The RV Gray Tank – To Open or Close?

February 07, 2025 — by Jack Enfield

The RV gray tank: a frequent topic of conversation among RVers with differing opinions on whether or not to keep it open.. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so!

What is a Gray Tank?

The gray tank is where all your wastewater from sinks, showers, and (sometimes) laundry drains into. RVers need to monitor tank levels frequently so that it doesn’t overflow and often choose to keep the gray tank closed and only empty it as needed. So what happens when you keep it open?

The RV gray tank: a frequent topic of conversation among RVers with differing opinions on whether or not to keep it open.. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so!

What is a Gray Tank?

The gray tank is where all your wastewater from sinks, showers, and (sometimes) laundry drains into. RVers need to monitor tank levels frequently so that it doesn’t overflow and often choose to keep the gray tank closed and only empty it as needed. So what happens when you keep it open?

1 — Pros of Keeping the Gray Tank Open

• You can take longer showers.
• No need to wait between doing laundry, washing dishes or showering. 
• No need to frequently monitor your tank levels.
• Plenty of laundry to do? No problem.

2 — Cons of Keeping the Gray Tank Open

• The odor from back-gassing from the sewer.
• Potential for bugs and sewer flies.

1 — Pros of Keeping the Gray Tank Open

• You can take longer showers.
• No need to wait between doing laundry, washing dishes or showering. 
• No need to frequently monitor your tank levels.
• Plenty of laundry to do? No problem.

2 — Cons of Keeping the Gray Tank Open

• The odor from back-gassing from the sewer.
• Potential for bugs and sewer flies.

The convenience of keeping a gray tank open is clear, but is it worth the cons? In a standard stick-built home, P-traps in the bathroom and kitchen help prevent similar odor and pest issues. Some RVers even try to create their own P-traps with string and wire. The reliable solution? The new RV Snap Trap™ is the industry’s first and only “Snap-On” P-trap for RV sewer hoses.

 

The convenience of keeping a gray tank open is clear, but is it worth the cons? In a standard stick-built home, P-traps in the bathroom and kitchen help prevent similar odor and pest issues. Some RVers even try to create their own P-traps with string and wire. The reliable solution? The new RV Snap Trap™ is the industry’s first and only “Snap-On” P-trap for RV sewer hoses.

 

This innovative solution transforms any standard 3″ RV sewer hose into a highly effective barrier against sewer gas and pesky sewer flies. Designed for convenience, versatility, and peace of mind, the RV Snap Trap™ is a must-have for hassle-free campsite living and extended gray tank valve usage.

With the RV Snap Trap™, you can experience the convenience of home while on the road, without the hassle. For more information on the industry’s first and only “Snap-On” P-trap or to pick up your very own, click here!

This innovative solution transforms any standard 3″ RV sewer hose into a highly effective barrier against sewer gas and pesky sewer flies. Designed for convenience, versatility, and peace of mind, the RV Snap Trap™ is a must-have for hassle-free campsite living and extended gray tank valve usage.

With the RV Snap Trap™, you can experience the convenience of home while on the road, without the hassle. For more information on the industry’s first and only “Snap-On” P-trap or to pick up your very own, click here!

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