeze into the toilet and down into the black water tank.
   • NOTE: Use a container (bucket) for capturing system fluid.
3. Make sure macerator bypass valve in pulled OUT. Turn the macerator pump ON.
4. Run the pump until antifreeze begins to discharge from the dump connector attached to the flex hose.
5. Turn the macerator pump OFF.
6. Drain the flex hose by holding it at a sloped angle to drain excess water and return the hose to the storage location.
7. As an added safety measure, open the Macerator By- pass valve and let it drain. Push the valve IN to by pass the macerator. The bypass valve may be either
   at the utility center or under the RV.
8. After draining make sure to pull the macerator by pass valve OUT again.
   • NOTE: The bypass valve for the macerator is typically pointing back underneath the coach. Handle position is normally pulled OUT (bypass closed). The valve position is by design, so it can’t be activated accidentally when system is operating normally.

De-winterize the macerator system: Emptying the black tanks in the spring will flush antifreeze out of the macerator system.

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Reference Links

View Full User Guide: Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 User Manual

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