Draining water at the campsite - why?

[SetauketJeff]

I think we're mixing low point drain lines (a gallon tops - no weight savings), and fresh water dump valve (many gallons - big weight difference).

That said, I would never leave a mess for someone else to deal with. For all you know that next person my have a small popup and planned on using the dry pad to set up on.

Dump the freshwater tank at the dump station by running any excess water into your black tank (flush the toilet until full), and any additional excess into the grey (run the sink). If there is still excess water, then find a spot to open the tank valve where you won't be putting someone else out. I hate it when the dump site is soaked, as you have no idea what you're walking in.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by AlaskaErik

I'm trying to figure out why anyone would drain their low points at all at this time of the year. I drain them once a year...when I'm winterizing.

Maybe they open low point drains and turn on water pump so water doesn't go in holding tanks. Maybe they're full?

[SetauketJeff]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Maybe they open low point drains and turn on water pump so water doesn't go in holding tanks. Maybe they're full?

That's the only explanation that makes any sense for opening the low point drain lines. Still no excuse for watering down the site.

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by U.S.ArmyVeteran

Low point drains simply drain the water out of your pipes that feed your sinks, shower and toilet. Does not drain any tanks. And the hot water heater will drain very slowly unless you pull the relief valve.

I doubt that a gallon of water came out before he left his campsite.

But then your mileage may vary.

In mine, I use the low point drain to drain the FW tank - works fine but takes a while.

[SetauketJeff]

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

In mine, I use the low point drain to drain the FW tank - works fine but takes a while.

That's probably because your on-demand water pump is sensing the pressure loss and turning on. Hope it turns off when it runs dry before it overheats....

[AudiDudi]

Originally Posted by SetauketJeff

That's probably because your on-demand water pump is sensing the pressure loss and turning on. Hope it turns off when it runs dry before it overheats....

Uh, no! Why would the water pump turn on when the switch is off?

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by SetauketJeff

That's probably because your on-demand water pump is sensing the pressure loss and turning on. Hope it turns off when it runs dry before it overheats....

The diaphragm type pumps commonly used in RVs don't overheat when run dry.

[SetauketJeff]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

The diaphragm type pumps commonly used in RVs don't overheat when run dry.

Thanks, good to know. But I still wouldn't risk it.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by AlaskaErik

I'm trying to figure out why anyone would drain their low points at all at this time of the year. I drain them once a year...when I'm winterizing.

Maybe it was the FW tank drain, not the low pointdrains. Mine is next to the H/C low point drain valves.

[robo44]

Rather than just dump it at the site, When I have fresh water and don't want to carry it I just flush it into my black tank via the toilet & Grey tank via shower. Better to rinse out the tanks than just make mud around the campsite.
Water heater is another subject, that I do dump but its not even a gallon of water. .

[Mr. Dan]

Speaking of opinions, here's one: "opening and draining at the site is more standard then not ." We've stayed in our trailer 85 to 111 nights per year for several consecutive years and I haven't seen more than 4 campers draining at their sites in all those years. I have seen campers draining water on the roads going out of the campgrounds and on the highways.

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by d w

doesn't matter. The guy dumps and checks out. Then the next person checks in and is confronted with standing water. Inconsiderate.

x2
x3
x4

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

Speaking of opinions, here's one: "opening and draining at the site is more standard then not ." We've stayed in our trailer 85 to 111 nights per year for several consecutive years and I haven't seen more than 4 campers draining at their sites in all those years. I have seen campers draining water on the roads going out of the campgrounds and on the highways.

X2... in my more years than I want to admit I've been camping, I've seen someone ONCE drain their low point AND their fresh tank at the site... and I went and told them I didn't believe that to be proper etiquette.

And for those draining the water heater through the low points... good luck not getting crud in your plumbing/toilet valve/aerators from the stuff in the bottom of the water heater.

[ForestWalker]

Heck. In Washington state you simply drain them when it’s raining. Even TitanMike should know that.

[campers302]

Originally Posted by EcoBuckeye

As I was leaving the campground this weekend, I saw a guy draining his low-point drains directly onto his campsite pad. He was otherwise packed up and appeared to be ready to leave. We were already rolling so I didn't stop to ask, but I'm still wondering two days later - why would he do this? It seems inconsiderate to the next person to use that site, but despite that, is this a step I should be doing after a weekend trip?

NO! You are correct it is inconsiderate of the next party tp enter the site. Your water might be in the totally wrong spot for their setup.



You have the right camping etiquette unlike some of these folks here who say

"Dude, its fresh water, dump it."

[jimmoore13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSZd33awqQk

PS, I would not leave a puddle behind for the next camper, but I would not hesitate to open the fresh tank drain and/or low point drains once I left the dump station (assuming there is one). Presuming your fresh tank has been largely consumed and based on the understanding that your coach plumbing doesn't contain that much water to begin with, this dump won't cause any problems...no matter how many miles it goes on.

For those who want to dump the hot water tank, these are often on the road side, and that big gush might cause some conderns. If you're not going to flood your site with 6 gallons of water, find a safe place to pull off to the left shoulder (if appropriate) and pop the cork. (My hot water heater happens to be on the curb side, so it's less awkward to just pull over and let 'er rip.)

As for following drivers not understanding that the piddle of clean water exiting the camper is just that...clean water...they'll survive. Let them fret. It might discourge tailgating.

[Holmes2016]

I try and work it so my fresh tank is approaching empty the day of departure. I either pull at the site and leave immediately, or pull it at the dump station. I think it would be just rude to leave a damp site for the next people to track into their RV. I won't dump on a major road but where I camp I think nothing of dumping fresh water on the roads leading away from the park. Usually lasts about 10 or 15 minutes at the most.

[Guspech750]

I prefer to drive to and from the campsites with my fresh water tank full or near full. It just feels better on the road in general. I simply drain the water in my driveway at home. I would never drain my water on the campsite especially if it’s gravel. Plus I think it’s just inconsiderate to the campsite owners as the water can wash away the gravel fines and create good size holes.

[photoguy58]

We drain the six gallons in the water heater onto the ground. Six gallons will soak into the ground quickly. The fresh water tank I transfer into the gray and black tanks by running the kitchen faucet and toilet. I then drain the tanks at the dump site on our way out. It takes a little extra time, but it works for us.

[cariboo camper]

He was probably draining his fresh water tank, and no, that is not cool to leave a mess for the next camper. Actually kind of rude, but in this "me first" world kind of understandable.

I used to pull off the road near the campsite so I could drain into the ditch or storm sewer. Seemed like a good move until I got reamed out for dumping my waste, took awhile to explain it was just water.

So what I did was connect a garden hose fitting to my fresh water drain and a few minutes before leaving drained it into the sites sewer system. Problem solved. I prefer not to travel with water in tanks.