Waste water in winter - solution needed (1 Viewer)

[Branston1080]

Here's the issue, how do I manage my waste water tank in winter?
I work away from home in the week and I have just started using my motorhome as my accommodation.
I'm on a long term pitch and therefore not moving the van ( no service point anyway).
My tank is under slung but there is a heated vent to hopefully prevent it freezing. As I'm new to this and have no experience of winter camping I'm unsure of the best way forward.
Do I keep the tank closed and heated and drain and empty when required or should I keep the tank open so it just drains?
If I do the latter what's the best container to go for and how do I cope with freezing temperatures?
I know these are all probably ridiculous questions but I'm worried about freezing pipes/ damage.
Any suggestions welcome

 

[darklord]

To avoid any problems, I would open the outlet on your waste tank, and let it drain into something else, a waste hog, bucket, other plastic container. This is cheaper option than heating the tank etc, and will save you worrying about it.

 

[f6c]

Have to agree with Darklord I use a bucket had no mechanical failure yet

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[TheBig1]

always use a bucket in winter as a closed tank will just freeze solid preventing emptying and potentially splitting as the ice expands:thumb:

 

[Branston1080]

Bucket doesn't fit under

Thanks for the responses, it looks like the 'bucket' is the way forward!
Standard bucket too tall to fit under van.
Is it ok to attach a hose?

 

[jonandshell]

I would just use your tank heating!

Its the UK, not the Alps! Seriously, I think Knaus's solution to keeping your tank frost-free will be fine.
Our Chausson has an unheated underfloor waste tank, the bucket only comes out for ski trips.

Attaching a hose to your tank will just add another thing to freeze.

Do bear in mind the position of your waste valve though, if remote from the tank, it may freeze if the going gets tough.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[scek]

Bucket with a "small" hole in it.

 

[scotjimland]

Plenty of sites, especially CLs are quite happy if you run a waste hose from your tank into the hedgerow. .. (check with warden/owner first) .. Keep the waste valve open, ensure the hose drains empty and you won't have any problems..

 

[Minxy]

If a bucket is too large to go under your van, use a washing up bowl and then just pour the contents into a bucket and chuck-it!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Reallyretired]

Have to echo the other comments on here, in freezing weather use a bucket or something similar, not a waste container like a wastemaster as you will not be able to empty it if it freezes. The taper in a bucket or washing up bowl allows it to be emptied even if frozen nearly solid.

 

[Scout]

one of the floppy plastic trug things they expand ,

 

[Spacerunner]

The only problem I had using a bucket was a load of waste water, bucket-shaped lollipops cluttering up a C&CC site's waste diposal drain!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Reallyretired]

The only problem I had using a bucket was a load of waste water, bucket-shaped lollipops cluttering up a C&CC site's waste diposal drain!

Don't worry, they'll be gone by spring.